IMVIA releases annual report
Record numbers of used and new vehicles have been imported into New Zealand over the 12 months ending March 2017, according to the annual report released today by the Imported Motor Vehicle Industry Association Incorporated (IMVIA). The number of cars and commercial vehicles registered in the 2016 calendar year totalled 303,000 – 160,000 used and 143,000 new vehicles. 175,000 vehicles also left the fleet via deregistration and scrappage. Revenue from memberships and sponsorships had increased, but income from technical services dropped, resulting in a loss of $118,587. IMVIA says this is due to a fall in technical services from vehicles requiring special certificates, and that current reserves means the association is still in a strong financial position. While there are no government-led initiatives in development affecting vehicle imports, the IMVIA spokesperson says that there is “considerable work being done by government and industry on technological developments that have the potential to bring significant changes to not only our industry, but the role of transport and vehicles in our lives.” “In particular, electric vehicles, intelligent transport, connected vehicles and mobility as a service are very much in focus in terms of future developments,” a spokesperson from the IMVIA added. Looking ahead, the IMVIA pointed to a range of issues set to affect importers and dealers in the future. In March 2018, all light passenger vehicles over 2000 cc are to be fitted with electronic stability control (ESC), and the IMVIA is researching models and variants that will fall under this category. The IMVIA has also met with Auckland Mayor Phil Goff in March to discuss the future of the Ports of Auckland, which is New Zealand’s main port of call for vehicle imports, and is now working with Northport, exploring the possibility of utilising Northland as an alternative in the future. The association will also redevelop its brand identity, with a new logo and a website to be revealed at the AGM in July.
