The automotive industry’s creative side is kicking in as companies innovate in the face of Covid-19 adversity. Changing alert levels, travel restrictions, meeting consumers’ expectation
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Industry organisations and service providers across the supply chain seem pleased about one thing – that the NZTA has made a decision on the way forward in regards to its conflicts of interest, which ends months of uncertainty. Autofile talks to some of the main players and examines the agency’s policy decision in detail.
Vehicles will fail their WOFs from next year unless compulsory recalls for alpha-type Takata airbags have been closed out by December 31. The systems in more than 64,000 of about 82,000 affected vehicles here have been replaced, but the NZTA – in making another big decision – says further action is needed to complete the process.
The MTA is calling for WOF testers’ powers to be extended so they can flag unsafe dangerous cars that shouldn’t be driven after failing inspections. “All too often, an inspector fails a vehicle and then watches the owner drive it away knowing it poses a serious risk,” says Graeme Swan, sector manager for repairs.
Dean Sheed, general manager of Audi NZ Zealand, has never regretted choosing an internship with Ford NZ and turning down a similar offer from IBM. He had just graduated at a time when big multi-national companies used to conduct recruitment drives at universities. He chats to Autofile about his career and the industry – past, present and future.
VIA’s Kit Wilkerson has criticised proposals to reduce the environmental harm caused by cars. He says: “The stated justification for the government’s clean car policy is a dubious cost-benefit analysis, which is mostly unconvincing and – at times – outright disingenuous.”
Car-sharing operation Mevo has secured a government grant of $500,000 towards buying 100 EVs after securing co-funding from the low-emission vehicles contestable fund. The largest funding round so far will see 29 grant winners sharing $4.5 million.
Plus: We talk to Marcus Armstrong on his first race win at the Hungaroring in the “new” F3, the latest on Dermot Nottingham, new cars, disputes, great columnists and in-depth industry statistics – simply the best coverage around.
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New Zealand’s car industry is facing years in the doldrums with sales tipped to take longer to recover from Covid-19 than the GFC. The MIA’s David Crawford warns it will take abou
Three leading automotive industry organisations reveal their relief at talk of moving Ports of Auckland’s freight operations to Northland being scotched by a report commissioned by the governmen
The Motor Industry Association is seeking clarity about the possibility of new cars being dismantled on arrival in New Zealand to ensure no stink bugs hitch-hike across the border. It has raised the m
Car dealers are bracing for demand to outstrip stock after a brisk return to business following the Covid-19 shutdown. Sales and enquiries are already up to about 60 per cent of the levels seen before
How are dealers coping with the Covid-19 crisis? What do they have to do to operate under alert level three? What action will traders face if they flout the law? And what are our industry associations
March 2020 will be remembered as the month New Zealand united in the face of the global coronavirus pandemic. In this issue of Autofile magazine, we report on the “fight to keep the doors open&r
Holden dealers will be individually discussing compensation packages, but the Motor Trade Association understands the level of these “at face value is fair”. Tony Everett, dealer sector ma
Trade Me Motors says all car dealers could have offshore listings on the website if a pilot scheme is a success and there’s a demand for such a service. It has launched a trial for 200 listings
The industry will feel the full impact of electronic stability control (ESC) rule on the market by mid-2020, predicts Greg Hedgepeth, chief executive officer of Turners Cars. “End-users looking