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IMVIA refutes media claims

Posted on 26 April, 2016

The Imported Motor Vehicle Industry Association (IMVIA) has refuted claims in the Australian media that it has ‘plotted’ a scheme to take advantage of new legislation. An article in the Sydney Morning Herald and The Age newspapers stated that the Australian car industry is now seen as a ‘Treasure Island’, with government plans in 2018 to cease local car manufacturing, while Australians will be able to privately import cars. The story then goes on to allege a number of large companies of ‘plotting’ for more than two years, to help create and fund the Australian Imported Motor Vehicle Industry Association (AIMVIA). It states that Fairfax Media obtained documents showing that AIMVIA was established under the instruction of the New Zealand-based IMVIA. But Graeme Macdonald, IMVIA’s National Executive North Island Chairman, says these claims are a complete fabrication. “The rhetoric of the story is short on factual content. It’s no secret that the IMVIA was requested by our Australian partners to help set up their association and we’ve been contracted to them for a two-year period. “We are there to provide assistance with logistics, research, operations and other services. We also offer guidance and direction on the structure and function of a Board and it’s part of the contract that we have. “AIMVIA is an Australian-run organisation and we have been completely open about our involvement. As for a ‘Treasure Island’, I have never heard that phrase used before, by anyone I’ve spoken to in the New Zealand vehicle industry.”