Dealerships may be at risk of having sales scuppered and business jeopardised because of the time it can take to remove vehicles from the PPSR. Three electric-car makers are tackling safety issues
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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 manager, talks to Autofile about what’s happening across the country as the marque prepares to exit the market.
“It seems the cost of retaining it in such a small market didn’t stack up,” says David Crawford, of the Motor Industry Association. “GM’s decision illustrates issues manufacturers face when specialising with one brand in a regional economy.” We take a closer look at the bigger – and global – picture.
Meanwhile, Holden NZ says it will stand by its products and customers when sales of its new vehicles end by 2021, while Autofile examines how Holden has been faring when it comes to new-vehicle sales on both sides of the Tasman.
Franchise holders in NZ are keeping their cards close to their chest as talks over exit packages continue, and Autofile talks to one who cancelled his contract with Holden.
Plus: A Holden dealership in Masterton has secured a franchise agreement with Hyundai NZ for the Wairarapa that was previously held by a competitor down the road, we examine how it will be hit, and Holden NZ’s sales statistics for February.
In other news, the NZTA is urging for dealers to get up to speed with its new vehicle safety-ratings system. The Safe Vehicles Programme aims to get more people into new and used cars with four or five stars, and make safety a top factor when making their next purchase.
The government is working to find a “compromise” to ensure the feebate scheme goes ahead after a political stoush threatened to derail the plans. NZ First has been blamed for stalling it, but the Greens are hopeful the proposal will still go ahead.
Plans for New Zealand’s first nationwide hydrogen refuelling network are being backed by the Motor Industry Association as an important step towards a low-emissions transport sector. “We need to reduce emissions from our fleet and hydrogen can play an important role,” says chief executive David Crawford.
Karol Abrasowicz-Madej, managing director of BMW Group NZ, reveals how fate led him into a career in the automotive industry and how getting his first car in his mid-20s was a dream come true.
PLUS: AdTorque Edge’s Todd Fuller on managing your online community, VIA’s Kit Wilkerson on why sustainability is the key to the future, and flights of fancy in the shape of concept vehicles and new technology at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas.
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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
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