THE TRUSTED VOICE OF NZ’s
AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY SINCE 1984

June issue out now!

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 government restrictions came into force, surpassing the industry’s expectations. VIA explains why if the activity seen at alert levels two and three continues, it may lead to a shortage of stock and says consumer confidence remains a key factor moving forward.

Autofile reveals how members of the automotive industry are raising flags with the government after China and South Korea exported stink bugs to New Zealand during the past high-risk season. The information – obtained by the magazine via an Official Information Act request – comes as the MPI wants to get tougher in its approach to biosecurity risks posed by the insects.

Trade Me vows that car dealers will be unaffected by an overhaul to its classifieds operations, which has resulted in motors, jobs and property becoming one division. The online platform says the service it provides companies will remain the same following the “tough decision” to change its business structure. 

As the world’s focus grows on electric vehicles, Vector has pulled together a group of experts to suggest ways batteries can be used once they are no longer needed in cars.

The MTA’s Tony Everett explains why it’s essential to follow Covid-19 rules as customers return, and AdTorque Edge’s Todd Fuller details why data is becoming more crucial than ever for dealers. Plus: VIA’s Kit Wilkerson on the circular economy, chaos at MotorSport NZ and in-depth industry statistics with cars being sold.

Autofile – first with the news that matters.

Once downloaded to your device or computer, Autofile magazine is best viewed in Adobe Acrobat Reader. Click here to download software.

Showing 12 of 12
Show
Autofile magazine 2026 / 3
March ’26

The number of used imports attracting border damage flags has more than doubled in the past year, despite the volume of cars coming into New Zealand dropping. VIA, which is in talks with the NZTA abou

Magazine05 Mar, 2026
Autofile magazine 2026 / 2
February ’26

The Motor Trade Association is lobbying for a maximum age of 10 years by 2030 for used cars coming into New Zealand to act as a safety proxy for entrants to the fleet. Find out why with Autofile. T

Magazine04 Feb, 2026
Autofile magazine 2026 / 1
January ’26

The government is being warned older cars will stay in the fleet for longer if ADAS mandates prevent safer models being imported, with industry associations also calling for realistic transition times

Magazine13 Jan, 2026
Autofile magazine 2025 / 12
December ’25

Regulators give their advice to loan providers in the automotive space as oversight of the non-banking sector is set to transfer from the Commerce Commission to the Financial Markets Authority. We

Magazine04 Dec, 2025
Autofile magazine 2025 / 11
November ’25

Autofile talks to experts about the downturn as dealer numbers drop, some sectors suffer more than others and the risk of liquidations is “fairly high”. It’s not all bad news, though

Magazine05 Nov, 2025
Autofile magazine 2025 / 10
October ’25

The number of registered traders has fallen to a 13-year low amid conditions many describe as among the toughest New Zealand’s vehicle market has experienced. We talk to three experts about what

Magazine05 Oct, 2025
Autofile magazine 2025 / 9
September ’25

The industry has broadly welcomed a major revamp of the clean car standard. The government plans to scrap the weight-adjustment system for imported passenger and light commercial vehicles. It will als

Magazine07 Sep, 2025
Autofile magazine 2025 / 8
August ’25

Finance providers and car dealers are hoping “necessary” reforms of lending laws will bring a period of consolidation for the sector after numerous changes over the past decade. We look in

Magazine04 Aug, 2025
Autofile magazine 2025 / 7
July ’25

Drive Electric says New Zealand risks missing out on a $100 billion-plus economic opportunity over the next five years unless the government changes its policies around EVs and accelerates plans to in

Magazine05 Jul, 2025
Autofile magazine 2025 / 6
June ’25

The government is being urged to overhaul the clean car standard because it’s preventing importers hitting goals set to reduce emissions, says the Imported Motor Vehicle Industry Association (VI

Magazine04 Jun, 2025
Autofile magazine 2025 / 5
May ’25

The Motor Trade Association warns a one-size-fits-all approach to right-to-repair laws is unsuitable for the car industry and may mean some marques exit the market. It’s working with dealers and

Magazine05 May, 2025
Autofile magazine 2025 / 4
April ’25

The annual number of used imports from Japan has tumbled by more than 30,000 with the clean car standard being blamed as a key factor for the downturn. Autofile talks to industry experts about the mar

Magazine03 Apr, 2025