The Dog & Lemon Guide, Plunket Society and Consumer New Zealand are calling for the wider use of reversing cameras as a means of reducing driveway deaths.
Reversing cameras, which show the driver what’s behind the vehicle using a small video screen on the car’s dashboard, are an expensive option on many new vehicles but are […]
Despite their ‘green’ image, electric cars are often less efficient and more polluting than the petrol cars they replace, according to a major report released today.The 168-page report, titled The Emperor’s New Car, is described as a ‘long-overdue reality check’ by its author, car expert Clive Matthew-Wilson. The report was prepared in consultation with several […]
A proposal to fine motorists who run out of fuel on Auckland’s motorways is both inappropriate and cruel, says the car buyers’ Dog & Lemon Guide.
Editor Clive Matthew-Wilson says:
“People generally run out of gas because they have no money. Only a politician or a policeman could come up with a bizarre scheme that fines […]
Small diesel cars are not the bargain they appear to be, says the car buyers’ Dog & Lemon Guide.
Editor Clive Matthew-Wilson says:
“Diesels often seem cheaper because the buyer is hypnotised by the apparently low cost of fuel instead of looking at the entire cost of ownership. Once you add road taxes, increased servicing costs and […]
Proposals to make owners of older, less safe, cars pay more in ACC levies than those in newer, safer, cars, will simply penalise the poor, says the car buyer’s Dog & Lemon Guide.
Editor Clive Matthew-Wilson says:
“Poor people buy old cars because they have little money. Penalising poor people for having little money is something that […]
The trucking industry is effectively being subsidised by other road users, says the car buyers’ Dog & Lemon Guide.
Commenting after the government announced plans to allow trucks of up to 50 tonnes on public roads, Dog & Lemon Guide editor Clive Matthew-Wilson says:
“The government’s transport strategy is being driven by trucking industry lobbyists, and the […]
The government is being less than honest with the public over its roading plans, says the car buyers’ Dog & Lemon Guide.
Editor Clive Matthew-Wilson says:
“The government has announced seven major roads, offering them as a cure for the country’s transport needs. In fact, the new roads will probably benefit the National Party’s friends in big business […]
The meltdown in the world’s car industry could have far-reaching effects for New Zealanders, says a car industry expert.
Clive Matthew-Wilson, editor of the car buyers’ Dog & Lemon Guide says the global car industry crisis is far more serious than problems faced by the world’s banks.
“Unlike the financial sector, which essentially produces numbers, the motor […]
The National Party must disclose its true relationship with toll road company Macquarie New Zealand, says the car buyer’s watchdog, The Dog & Lemon Guide.
Editor Clive Matthew-Wilson says:
“John Key’s advisor on toll roads works for a toll road company. This same company is likely to get the contract to operate toll roads on behalf of […]
Classic cars are a very poor investment, says the car buyers’ Dog & Lemon Guide.
Dog & Lemon Guide editor Clive Matthew-Wilson, says:
“With the current economic turmoil, people are looking for safer investments, and some are buying up classic cars in the hope that these vehicles will gain in value. My advice is: don’t,”
“There’s a widely […]
The National Party still needs to answer the hard questions on toll roads, says the car buyers’ Dog & Lemon Guide.
Editor Clive Matthew-Wilson said today:
“National is riding into the election on a series of vague promises and denials. For example, their transport spokesman said on Sunday that some motorists could be paying $50 a week […]
The National Party needs to clarify its position on toll roads, says the car buyers’ Dog & Lemon Guide.
Editor Clive Matthew-Wilson said today:
“National is promising public-private partnerships in order to build new roads. That sounds fine on paper. However, taxpayers need to know what the real-world costs of these public-private partnerships will be.”
The Dog & […]
The current shortage of electricity raises further doubts about the viability of electric cars, says the car buyers’ Dog & Lemon Guide.
“The Minister of Energy wants electric vehicles to gain a 5% market share by 2020, rising to 60 percent by 2040. If that many electric vehicles were in use today, then New Zealand would […]
The government’s proposed new motorway is an act of insanity, says the car buyers’ Dog & Lemon Guide.
Editor Clive Matthew-Wilson said today,
“For the last three decades governments have been building motorways in order to solve Auckland’s traffic congestion, and the congestion has only become worse.”
“Building more roads will simply encourage further use of cars at […]
