Thu Dec 18 09:30:00 UTC 2025: Summary:
A New Zealand consumer advocate is warning potential electric vehicle (EV) buyers on the Hibiscus Coast that some EV brands may not survive the next few years. Clive Matthew-Wilson, editor of Dogandlemon.com, cautions that purchasing from a manufacturer that goes bankrupt could leave buyers with a worthless vehicle due to loss of warranty and parts support. He points to substantial losses by companies like Rivian and the failure of numerous Chinese EV manufacturers as evidence of a sector shake-out. He suggests Tesla is “in trouble” too, though likely too big to fail. The warning is especially relevant for Coastie buyers concerned about ongoing support and warranty coverage.
News Article:
Hibiscus Coast EV Buyers Warned: Some Brands May Not Survive, Leaving Owners Stranded
Hibiscus Coast, New Zealand – December 15, 2025 – Potential electric vehicle (EV) buyers on the Hibiscus Coast are being urged to exercise caution when choosing a brand, with warnings that some manufacturers may not be around in the coming years to honor warranties and provide parts.
Clive Matthew-Wilson, editor of Dogandlemon.com, is sounding the alarm, stating that investing in an EV from a manufacturer that subsequently goes bankrupt could leave owners with a near-worthless vehicle.
“If you buy an EV from a company that goes bust, you’ve basically blown your money,” Matthew-Wilson warns. He believes the EV sector is undergoing a significant shake-out, with many brands unlikely to exist in five years.
His concerns are fueled by the substantial financial losses experienced by companies like Rivian, the US electric pickup maker, which reportedly lost over $1 billion in the first quarter of 2025 alone, and $4.7 billion throughout 2024. Matthew-Wilson also expressed concerns for Tesla, suggesting the company is in trouble, though he concedes it is likely “too big to fail” and will probably restructure.
Citing a New York Times report based on an AlixPartners prediction, he noted that only 15 of 129 Chinese EV brands are expected to be financially viable by 2030. He also highlighted the bankruptcy of Neta Autos, a company that had previously planned to expand into the New Zealand and Australian markets, and reported that some 400 Chinese EV companies ceased operations between 2018 and 2025.
For Hibiscus Coast residents considering an EV purchase, the practical risk lies in the loss of support. If a manufacturer disappears, warranties and parts back-up effectively become meaningless, particularly given Consumer Reports’ warning that EV trouble areas can include the electric motor, battery, and charging systems. Matthew-Wilson cited a recent Tesla breakdown on Auckland’s Northern Motorway as an example of the potential inconvenience.
Consumers are advised to thoroughly research the long-term viability of EV manufacturers before making a purchase.
First Piper 