Autofile, Feb 20, out now

An industry stalwart is looking forward to his 90^th birthday party next month. John Nicholls is one of the pioneers from the early days of imported used vehicles into New Zealand. Although he retired some time ago, it was only last year he stepped down from analysing industry statistics. ACC is aiming to publish risk-rating categories for cars by the end of March, Autofile reveals. The overhaul of motor-vehicle levies, which will result in owners paying less if they drive safer cars, has been widely welcomed by the automotive industry.

Click here to read Autofile magazine online.

The IMVIA says mechanisms other than age can be used to measure the safety of New Zealand’s fleet. Chief executive David Vinsen explains why. The performances of Trade Me Motors and MotorWeb have been highlighted in the parent company’s half-year report by delivering “another excellent result”. Bowater Toyota has taken out the marque’s dealer of the year, while Ebbett Prestige in Hamilton scooped the same honour at Audi’s excellence awards. Plus: Autofile gets inside a host of new cars – Mitsubishi’s Triton, Honda’s CR-V, Volvo’s V60 Cross Country, the Lexus GF and Ford’s Falcon.