New rules for flooded cars

The announcement by the government regarding flood damaged vehicles entering the fleet has received positive reaction from New Zealand’s auto industry. Associate Transport Minister Craig Foss announced more stringent requirements for water damaged vehicles will provide additional safety assurances for vehicle owners and all road users. From today, (September 7 2016) all electronic and pyrotechnic safety components, including airbags, sensors, pre-tensioner seatbelts and wiring, must be fully replaced on imported and domestic water damaged vehicles. Previously, only those items below the water line were required to be replaced. “The NZ Transport Agency has investigated cases where the level or extent of flooding has been deliberately masked, exposing the driver, their passengers and other road users to unacceptable risk,” Mr Foss says. “This new requirement removes any questions about the level of water damage a car, and its important safety components, has suffered. “Properly repaired water damaged vehicles are safe. However, more stringent requirements will further increase vehicle and road safety.” Importers bringing water damaged vehicles into New Zealand have one month to get vehicles border checked under the previous requirements, provided they can show the vehicle was purchased on or before 7 September 2016. David Vinsen, chief executive of the Imported Motor Vehicle Industry Association (IMVIA) commented soon after the announcement. “We welcome the NZTA’s announcement, and although we believe in the integrity and robustness of our current system, there are a couple of questions that come out of it. Such as, are all these vehicles properly identified, particularly the level of damage, ie the height at which flooding may have occurred. And secondly it also raises the question of what information we need to provide to consumers regarding flood damaged vehicles, in order for them to make in informed choices.” “That is our official position, but also we, as a country should be asking ourselves, if they’re not good enough for Australia, why would we want them here!” Craig Pomare chief executive of the Motor Trade Association (MTA) said: “MTA raised this issue with government in 2015 and earlier this year, so we are happy to see movement.” “We’re pleased to see such a quick response from the Associate Minister to ensure consumers are protected from potentially unsafe vehicles.” said Pomare. MTA is also keen to see progress on a review of the CIN (Consumer Information Notice) card information as has been suggested by Minister of Commerce Paul Goldsmith. While a reputable trader may be open with a customer at the first sale, there is little guarantee that this transparency will continue with any subsequent sale. There is no clear tracking on the motor vehicle register of this damage and so information for consumers is limited.”