April issue out now!

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”. 

VIA’s David Vinsen explains what’s on the used-imports sector’s agenda – from logistics, storage and cash flow, to biosecurity, customs and tax. David Crawford, of the MIA, says the long-term future of the new-vehicle sector hinges on demand when we come out of the national lockdown. And the MTA’s Greig Epps tackles the vehicle-inspection sector and what “essential services” means.

Our in-depth industry statistics has everything you need to know about how different sectors performed last month. It includes interviews with some of the top players in the trade, as well as car dealers and how they have been coping.

Ports of Auckland is gearing up for a busy month with vessel arrivals and Biosecurity NZ inspectors dockside after being recalled from Japan, and we take a look at what’s happening with NZX-listed Colonial Motor Company and Turners.

Kit Wilkerson, of VIA, covers how history has shown that border closures can be effective in preventing pandemics from spreading, the MTA’s Tony Everett has top tips on how dealers can be productive during the lockdown and Mark Baker reports “rays of sunshine are visible” in Kiwi motorsport.

The April issue of Autofile, which is being distributed in digital form only with the government’s lockdown not allowing the magazine to be printed, has much more than just the Covid-19 crisis.

We profile Sean Stevens on his rise to the top to become CEO of VINZ, probe into what the new-look VIA will be doing and take a close look a vehicle dwell times at Ports of Auckland. 

Kiwi legend Gordon Legge, TV producer and director, and race and Targa competitor, talks about being appointed to the Australian Auto-Sport Alliance’s international advisory board, Flip The Fleet calls for action to boost the uptake of electric cars and Geneva gets cancelled but the motor show goes on – virtually.

Until the next issue of the magazine comes out, be sure to follow the news online, reported responsibly and reliably, with Autofile – the trusted voice of the motor-vehicle industry for more than 30 years. Darren Risby, editor.