Career dedicated to car industry
John Nicholls will be remembered with affection by many people in New Zealand’s automotive industry.
Around 1970, he became branch councillor to the Motor Trade Association in Gisborne and five years later he separated the vehicle-sales division out of the association to form the Motor Vehicle Dealers’ Institute (MVDI) before becoming its first president.
Nicholls launched his lifelong career in the automotive industry after World War II and witnessed the changes that occurred during more than half a century as our economy progressed from one of unsustainable protectionism to one that was highly deregulated.
Below is an extract about him from the book, From The Rising Sun To The Long White Cloud – the history of used-car importing to New Zealand. It was published in 2014 by 4 Media Ltd, which owns Autofile, for the IMVIA to celebrate the silver anniversary of the used-vehicle import association.
“Throughout John Nicholls’ lifetime in the motor-trade industry, he accumulated decades of experience working with various associations and government departments. His father was a car dealer and throughout the mid-20th century, he introduced his son to influential politicians.
“In 1975, the Motor Vehicle Sales Act was introduced, which led to the formation of the Motor Vehicle Dealers’ Institute. Nicholls was responsible for planning and implementing the separation of the vehicle-sales division out of the Motor Trade Association to form the MVDI.
“The government wanted legislation to control the activities of car dealers, so the new organisation was charged with providing discipline in the industry, warranties and improving the image of dealers. To hold a licence, traders had to contribute to the Motor Vehicle Dealers’ Fidelity Guarantee Fund, which was managed by a separate part of the MVDI. It reimbursed consumers if it was proven they had been wronged by a car dealer.
“Nicholls was on the MVDI’s disciplinary committee. If members were expelled from the organisation, they lost their motor-vehicle dealer’s licences. He was also involved in drafting regulations, all of which gave him experience for his role with the Licensed Motor Vehicle Dealers’ Importers Association.
“At the time, the MVDI dealt with new cars, franchises and dealerships, and the used-car industry became of interest to the organisation when import-licensing rules changed. The MVDI mainly represented franchise and motorcycle dealers, and was not in a position to advocate for used-import dealers, who were often in competition with them.”
© 4 Media Ltd
