Supply 'unlikely' to be hit

Used imported cars will be required to have electronic stability control (ESC) installed from a later date compared to new vehicles crossing the border. The Ministry of Transport (MoT) says although most recent models in Japan have the system fitted, many older ones don’t. The changes will not be retrospective because ESC is tailored to the precise characteristics of vehicles and cannot practically be retrofitted. “The dates from which used imports will be required to have ESC have been set to ensure enough suitable vehicles will be available for New Zealand,” it says. The MoT adds ESC is inexpensive and has little effect on new or used car prices. Used car dealers may have to change the mix of models they import so they have ESC, “but it’s unlikely this will affect the price of cars in New Zealand”. The government is confident mandatory ESC will have no adverse effect on stock supply because almost all new vehicles can be sourced with ESC because it’s mandatory in the largest international markets. “The requirement for imported used vehicles will be introduced later to ensure enough are available,” insists the MoT. “The overall supply is unlikely to be affected but – for a short time – there may be restrictions on particular models.”