Robert Barry
Robert Barry has been reporting on the Australasian automotive and transport sector since June 2003. A member of the New Zealand Motoring Writers Guild since 2005, Robert has also previously held the positions of secretary, vice-president and president. His work has appeared in newspapers, magazines, and on the web. He holds a Class 2 and a Class 4 heavy transport licence and knows his way around a manual transmission.
Charity auctions drive fundraising goal over the line
Thanks to support from transport and automotive industry partners, customers and employees, the recent Sime Motors NZ Gear Up for Mental Health auctions have helped the company reach its 12-month fundraising target of $150,000.
Pricing confirmed for ID.Buzz Cargo EV
Volkswagen New Zealand has confirmed prices and specifications for the ID. Buzz and ID. Buzz Cargo which will arrive at local dealerships from June 2025. It…
Ford supports the Master Electricians Apprentice Challenge
The Master Electricians Apprentice Challenge is an annual competition in New Zealand that tests and showcases electrical apprentices’ skills, knowledge, and abilities. Last year's challenge, organised…
Bombay Truck Show 2025 raises more than $120k
The 2025 Transfleet Trailers/Allied Petroleum Bombay Truck Show, held on January 18, raised more than $120k for the local community. Donating a gold coin allowed entry…
Imported used commercial registrations remained steady in November
Registrations of freshly imported commercial vehicles remained steady in November 2024 at 464 units compared to 464 in the previous period. Toyota remained the market leader…
JAC targets tradies with high-spec T9 4×4 ute
While previous Chinese ute brands have failed in the market, following local testing, Colonial Motor Company division NZ Automotive Limited has come out all guns blazing…
Fiat Scudo returns to NZ, Ducato refreshed
Fiat Professional has returned the mid-size Scudo van to the New Zealand market, and orders are now being accepted for deliveries to start at the end…
Ford Tourneo: One size to fit all?
The arrival of the all-new Ford Transit Custom into the New Zealand market also heralded the arrival of the all-new Tourneo nine-seat minibus, which for the…
Fieldays CEO stepping down
New Zealand National Fieldays Society chief executive Peter Nation is stepping down from the organisation he has been involved with for almost 30 years. The Society…
More dealerships appointed to sell JAC T9 ute
JAC Motors New Zealand Limited has confirmed more dealers have joined its national network ahead of the T9 ute launch in the coming months. A top-of-the-line…