Changing goals for IMVIA

With more governmental influence and a proactive approach to the industry, Imported Motor Vehicle Industry Association (IMVIA) chief-executive David Vinsen is looking ahead confidently to the next 12 months. The IMVIA had its South Island, North Island and National AGMs this week and Vinsen sees the organisation in a state of evolution. “We are recommending an end to the branch committee to give us a flatter structure, as committees haven’t been required to meet for the last six or seven years. We will be able to disseminate information better, but also improve communications, with meetings, seminars, workshops and guest speakers if appropriate. We will be surveying the membership on this recommendation. “The board has the power to co-opt, so we can analyse areas of expertise where we may have a skills gap and bring in experts from time to time.” With the landscape in the sector constantly changing, Vinsen says it’s important to be proactive. “Part of what we’re doing is to try and identify issues that are not currently affecting the industry, but are likely to. Electric vehicles and Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) are two classic examples. But traffic engineering and transport planning are others. We need to be aware of what’s happening, so the members and industry can get on with their business in the knowledge they have someone looking out for them. Open communication with those in power is also a key area for the IMVIA. “We’re having much more collaboration and co-operation with government. Malcolm [Yorston] and Kit [Wilkerson] are both seconded onto various governmental workshops and work groups – the idea is to be in there influencing thinking, rather than on the back foot, fighting after the event.”