April issue out now

A last-minute change to the new exhaust emissions rule is expected just weeks before it comes into effect, prompting an industry association to urge the government to maintain “good dialogue” with the sector when updating regulations.

The plea from the Imported Motor Vehicle Industry Association (VIA) comes as it waits to see if a clause requiring imports inspected at the border before April 30 to “enter into service” within four months is removed or altered by officials. 

Autofile chats to Wallis Dumper following his departure from Inchcape and Subaru. “I’ve always believed it’s about the people,” he says. “A lot of the staff were there with me for a long time, some for 33 years.”

There are fears electric-vehicle sales will tumble and dealerships specialising in such models are at a greater risk of closing with the government applying RUC to them this month. We have the views of dealers, marques and industry organisations.

Natasha Callister, co-founder, Women in Automotive New Zealand, explains the organisation’s drive to promote female diversity in our car industry. In the coming months, it will drive accountability by launching an industry-wide membership accord.

Read Autofile’s interview with Shane van Gisbergen. Arriving as a rookie in the mauling, brawling madness of NASCAR, the 34-year-old races in the step-up Xfinity Series.

• We look back on Tom Peck’s career as he retires as CEO of Suzuki NZ.

• Obituary: Vern Whitehead, former publisher of magazines and websites covering the automotive industry, has died aged 83. 

• Larry Fallowfield explains what Learning Directory launched by the Motor Trade Association is all about – streamlining opportunities for businesses.

• Kia’s EV9 has been voted Women’s World Car of the Year. The awards were set up by Kiwi Sandy Myhre in 2009.

• It’s franchise awards season. We have the winners and photos from events hosted by Ford NZ and Mercedes-Benz.

• Video is one of the most effective forms of advertising. James Hendry, of AdTorque Edge NZ, explains why.

• VIA’s Kit Wilkerson is advocating for a new LF classification so New Zealand can import different types of ultra-light vehicles.

Plus: disputes, new cars, industry movers, in-depth statistics and much more.

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