Clean car eligibility warning
The Imported Motor Vehicle Industry Association (VIA) is advising members to check the updated safety ratings on the Rightcar website as the eligibility of some models for the clean car discount may have changed.
In an email alert, it notes Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency has released the new information for 2023 along with details about crash avoidance features in used imports.
VIA reminds members that to be eligible for a rebate under the clean car discount scheme, a vehicle must have a safety rating of three stars or more on the Rightcar website at the time of registration.
“The updated safety ratings may affect the clean car discount for some vehicles,” it adds.
“As an example, based on the 2022 safety ratings, six model generations, including the 2005-2011 Toyota Vitz and Yaris, are no longer eligible but 10 others are now eligible.
“Make sure that you check vehicles you intend to import using the dealer resources on the Rightcar website to ensure you are not caught out.”
VIA concludes its February 7 alert by saying the agency reviews safety ratings for all vehicles on an annual basis, normally in December, so the information will change again for 2024.
Anyone with a query about vehicle safety ratings on Rightcar is advised to contact Waka Kotahi at safevehicles@nzta.govt.nz.
