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VINZ to provide global inspection and audit to THL

Posted on 18 September, 2017
VINZ to provide global inspection and audit to THL

One of New Zealand’s and the world’s largest operators of motorhomes has voluntarily opted into an independent and random safety inspection program for their commercial fleet. Tourism Holdings Limited (THL) will subject their fleet to the inspections from Vehicle Inspection New Zealand (VINZ) throughout NZ, Australia, the United States of America and the United Kingdom. THL operates under the Maui, Britz, Mighty, KEA Australia and Motek Vehicle Sales brands. Within NZ, THL also operates Kiwi Experience and other localised tourism operations. THL chief executive Grant Webster says that in the RV industry, the biggest health and safety risk is moving vehicles. “We do all we can to ensure the safety of our fleet - giving customers peace of mind along with other road users. This initiative is part of our continued commitment to having the safest fleet of commercial motorhomes on the road – both in New Zealand and around the world,” Webster said. VINZ will carry out the inspections on-site at THL facilities, providing the equipment and staff in each location. The vehicles will be serviced a checked by an onsite mechanic team as each camper is returned and before it leaves the site. VINZ will provide the service directly in New Zealand and Australia, and will deliver the audits through other companies in Optimus Group (of which VINZ is a subsidiary) in markets where it does not have a direct presence. “This agreement, and the work we have put into developing a service delivery and reporting model, represents an opportunity for VINZ to demonstrate its ability to provide customised inspection services on a global scale,” says VINZ Chief Executive, Gordon Shaw. “By working with other Optimus Group companies and their affiliates we can inspect to a global standard and also ensure compliance with regulatory standards in each sovereign market.” VINZ and THL have a longstanding partnership incorporating entry certification for imported vehicles, along with onsite Certificate of Fitness Testing. Vehicles rented through Mighway, THL’s peer-to-peer campervan hire company, will also be part of the independent testing.