In one of the worst kept secrets in the business, Ford Performance Vehicles has announced a new range of supercharged V8 engines for FPV GS and GT models.

To be launched in early October in Australia and New Zealand in November, the new FPV GS and GT model ranges will both be powered by all-new lightweight 5.0 litre supercharged Ford V8 engines producing 315kW and 335kW of power respectively.

FPV says that both engine configurations are more powerful, more fuel efficient and cleaner than any engines previously offered by FPV.

Toyota and Hyundai are the big winners from the first round of the government vehicle tender - although Mitsubishi are pleased with their inclusion themselves.

Having been delayed by some months, the initial details of the tender to supply vehicles for government departments were announced by economic development minister Gerry Brownlee on Sunday. The all-of-government contracts will reportedly save the taxpayer $18.5 million over the next five years, as government agencies get better value and efficiency from the way they plan, buy, service and utilise their passenger vehicle fleets.

See the end of the story for a full list of categories and the vehicles included.

"The government is getting serious about using procurement to increase efficiency and save money for taxpayers," Brownlee says. "The vehicle contracts will save $18.5 million - around 8% - on current vehicle expenditure, while improving safety and environmental standards."

The tender establishes a panel of suppliers and a catalogue of available product and pricing across twelve vehicle categories. The first three contracts have been signed with Hyundai, Mitsubishi and Toyota, and a further seven may join.

Dealerships and workshops are again able to look offshore for trained automotive technicians with the inclusion of the trade on the Immediate Skill Shortage List (ISSL).

The addition follows submissions and lobbying by the Motor Trade Association and specialist recruiter Automotive Employment NZ to the Department of Labour. Technicians are likely to join the list in September.

MTA marketing and communications manager, Ian Stronach, says reports from members indicate the shortages are worst in Auckland, the upper North Island, Taranaki, Manawatu, Wellington, Christchurch, Otago and Southland.

"There have been cases of members advertising for staff in regional areas such as Taranaki and getting no applications," says Stronach.

The president of the MTA, Phil Bothamley, says that announcing he is unable to stand for a planned second term as president, is one of the hardest things he has had to do as he prepares for a new life overseas.

Bothamley, who is about to complete his first year as president of the association, has announced he will not take the second term and will instead be selling his Kapiti Coast Kia franchise, which he runs with his wife Suzanne, and will move to Cairns, Queensland, in the new year to look at non-automotive opportunities.

"After much deliberation I have chosen not to seek re-election for the MTA Presidency. Suzanne and I have decided to move to Cairns in 2011 and I would be unable to fulfil my duties for the entire term," Bothamley says.  "The MTA Presidency has been the highlight of my personal and professional career and I have been humbled by the support I have received during my term."

It has certainly been an interesting week or two as the debate heats up over the Consumer Guarantees Act review, with industry heavyweights TradeMe wading in to the battle of words over what, in effect, constitutes an auction, and what the consumer could reasonably expect, or not, as the case may be, when they buy in an open competitive environment such as a bidding process on an online auction using TradeMe.

It looks to me as if everyone is getting their defences up over an issue that in reality goes back several steps further than just warranties and consumer 'protection'. I am more than a little surprised that Mike O’Donnell, spokesperson for Fairfax Media-owned TradeMe, has taken the stance of agreeing with Consumer Affairs efforts to regulate the sale of vehicles online, especially older trade-ins.

I have to admit I’ve cocked half an open eye over TradeMe’s submission - particularly the line “There is evidence that some dealers abuse the auction exemption to avoid their obligations to consumers.” In simple terms, dealers are commercially motivated not to “make good” unidentified vehicle faults.

South Canterbury Finance has gone into receivership, with the government stumping up $1.7 billion dollars to protect investors.

At the same time finance minister Bill English has said loans will not be called in or assets sold quickly.

SCF was once a dominant player in the automotive finance market, through its regional branded operations it was a leader in the second-tier finance market via dealers and brokers.

In recent years it has largely withdrawn from the market, closing its subsidiaries during the 2008/2009 business year, and winding down its vehicle leasing operation Flexi Lease Ltd.

A Christchurch dealer has been recognised for its outstanding service by the nationwide MYOB Awesome Service Award.

Craig Mitchell of Chevron Quality Cars in Christchurch, was the winner of the latest weekly award which is given to businesses nominated by the public for their service. The award comes with a certificate and promotion of the win on Newstalk ZB.

Mitchell was nominated by James Griffin of Napier, who was stranded in Christchurch after a car purchase fell through.