Latest news with #Willmot
NZ Autocar
a day ago
- Automotive
- NZ Autocar
BYD Sealion 8 seven-seat PHEV SUV coming here
BYD New Zealand has confirmed that the Sealion 8 plug-in hybrid, a three-row SUV, will arrive locally by early 2026 or even late this year. EVs and Beyond talked with BYD NZ country manager, Warren Willmot, who said: 'We're hoping to get it slightly ahead of Australia for December,' said. 'But definitely Q1 2026' at the latest. The BYD Sealion 8 is the brand's largest SUV for export markets, joining the smaller Sealion 7 EV. Built on BYD's latest DM (Dual Mode) 5.0 hybrid platform, it offers two drivetrain options at launch. The entry-level will be DM-i (front-wheel drive) and a dual-motor AWD DM-p variant will also be available. Read our review of BYD Sealion 7 Premium here. Both models use a 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine (110kW/220Nm) paired with a front-mounted 200kW electric motor. The DM-p version adds a 141kW rear motor for all-wheel drive and enhanced acceleration. Expect the Sealion 8 DM-p to reach open road speed in a claimed 4.9sec, while the DM-i should manage it in 8.6 seconds. The DM-i uses a 19.0kWh Blade battery while the DM-p comes with fa 35.6kWh unit. These lithium-iron phosphate (LFP) batteries are part of BYD's cell-to-body integration strategy. The result is improved efficiency and structural strength. Pure electric range estimates are pending but should exceed 80km (WLTP) in the DM-p. 'Yes, we'll be taking both drivetrain options — DM-i and DM-p,' Willmot confirmed. 'BEV is probably 12 months after initial launch.' Inside, the BYD Sealion 8 offers a three-row layout for up to seven passengers. Expect also dual digital displays, and climate control across all rows. In DM-p trim, heated and massaging seats in the first and second rows will be standard. Safety items includes adaptive cruise, lane centring, blind spot detection, and autonomous emergency braking. Expect announcements of the BYD Sealion 8's price and specifications for New Zealand closer to launch. It will sit above the Sealion 7 in BYD's local line-up, offering a new electrified option for larger families and fleet buyers.
NZ Autocar
05-06-2025
- Automotive
- NZ Autocar
BYD Seagull coming to NZ?
Ateco Automotive New Zealand has confirmed it is expanding its BYD dealer and service network across the country, while it's also considering more models, including the budget friendly Seagull. Speaking to Auto Media Group managing editor Richard Edwards at BYD headquarters in Shenzhen, China, BYD New Zealand country manager Warren Willmot says the brand is gearing up for steady, sustainable growth after what he calls a 'tough' 2024 for the EV segment. This also follows on from the signing of a long-term agreement to distribute the Chinese brand locally earlier this year. 'New Zealand is a very different market to Australia, and I can confirm that the recent change in distribution over there has no impact on us,' Willmot says. 'We have renewed our agreement with BYD and are focused on building a strong, stable presence.' EV and PHEV model expansion under review 'We're looking closely at expanding the range with vehicles that are fit for our market – right spec, right price, and profitable for our dealers,' he says. That could include the Seagull city EV, Atto 2 small EV SUV, two new Sealion SUVs in the form of a lower-priced five-seater and larger 7-seater models, and a number of models under the luxury Denza and Yangwang brands. While he wouldn't commit to specific launch dates, Willmot confirms these vehicles are under active review. Willmot acknowledges that after a sharp decline in EV sales in early 2024—dropping from 653 BYD registrations in December 2023 to just 28 in February 2024—the market has begun showing signs of recovery. 'We've already exceeded all of last year's sales within the first four months of 2025,' he says, attributing the turnaround to a more diverse product mix and renewed fleet interest. The recent launch of the Shark plug-in hybrid ute has also contributed to BYD's sales rebound, signalling a broader shift toward dual-powertrain vehicles in response to changing local incentives and consumer demand. Read more 2025 BYD Shark 6 Premium Review New dealerships and service centres planned for regional NZ Willmot says Ateco is currently filling service coverage gaps in regional areas and inviting expressions of interest for new dealerships, particularly in Southland, with Rotorua soon to be added to the sales and service network. The company now operates 15 showrooms and supports more than 25 authorised panel shops nationally. It has also appointed new service partners in Kerikeri and Gisborne and is seeking options on the West Coast. Willmot says fleet and government sales remain a core part of BYD's strategy, but its retail offering is expected to strengthen with new product additions. Parts supply and aftersales support a priority for BYD NZ He adds that parts availability has been a key priority, with a dedicated 5,000m² parts warehouse in Auckland and a willingness to 'pull parts from new cars' if needed to keep customers on the road. While some BYD customers across the Tasman have voiced frustration over service and parts delays, Willmot says New Zealand has avoided similar issues thanks to forward planning and local warehousing. 'We have visibility into the entire global parts network and can get most items here within three days,' he says.
Time of India
11-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
This one of the most-popular vegetable in Canada is 'forcing' researchers to make robots and the reason has an 'American angle'
File Picture: A member of the military detail adjusts the Canadian flag prior to the arrival of Prime Minister Mark Carney for a meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump, at the White House in Washington. (Adrian Wyld /The Canadian Press via AP) A groundbreaking project is underway in southern Ontario that could revolutionize Canada's lettuce supply and reduce its heavy dependence on imports from the United States. Currently, approximately 90% of the lettuce consumed by Canadians, particularly during the winter months, originates south of the border, primarily from California and Arizona. This reliance leaves the Canadian market vulnerable to disruptions caused by droughts, wildfires, and escalating costs in the US, often leading to empty shelves and inflated prices in local grocery stores. Canada's most-popular vegetable Lettuce stands as one of Canada's most frequently consumed vegetables, yet its supply chain is particularly susceptible to global disruptions. Operation Sindoor 'Our job is to hit target, not to count body bags': Air Marshal Bharti on Op Sindoor Precautionary blackout imposed across parts of Rajasthan, Punjab 'Indian Navy was in position to strike Karachi': Vice Admiral on Operation Sindoor Recent years have witnessed firsthand the impact of crop failures and transportation challenges in the US, resulting in significant price fluctuations and availability issues for Canadian consumers. As Canada's significant dependence on produce from the United States comes under increasing scrutiny, one Ontario farmer is offering a compelling vision for the future: Locally grown, year-round produce cultivated by the power of artificial intelligence and automation, as reported by CBC Canada. A collaborative effort between Canadian researchers and farmers is cultivating a potential solution: an intelligent lettuce-harvesting robot. This innovative machine is currently undergoing rigorous testing on a farm in southern Ontario with the ambitious goal of enabling year-round, locally-grown lettuce production across Canada. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Want Lower Bills Without Changing a Thing? elecTrick - Save upto 80% on Power Bill Learn More Undo How AI and Robots are aiming to solve the 'Salad problem' Jay Willmot, a farmer and entrepreneur, recently showcased his technology-led approach at his sprawling two-hectare greenhouse nestled within a traditional red barn in King City, Ontario. Speaking to CBC, Willmot outlined his ambition: "From sowing and seeding, all the way through to harvest and packing, no one touches this crop." Instead, Willmot's operation, Haven Greens, relies on multimillion-dollar AI systems and sophisticated machinery. Willmot established Haven Greens to directly address the challenges of the Canadian winter and the myriad of obstacles faced by farmers, ranging from high labor costs to unpredictable weather patterns. He is not alone in this pursuit, with both federal and provincial governments offering incentives to encourage the adoption of agricultural automation, the CBC Canada report noted. Willmot said that the integration of automation and artificial intelligence allows him to maximize his lettuce yield while significantly reducing labor costs, which typically represent the largest operating expense for greenhouse growers. The research team is reportedly optimistic about bringing the automated harvesting solution to market within the next few years. Their immediate focus remains on fine-tuning the robot's performance to ensure optimal efficiency and adaptability to real-world farm conditions. This Canadian innovation offers a beacon of hope for a future where fresh, locally-grown lettuce is readily available to consumers, regardless of the season or external supply chain vulnerabilities. AI Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now
