A man charged with kidnapping after a 19-year-old woman was found dead on an Auckland motorway's been remanded in custody until next month

The 20-year-old from New Lynn appeared today and his lawyer asked for him to be released on bail, however it was denied.

He will be expected to enter pleas at his next appearance.

The accused has interim name suppression, while the identity of the young woman is also suppressed.

Police were called to a crash on State Highway 20 around 3.20 on Boxing Day morning.

A homicide investigation was launched after authorities arrived and found the teenager already dead.

The accused's also been charged with driving while forbidden and refusing officers' request for blood.

So far, there have been no new charges.