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Autofile, January 13

Posted on 25 January, 2015
Autofile, January 13

The Financial Services Federation has flagged up what it sees as serious flaws with the government’s draft responsible lending code, which is at the centre of the clampdown on loan sharks. These include the timeframe for developing guidelines, costs to industry, and loan and default fees providers can charge being up in the air because court action against MTF has yet to be resolved. The NZTA is advising importers of modified and low-volume vehicles to follow the correct channels to ensure they are roadworthy in this country. It recently issued exemptions from the low-volume process for six of eight modified Skoda Yetis after ordering their removal from service because of safety concerns. Find out more in the January 14 issue of Autofile magazine. The Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association has made fresh calls for the government to tackle the country’s economic issues. There was a last-minute surge in registrations before sales tax went up to eight percent, but since July the monthly tallies have plummeted compared to 2013. VINZ is aiming to increase its market share, looking at relocating an existing testing facility and the opportunity of opening a new one – along with various satellite sites. Gordon Shaw, its new permanent chief executive officer, says: “We are aiming to grow in compliance because that’s where VINZ’s history is in.” The total of 127,179 new vehicles registered in New Zealand during 2014 was a record – the previous best year was 1984 with 123,247 units. Toyota Hilux’s 32-year reign as the country’s best-selling ute ended – as anticipated in the November 21 issue of Autofile. The number of used passenger vehicles imported came in at 137,601 last year – up 28 per cent on 2013’s total of 107,284 units. The amount that crossed the border in December was the second highest of the year at 13,131 behind 16,450 in May. Darren Marmont, of Motorcentral, outlines the basics of social media for car dealers. “The Facebook phenomenon continues to spearhead marketing strategies. It’s no surprise top-performing automotive businesses have excellent exposure on the site.” Dorchester Pacific is predicting net profit before tax for its financial year ending March 31 to come in at about $14m – up on guidance of $11.5m. “The company will continue to remain active in the evaluation of opportunities that could add further growth for Turners or the group.” Southland’s strong rural sector and consistent base of returning clients means car dealers in and around Invercargill are positive about the industry. Unlike the big centres, the city hasn’t seen big surges in net migration. Find out more in our regional report. People connected with the automotive industry were recognised in the 2015 New Year’s Honours List. They include Chris Moller, chairman of the NZTA, and John Boys, a professor who has researched inductive power transfer technology and its commercial impact, including electric vehicles. Kit Wilkerson, of the IMVIA, calls into question the issue of using vehicle age as a proxy for safety. “Global warming isn’t a local concern. My point is not to demonise new vehicles, rather just inform the debate.” Law-abiding dealers want to dissociate themselves from Dunedin’s Citifleet scandal, saying businesses involved in the fraud should be named to prevent suspicion falling on all of them. Deloitte’s has identified three car dealers in the city involved in buying and selling council cars supplied by its fleet manager. The BMW M3/4 has topped a poll voted run by www.autofile.co.nz. Ten vehicles made the final of this year’s NZ Car of the Year Award run by the AA with visitor to Autofile Online being able to vote once. Meanwhile, the Mazda3 took out the AA’s people’s choice award for 2014. Looking around the Trade Me Motors team, it’s fair to say there have been some changes over the past 12 months. Some of its new members enter the question-and-answer spotlight. We bring you the inside line on the new Jaguar F-Type, Hyundai’s Veloster Midship concept, changes to Holden’s Colorado and Subaru’s Outback. Autofile’s year-end coverage of industry statistics include sales figures for used car and commercials, new vehicle segments, Toyota’s dominance of market share, the business-private split and unsold stock levels. Plus: Finance and insurance with Protecta, market report, dispute tribunal reports and much more. Find out more in the January 14 issue of Autofile magazine.