Bay Driver

LIFTOUT

The Bay’s largest circulating, most read newspaper.63,050 copies Pacific Toyota opens new

Owens Place Service Centre. See Page 8

Pure pleasure

Friday 29 July 2011 Friday 29 July 2011Friday 29 July 2011

See page 4BMW 1 Series M Coupé

Inside this issueNew Car Sales Results Page 2

Great Wall X240 Page 3

Pacific Toyota Feature Page 8

Driving the couch Page 15

http://www.umg.co.nz/

The Weekend Sun Bay DriverPage 2 Friday 29 July 2011 Friday 29 July 2011Friday 29 July 2011

$193p/week

No.1 The Strand, PO Box 240, Tauranga 3140 www.sunlive.co.nz phone 07 578 0030 fax 07 571 1116 email [email protected]

...for all bookings contact Gaylene Moore 021 775 505email: [email protected]

Despite a supply shortage, due to the Japanese earthquake and tsunami, vehicle sales have remained firm

during the month of June according to the Motor Trade Association.

New car sales were ahead by 18 per cent – 5365 units compared to 830 units in May 2011, but behind by 421 units – 7 per cent – in June 2010. For the year-to-date, new car sales are still ahead of 2010 by 1009 units – 3 per cent.

New commercial vehicles maintained the strength they have been showing all year. June sales of 2287 units were 259 units – 13 per cent – ahead of May 2011 and 69 units – 3 per cent – ahead of June 2010. For the year-to-date, new commercial sales are still well ahead of 2010 by 1545 units – 17 per cent.

MTA spokesperson Ian Stronach says despite the shortage of some key models, the market has adjusted quickly with buyers substituting those models on limited availability allowing the overall market to

maintain a relatively firm tone.“This was another positive month for the

industry, with signs of strength across all sectors,” says Ian.

“Buyers have obviously not held off purchasing, despite their preferred choice not always being available and the ongoing incentive of Fieldays specials has also helped drive sales.”

Ian says with production for several lead-ing Japanese manufacturers set to return to pre-tsunami levels quicker than originally thought, the market is likely to retain its somewhat dynamic edge for the coming months.

Brand manager for Nissan at Farmer Autovillage, Roger Matthews, supports these results saying Nissan enjoyed record sales for their Navara ute range in June.

“Overall, Nissan sales were very strong for the June quarter,” says Roger.

“This is in line with the company’s bold new global marketing strategy which is designed to increase Nissan’s current market share of 8 per cent.”

Sales heat up for new vehicles


The Weekend Sun Bay Driver Page 3Friday 29 July 2011 Friday 29 July 2011Friday 29 July 2011

w w w. g re a t w a l l a u t o . c o . n z

DEALER DETAILS

The X240 4WD

The X240, The Great 4WD of China and the V240 Dual Cab, The Great Ute of China, just got Greater. They’ve always been packed with features but now we’ve given them both a new streamlined front and added steering wheel controls. And the X240 has Bluetooth and a Reversing

Camera. At these great value prices, Great just got Greater.

The V240 4x2

$24,9904x4 $3,000 extra

$28,990+ORC

The X240, The Great 4WD of China and the V240 Dual Cab, The Great Ute of China, just got Greater. They’ve always been packed with features but now we’ve given them both a new streamlined front and added steering wheel controls. And the X240 has Bluetooth and a Reversing

Camera. At these great value prices, Great just got Greater.

The V240 4x2

$24,9904x4 $3,000 extra

$28,990+ORC

OB

1257

+ORCMetallic paint an optional extra.Metallic paint an optional extra.O

B12

57

+ORCMetallic paint an optional extra.Metallic paint an optional extra.

w w w. g re a t w a l l a u t o . c o . n z

DEALER DETAILS

The X240 4WD

By Richard Rennie

The latest SUV from the Great Wall Motor Company heralds the arrival of a new era of vehicles from China.We are all becoming more aware of just

how much China now dominates our purchasing decisions here in New Zealand. Other than food, pretty much everything else we purchase is influenced in some way by China. And now it seems that ‘everything else’ could well include the cars we drive.

The Great Wall Motor Company’s products are at the forefront of a wave of Chinese vehicles likely to arrive on New Zealand shores in coming years and The Great Wall X240 SUV – tested by Bay Driver this week – heralds this new wave.

Re-defined stylingThe X240 has actually been available

here for a couple of years now, but with its new “face lift”, it is likely to see more

than a few tyre kickers get more serious about their purchasing decision. The face lift gives the X240 a sharper, more business-like look to its frontal appearance. In fact, it is drift-ing closer to the look of a VW with its re-defined headlights.It is light years away from a

European price tag, however, coming in less than $30,000 – and for this reason alone it should give anyone thinking about a new SUV cause to pull over into Ingham-Sears forecourt on Totara Street, Mount Maunganui and check it out.

The X240’s exterior may not win any fancy designer prizes, but a set of 17 inch alloys does help to enhance the appearance and for a mid-size SUV, it hides a pretty spacious interior. There is also a full size spare tyre – a bit of a rarity these days – and being tucked neatly away under the boot, it helps to significantly increase the interior load space.

Feature-packedOn the inside, the X240 is far beyond any

“bare bones” entry level that one may have been expecting at this price. Most features that you would expect on cars with an extra $10,000 on the price are there. These include; leather seats; Bluetooth; electric seats; a 2WD/4WD option; touch screen display; MP3 input; and even a reversing camera.

The dash layout is a clean, simple affair with the touch screen console easily taking care of the stereo’s functions. It is a pleasant surprise to find up-to-the-minute features like this in the Great Wall…something that’s sure to win over the smaller family

members – even if Mum and Dad may take longer to convince. Rear leg room is good and has not been compromised for a larger boot area, which is complete with a plastic liner to keep the dirt off the carpet. There are also a few surprises tucked away through the X240 – like the 12V socket and a USB-MP3 input for the back seat passengers.

Four-wheel drive optionThe X240 we tested is powered by a

Mitsi’ 2.4 litre petrol engine, which pushes it around adequately and makes it perky enough on the road – although requiring a bit of gear work on the hills. The handling is not as you would get in a sedan, but it is the visibility, practicality and accessibility – with plenty of rear space – where it wins hands downs over most mid-sized cars. And if you happen to feel even a little adventurous, the X240 has a 4H and 4L 4WD option is available at the push of a button – and here is where the manual transmission would be a good match for any proposed “bush crash-

ing” you might opt for.As mainstream Japanese-sourced cars get

more expensive and let’s face it – you really need to be ready to part with $35,000-plus to get most of the extras the X240 has as standard – it could be that the market splits in half. Those who aspire for a new vehicle, but simply can’t stretch their money, will comfortably look to the likes of the X240. With its features and a three-year warranty included in the price, plenty of people could feel they have nothing to lose…and a decent set of wheels to gain.

Boot space is not compromised by the spare tyre, which sits under the body.The X240 may not win prizes for design,

but the look is as honest as the price tag.

This week’s Blackboard Special:What? 2011 Great Wall X240 SUVPower: 2.4 litre petrol engine*Transmission: 5 speed manual*Features: Twin airbags, 17 inch alloys, leather seats, Bluetooth, MP3/USB input, reversing camera, touch screen consolePrice: $28,990Test Drive at: Ingham-Sears, 55-59 Totara Street, Mount MaunganuiContact: Julian Clements, phone 07 572 8260 or mobile 027 544 3102

*A diesel-powered model with automatic transmission is also due for release in the near future. Please enquire.

The dash layout is simple and features a touch screen set-up.

Smart new look for X240

http://www.inghamsears.com/


The highly anticipated, all-new BMW 1 Series M Coupe was finally

revealed in New Zealand at the Auckland Speed Show.

The good news for Tauranga BMW enthu-siasts – or anyone who simply appreciates a superb motor vehicle – is it is also on its way here as part of a BMW Roadshow. BMW dealership Coombes Johnston BMW in Hewletts Road, Mount Maunganui, is hosting the Roadshow on August 12-13. “The new 1 Series Coupe is a modern interpretation of a classic,” says BMW New Zealand managing director Mark Gilbert. “It sports all the hallmark ‘M’ characteristics and has an outstanding low power-to-weight ratio, which offers the driver an unsurpassed motoring experience.”

Dynamic performanceThere are three key elements which define

the 1 Series M Coupe as a purists vehi-cle; specifically rear-wheel drive; manual transmission; and a free-revving in-line six cylinder engine. This 3.0 litre power unit, with twin turbo technology, combines M performance with contemporary efficiency to deliver an output of 250kW and an unusu-ally spontaneous level of responsiveness. The drivetrain provides a maximum torque of 450Nm between 1500 and 4500 rpm. There is also an overboost function that can deliver another 50Nm in full throttle, for dynamic acceleration manoeuvres. With these M-style modifications, the 1 Series Coupe is easily able to handle the requirements of both everyday traffic and the race track. The six speed transmission is also newly developed to interact with the high-torque engine and has been fitted for this purpose with a specific gear set concept. It is oper-ated by means of a very short M gearshift lever that delivers precise control and underscores the purist, sporty character of the coupe. S Spontaneously switch-ing to M Drive mode is achieved via the characteristic M button, positioned on the right steering wheel spoke. The chassis technology is also directly derived from motorsport, featuring a double-joint front axle and five-link rear suspension – made almost exclusively from aluminium.

Classic M-Style aestheticsTypical ‘M’ features round off the appear-

ance of the 1 Series Coupe. A re-designed front apron, with three large air inlets, gives

a clear indication of its sporting potential, while the chrome gill elements on the flared wheel arches, with integrated M logos, firmly indicate this is a member of the BMW M family. Twin-arm extension mirrors and four exhaust tailpipes create more visual sym-metry and deliver the 1 Series Coupe its unmistakable sound. Standard specifications in this outstanding coupe are also incredibly high. The list is far too long to mention here, but includes adaptive Xenon headlights, professional navigation, voice control, internet func-tionality and a Harmon Kardon 10 speaker surround-sound audio system. Highest qual-ity materials have been used throughout the four-seater cockpit to create the ambience of a premium sports car. Safety features are also at a premium level as one would expect – with a high-perform-ance compound braking system, ensuring excellent deceleration and durability under maximum load. Dynamic Stability Control is standard, while the unique M Dynamic Mode can also be activated to deliver more deliberate and precise driving on bends.

Rare opportunityThe 1 Series M Coupe is in Tauranga as

part of a special BMW Roadshow – which also features the classic 1973 BMW 3.0CSL – the model driven by Kiwi Chris Amon when he won the German Touring Car Grand Prix at Nurburgring in that same year. “We are eagerly anticipating the arrival of the 1 Series Coupe and the BMW Roadshow to Tauranga,” says Coombes Johnston BMW general manager Clive Holmes. “It is an exciting addition to the BMW range and we are thrilled to be able to have it here to show to BMW fans and customers alike. This is a rare opportunity to experience a truly unique car that has not even been offi-cially released in Australasia yet.” BMW New Zealand is also running a competition for one lucky fan to win a trip to Australia to be part of the official launch of the 1 Series M Coupe. This takes place at a race track in Melbourne at the end of August and the prize includes the chance to “experience the power and performance” of this amazing car. For more details and to enter online visit www.facebook.com/BMWNewZealand

This story has been compiled from

information supplied by Ed Finn, BMW Group

corporate communications manager.

Inspiring through and through

The BMW 1 Series M Coupe combines the technology of a high-performance car with the agility and lightness of a compact model to create a whole

new dimension of sports-style driving pleasure.

The 1 Series M range was a highlight of the Auckland Speed Show last weekend.

The sign says it all – a selection of ‘M’ Series BMW’s, including the 1973 BMW 3.0CSL.

Coombes Johnston BMW general manager Clive Holmes and sales consultant Tony Amos are looking forward to showcasing the new

1M Coupe this Friday and Saturday.

BMW 1 Series CoupeEngine: 3.0 litre Twin Turbo in-line six cylinder Power: 250kW Maximum Torque 450Nm plus 50Nm with overboost functionTransmission: Six speed manualWheels: 19 inch M light alloysBraking: ABS with anti-slip, Dynamic Stability Control, Dynamic Brake Control and Cornering Brake ControlPerformance: 0-100 km/h in 4.9 secondsCO2 Emissions: 224 grams/kmFuel Efficiency: 9.6L/100km (claimed)Price: $109,990 RRPAll enquiries to: Clive Holmes or Tony Amos at Coombes Johnston BMW, 113 Hewletts Road, Mount Maunganui. Phone 07 575 5280

Those lucky enough to become owners of the new 1 Series Coupe will be in illustrious company – as only 14 have been secured for the New Zealand market at this stage.


The Limited Edition

ALL BLACKS FALCON XR6The Limited Edition

ALL BLACKS FALCON XR6The Limited Edition

ALL BLACKS FALCON XR6

umg.co.nz

*Price shown excludes on road costs. Off er available until March 31, 2011.

ford.co.nz

For just $44,990* you could be driving a new Falcon XR6, complete with 6-speed transmission, 17” alloys and sports body kit. You wouldn’t want to miss out on that. Visit your Ford Dealer today.

Deluxe BBQ cover• Fits most medium to large BBQ’s• 100% Water proof• UV protected• Wind resistant• Extra strong velcro ties• Interior is PVC coating• Surface is 100% Polyester oxford fabric• Custom piping provides durability and smart appearance• 1620mm x 660mm x 850mm

0 609722 904629

The All Blacks logo is a registered trademark of the NZRU.

ITEM #008Made in China

Colour Black Team All Blacks

Supporter

BBQ Mat• Flame retardant

• Protects deck and patio surfaces

• Waterproof backing

• Absorbs grease and liquids

• Easily washable by hose

• 1117mm x 762mm

Warning: For use with gas BBQs only.

Not for use with any charcoal or wood burning products.

Born2Grill LTD

PO Box 11200

Palm Beach

Papamoa, Tauranga

Distributed by

www.born2grill.co.nz

The All Blacks logo is a registered

trademark of the NZRU.

ITEM #001Made in China

Coombes Johnston BMW 575 Te Rapa Road, Hamilton, (07) 846 8888. 113 Hewletts Road, Mount Maunganui, (07) 575 5280.www.coombesjohnstonbmw.co.nz

THE BMW X5 PERFORMANCE EDITION. FULLY LOADED.

NEW BMW X5 PERFORMANCE EDITION FROM

$139,900OR $2,139 PER MONTH*

WITH BMW SELECT

• BMW ConneCTeddRive inCluding: • navigation • in-Car internet • Head-up display • 360o Top-view Camera• 7 SeaTS – 3Rd RoW SeaTing • BMW PeRfoRManCe aeRodynaMiC KiT• 20” BlaCK alloy WHeelS oR

20” TWo-Toned SilveR WHeelS • availaBle in BlaCK oR WHiTe

Take the world’s leading Suv, a vehicle renowned for its superior driving experience, class-leading performance and efficiency, not to mention its ominous road presence. Add a vastly increased level of standard specification and number of exclusive features representing unparalleled value for money. The result: the fully loaded limited edition BMW X5 Performance edition.

THE NEW BMW X5 PERFORMANCE EDITION. FUTURE PROOFED WITH BMW SELECT FINANCE.

* finance offer is based on a BMW Select agreement consisting of a guaranteed Minimum future value and a 36 month Hire Purchase agreement on the BMW X5 Performance edition RRP $139,900 (+oRC), 35 monthly payments, interest rate of 10.99%, a 20% deposit and a final Guaranteed Minimum Future Value of $69,950. excess mileage charges and vehicle condition charges may be payable if you return the vehicle. offer expires 30/09/11 and is subject to BMW financial Services lending criteria.

DBM1393


THE BMW X5 PERFORMANCE EDITION. FULLY LOADED.

NEW BMW X5 PERFORMANCE EDITION FROM

$139,900OR $2,139 PER MONTH*

WITH BMW SELECT

• BMW ConneCTeddRive inCluding: • navigation • in-Car internet • Head-up display • 360o Top-view Camera• 7 SeaTS – 3Rd RoW SeaTing • BMW PeRfoRManCe aeRodynaMiC KiT• 20” BlaCK alloy WHeelS oR

20” TWo-Toned SilveR WHeelS • availaBle in BlaCK oR WHiTe

Take the world’s leading Suv, a vehicle renowned for its superior driving experience, class-leading performance and efficiency, not to mention its ominous road presence. Add a vastly increased level of standard specification and number of exclusive features representing unparalleled value for money. The result: the fully loaded limited edition BMW X5 Performance edition.

THE NEW BMW X5 PERFORMANCE EDITION. FUTURE PROOFED WITH BMW SELECT FINANCE.

* finance offer is based on a BMW Select agreement consisting of a guaranteed Minimum future value and a 36 month Hire Purchase agreement on the BMW X5 Performance edition RRP $139,900 (+oRC), 35 monthly payments, interest rate of 10.99%, a 20% deposit and a final Guaranteed Minimum Future Value of $69,950. excess mileage charges and vehicle condition charges may be payable if you return the vehicle. offer expires 30/09/11 and is subject to BMW financial Services lending criteria.

DBM1393

Coombes Johnston BMW

Hamilton Tauranga


http://www.coombesjohnstonbmw.co.nz/


$11,990 NO DEPOSIT only $100 p/w



$11,450 NO DEPOSIT only $96 p/w$8,990 NO DEPOSIT

only $75 p/w

$8,990 NO DEPOSIT only $75 p/w $9,250 NO DEPOSIT

only $78 p/w

$34,990

COMMERCIALS & 4WD

X

http://www.pacificautotraders.co.nz/

http://www.bobbatchelortoyota.co.nz/

http://www.sheaff.co.nz/


QUALITY IMPORTED OR NZ NEW USED CARSQUALITY IMPORTED OR NZ NEW USED CARSMaunganui Road

Twee

d St

NEW

WORLD

SHELL

ShowroomHere

AUTOS

$8,500

$7,995

$5,500

$5,995

$5,400

$8,995

$6,995

$4,995

$3,995

$9,995

$12,995

$15,995

$12,995$10,995

$12,995$8,995$8,995

$15,995

SOLD

X

http://www.trevorleeautos.co.nz/


Celebrations in orderSuccessful Tauranga dealership, Pacific Toyota,

has plenty to celebrate next month. Not only is the company expanding its customer

service platform, it is also proud to honour the achievements of one of their sales team.

After 12 years of operating from one location in Elizabeth Street, Tauranga, Pacific Toyota’s General Manager, Mark Mills, is eagerly anticipating the official opening of their brand new service centre in Owens Place, Bayfair. Although still in the final stages of completion, the new building has been designed to meet Toyota’s high standards of environ-mental compliance and to house all of the highly specialised tools and computerised equipment needed to provide the ultimate in modern vehicle servicing.

The new building will include ten “high tech” service bays housing a team of new and existing

technicians … effectively doubling Pacific

Toyota’s service department capacity. “In the last year,” says Mark, “we have invested $70,000 on updating the training of our technicians. Add to that a new state-of-the-art facility, and the result is that we will be providing Bay of Plenty customers with the highest levels of service, not only for Toyota and Lexus vehi-cles, but for all other makes as well.”

One of the key people who will be servicing clients vehicles there is Reece Power. Reece is one of only seven highly skilled “Master Techs” in New Zealand who are qualified to the highest level of servicing both Toyota and Lexus vehicles.

The opening of the new Owens Place service centre will see Pacific Toyota’s staff numbers increase to 42 and there are plans to grow that number even further to 50 by this time next year. Owned by Christchurch-based parent company, the Miles Group, Pacific Toyota has branches in both Tauranga and Whakatane. As part of this large nation-wide company, customers are provided with a super-efficient communication system via the company’s own call centre plus outstanding follow up service.

There will be more news about the opening celebra-tions for the new service centre over the coming

weeks, with free offers and competi-tions to be promoted with

the help of More FM. “One of our competitions is to guess the make and model of a compacted car, with the winner receiving a tool kit valued at $4,000,” adds Mark. “There’s going to be a whole lot of interest out there and we are really looking forward to seeing everybody at Owens Place on opening day. We’ll be announcing the date soon, so watch this space!”

More celebrations are also in order at Pacific Toyota this week with the announcement that one of their sales team, Darren Steele, has been selected as a finalist for the Toyota Salesperson of the Year Award. Darren has been selected from hundreds of sales people throughout New Zealand as one of the top three for Toyota sales and customer service in both new and used vehicles during 2010.

The award is based on sales performance, customer surveys, “mystery shopping” tests and rigorous checks on product knowledge. “We are extremely proud of Darren,” says Sales Manager, Chris Churchward, “and it’s also great for local people to know that, when they come in to Pacific Toyota, they are dealing with one of the best and most dedicated salesmen in the country.”

Darren will travel to Toyota NZ Head Office in Palmerston North on the 3rd August to find out if he has won the award, but whatever the outcome, his achievement is indeed a cause for celebration.

Darren SteeleSales Consultant.

Reece Power

Toyota + Lexus Master Tech.

http://www.pacific.toyota.co.nz/


AppraisedUsed Vehicles

$8,990$13,990

$9,990

$12,990SAVE $2,000

$17,990

$9,990

$16,990$13,990

$12,490SAVE $$$$

$9,990SAVE $1,000

$11,990

$8,990

$10,990

$16,990

$19,990$9,990

$12,990SAVE $1,000

$14,990SAVE $2,000

$14,990

$13,990

X

http://www.carconnexxion.co.nz/


OPEN: Monday-Friday 8.00am-5.30pm Saturday 9.00am-5.00pm

116 Hewletts Road, Mount Maunganui. Tel: 07 578 6017 www.farmerautovillage.co.nz

Serious Savings.All prices valid only until4th August.

X

http://www.farmermotorgroup.co.nz/




Visitus.



Visitus.


Blair Woolford: 021 036 7706Danny Price: 029 234 7547


All brands welcome.

We can service to suit your budget.

Free car wash with every service.

Free coffee at our cafe while you wait.

Specialised equipment. Factory trained technicians.

Service your car today. And we’ll take just as much care of you as we do with your car.

X

http://www.farmermotorgroup.co.nz/


FROM$95

PER WEEK

FROM$89

PER WEEK

FROM$75

PER WEEK

FROM$79

PER WEEK

FROM$95

PER WEEK

FROM$79

PER WEEK

FROM$95

PER WEEK

BMW 118i FROM $41,500 DRive aWay.

eveRyTHiNG yOU’D eXPeCT aT a PRiCe yOU WOULDN’T.

Due to the impending arrival of the all-new BMW 1 Series, we currently have limited stock of the BMW 1 Series Hatch. This is your chance to secure the Ultimate Hot Hatch for a lot less than you’d expect. Take a test drive of the class-leading BMW 1 Series at Coombes Johnston BMW today and find out why BMW has been the world’s leading premium vehicle manufacturer for the last six years.

Coombes Johnston BMW

HamiltonTauranga

DB

M14

04


118i 7.4 l/100km 100 kW (136hp)

Vehicle finance approved today

Cars, motorbikes, caravans and company vehicles. When you are buying privately, online or want cash to negotiate - we provide an immediate answer.www.mtf.co.nz M

TF-FA-HS002

Kevin Killeen027 487 7234

Richard Scott027 499 9668

Darren Smith 021 346 700

54 First Avenue 07 577 6604

X

http://www.coombesjohnstonbmw.co.nz/

http://www.mtf.co.nz/

http://www.warehousecars.net.nz/


14” from $99 15” from $14916” from $159

No appointment necessary, call in now!

Containers of used tyres just arrived!!

$49fromonly

Light Truck Tyres ALL ON SALE!!

$59,990 $34,990

$15,990

$48,995

$38,990

$17,990

$29,990

$25,995

$17,490

Ingham-Searswww.inghamsears.com

55-59 Totara Street, Mount MaunganuiFREEPHONE 0800 255 755 or phone 07 572 8260

COME AND EXPERIENCE OUR AWARD-WINNING

CUSTOMER CARE

$39,990

$22,995

$42,990

ford.co.nz

Available to business users only until 31st of August 2011, these great monthly finance rates are tailored to suit on a brand new Falcon XR6 or Falcon XT. Includes features like cruise control, Bluetooth® and iPod integration along with exceptional fuel economy of just 9.9L / 100km. The remaining stock won’t last long, so contact us today.

umg.co.nz

X


http://www.inghamsears.com/


PEUGEOT 207PEUGEOT 308

��

http://www.ebbett.co.nz/

http://www.taurangapeugeot.co.nz/


DB

By Letitia Atkinson

Transportation is taking on a new form with the invention of Tauranga’s

first motorised couch.People can be forgiven for thinking

they are imagining things if they see a pink couch scooting around the streets of Tauranga, as Darryl Herbert has made that very notion possible.

Darryl enlisted the help of his son and a friend as he embarked on the journey of making the motorised couch.

“It was originally built for last year’s beach hop,” he says.

The trio took a standard couch they had around the house and installed a 50cc motor, complete with steering capabilities

and its own lamp for light – but it doesn’t allow the couch to be driven at night.

Many hours were spent on the couch, with a few hiccups along the way – just as any mechanic has experienced when build-ing their own car.

Darryl’s eyes light up when talking about his creation.

“I built it just to be different. We have registered it as a modified Moped, so we can drive it on the road.”

Everything about the couch is com-pletely standard, down to the last cushion.

The single axle, hidden under the

seat of the couch, supports four wheels.The couch also has a built-in ignition

system – just like a car – hidden under a side table, which also contains the steering mechanism for the couch.

Darryl says the couch is roadworthy and was designed with the idea of being driven on the road, in town and on the open highway.

“Police pull us up and give us

funny looks. “It’s registered, but they come up with

some excuse to not let us drive it on the highways.”

The couch was one of the highlight features at the 2011 Rugby World Cup Roadshow in Tauranga.

“We thought it would be something a little different and quirky for the road-show,” says Darryl.

Taking the couch for a spin down the road

Darryl (driving) with Todd and Adam Herbett.

Tauranga City Council’s Penny Mitropoulos, TVNZ’s Tamati Coffey and Charlotte Bryant driving the motorised couch, which was on display

at the 2011 Rugby World Cup Roadshow.

NZ NEWNZ NEW

NZ NEWNZ NEW NZ NEWNZ NEW

NZ NEWNZ NEW

NZ NEWNZ NEW

NZ NEWNZ NEW

NZ NEWNZ NEW

http://www.chrisverrytcars.co.nz/


VIEW MORE QUALITY CARS ON www.pacific.toyota.co.nzCnr Elizabeth St & Cameron Rd, TAURANGA Ph (07) 578 1099 OPEN 7 DAYS

Pacific Toyota

X

http://www.pacific.toyota.co.nz/

Documents

Bay Driver