CarExpert New Zealand has signed a three-year partnership with Hampton Downs Motorsport Park, giving its editorial team access to one of New Zealand’s leading motorsport and vehicle testing facilities.

The partnership will make Hampton Downs CarExpert NZ’s primary filming and vehicle testing location, providing access to the sealed Club Circuit and off-road facilities for independent and repeatable vehicle testing.

It is another significant investment in CarExpert’s New Zealand content offering, ahead of the launch of the CarExpert NZ YouTube channel in October.

A controlled testing environment allows the team to assess vehicles under consistent conditions, using the same surfaces, corners and measurements across different cars. This will support more detailed comparisons and locally relevant reviews designed specifically to help New Zealanders make better new-car decisions.

“We are dedicated to producing the highest quality, independent automotive content to help New Zealanders research and buy new cars,” said Mat McNay, Country Manager, CarExpert New Zealand.

“Partnering with a top-tier facility like Hampton Downs is another way we're investing in that quality. A controlled environment lets us test and compare vehicles properly and inform New Zealand buyers in a way no other platform here currently does.”

The New Zealand YouTube channel will build on the format developed by CarExpert Australia, which has grown to more than 650,000 subscribers, while creating content specifically for New Zealand vehicles, roads and buyers.

The partnership extends beyond vehicle testing. CarExpert has also become naming rights sponsor of Hampton Downs’ monthly Caffeine & Gasoline event, now known as CarExpert Caffeine & Gasoline, as well as a media partner supporting the venue’s motorsport, driving experiences and road safety initiatives.

The monthly Caffeine & Gasoline event, held on the last Sunday of each month, brings together automotive enthusiasts from across the region. CarExpert plans to use the partnership to showcase new vehicles and connect its growing New Zealand brand directly with the local automotive community.

Hampton Downs General Manager Deborah Fluhler said the partnership brought together two businesses with a shared interest in automotive audiences and high-quality content.

“CarExpert's reach is the perfect platform to help us promote our motorsport, experiences and road safety initiatives,” she said.

“The Caffeine & Gasoline sponsorship is a genuinely symbiotic partnership. It builds CarExpert's profile with enthusiasts and brings new audiences through our gates.”

The partnership forms part of CarExpert’s continued expansion in New Zealand, combining independent automotive journalism, locally produced video and new ways for Kiwi car buyers and enthusiasts to engage with the brand.

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