Industry facing ‘transformative change’

A new appointment at the Motor Industry Association (MIA) says he is stepping into the role at a time when the automotive industry is facing one of its biggest challenges.

Mark Stockdale is joining the organisation as principal technical adviser from March 1 following 16 years at the AA, where he is currently principal adviser.

He is replacing Leo Mortimer who worked part-time at the MIA, whereas Stockdale’s position will be full-time.

Stockdale, pictured, will be helping shape the MIA’s submissions on the government’s clean-car policies and he says the shift away from petrol and diesel vehicles will bring substantial change.

“I think the biggest challenge for the new-vehicle industry is the de-carbonisation of transport and electrification of vehicles,” he tells Autofile Online. 

“The challenge is not only the new technology, cost premium, global availability and vehicle choice, but also changes to retail business models in terms of financing, different ownership models and servicing and parts. 

“I think the vehicle industry has had some big challenges over the years, but a fundamental change to the motive power that has served motor vehicles since their invention has to be one of the biggest – and I’ll be joining the new-vehicle industry at this moment of transformative change.”

At the MIA, Stockdale will be responsible for some of the organisation’s committees and statistical management as well as assisting with policy work. 

He believes his experience at the AA, where he started as a motoring policy analyst, and nine years as executive officer at the Bus & Coach Association prior to that will stand him in good stead.

“I’ve worked in the transport sector for nearly 25 years, particularly in the policy area so I have plenty of knowledge of transport legislation, regulations and rules, doing analysis and preparing submissions, and advocacy,” he says. 

“In fact, I’ve worked for two different transport associations – one big and one small – so I’m pretty familiar with the management of member-based organisations and stakeholder management, which I will be able to bring to the MIA.”

Strong relationships

The car enthusiast says he hopes as part of his new job he will be able to continue to foster strong relationships with other automotive organisations.

“From my time at the AA I have worked closely on various policy issues with the motor vehicle sector – particularly the MIA, VIA and MTA, and I have always been impressed by how well we collaborated and how much in agreement we were, despite representing different members,” he explains. 

“One thing I expect to bring is to continue to have those constructive relationships and to jointly push for the fairest outcome for the motor vehicle industry in the interests of NZ inc.” 

Stockdale notes one his proudest achievements from his time with the AA has been his commentary on fuel prices to educate consumers of the proportion of the petrol price that is tax – over $1 per litre.

“There is now a greater public awareness of the big role this has on dictating the retail price,” he notes.

Another highlight was, after assessing the evidence, supporting the review of the warrant of fitness frequency, which resulted in an annual WOF for cars built from 2000 onwards – “even though this is still more frequent than many other countries that manage to have better road safety”.

He lists other notable moments with the AA as: “Seeing my advocacy of many years for service stations to display the price of premium grade petrol on roadside price boards finally coming to fruition following the recommendation in the Commerce Commission inquiry – itself something the AA had also wanted for several years. 

“This is a relatively minor change for servos but which will have a big impact on the many motorists who have no choice to buy premium grade petrol as it should bring to an end the days of servos charging an extra 30 cents or more for premium which could never be justified.

“My ongoing media commentary about unfair wheel-clamping practices led to the introduction of the Wheel Clamping Bill in 2019, which caps wheel clamping fees at $100.

“And our submission on the Regional Fuel Tax legislation led to the inclusion of a requirement for ongoing monitoring of the implications of the tax.”

Stockdale adds he feels fortunate to have been with the AA for so long but is looking forward to his new role, even if it will change his commuting habits.

“I’ve wanted to do something else for a little while – but still in my area of interest and expertise,” he says. 

“I won’t miss the amount of media attention the AA role brought, but something I will miss is walking to work each day, which I’ve done for over 20 years, rain or shine. 

“Now I’ll have to commute by car, just as we’re getting serious about alternative modes and reducing emissions – but hopefully I’ve built up some credit for all my environmentally-good behaviour over the last two decades!”