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David Vinsen appointed Chair of ITS Board

Posted on 15 November, 2017

Imported Motor Vehicle Industry Association (VIA) chief executive, David Vinsen has been appointed to Chair the Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) New Zealand board by unanimous vote. ITS encompasses the latest technologies of autonomous vehicle (AVs), shared mobility and mobility as a service. It is also involved with technology systems and infrastructure that help to monitor, manage and collect data across all transport modes. Vinsen’s wide-ranging governance experience was seen as invaluable to the board, where his expertise will help drive the organisation’s commitment to advocate for transport technology solutions which save lives and make transport more sustainable and efficient. Vinsen has had 40 years’ motor industry experience, with roles ranging from retail sales in family-owned businesses through to being the founding chief executive of an international e-commerce auction company. “I’m very pleased to have the unanimous support of the board to lead this exciting organisation. I feel that my experience in governance, and understanding of the vehicle supply chain, complements the other board members, which represent the varied aspects of the ITS eco-system,” says Vinsen. “There is a disruption of transport underway, led by innovators creating solutions designed to enhance the experience of transport users and operators, New Zealand is not immune to some of the challenges this transformation this may create.” “What is encouraging is the overwhelmingly positive feedback we have just received from members returning from the recent ITS World Congress in Montreal, that is that New Zealand is leading the world. We have a supportive and forward-looking transport ministry, progressive national and regional governments and New Zealand has fewer regulatory and operational obstacles that will set back the benefits of emerging technology. That is particularly advantageous for local innovators, and international companies looking for a test bed.” Mohammed Hikmet, founder and Chairperson of HMI Group was also appointed to continue as President and continues to lead international activities, as New Zealand’s representative on the ITS Asia-Pacific Board and the ITS World Congress organising committee.  The new board is now focusing on developing the organisation’s forward events schedule and business plan, the events they arrange feature leading international and local experts, with the organisation hoping to inspire, educate and generate informed discussion.  More details on ITS New Zealand, news and their upcoming events in Auckland and Christchurch is available at ITSNZ.org