November issue out now

The Financial Services Federation is urging the government to ensure changes to legislation avoid giving an unequitable edge to banks. 

It has responded to the latest – and, hopefully, final – tranche of draft rules for assessing borrowers’ expenses under the Credit Contracts and Consumer Finance Act. It’s this area that has created mayhem in the industry since major amendments to the act late last year. 

Autofile reports from the Motor Trade Association’s first national conference since the coronavirus pandemic struck. In-service emissions of the existing fleet and the safety of vehicles on our roads need to be considered as the industry shifts to greener times ahead, says president Bob Boniface.

And Michael Wood, Minister of Transport, spoke about the successes of the clean car discount. Plus: speeding up the removal of vehicles with one and two-star safety ratings from the fleet, and New Zealand’s skills shortage and immigration settings.

We have everything importers need to know and do ahead of the clean car standard’s launch on January 1. As revealed first by Autofile Online, the government has finally issued a timetable on the roll-out of the controversial scheme. And the regulations have been published, at last. “It’s really tight but better late than never,” warns David Crawford, of the Motor Industry Association.

Organisers are hoping next year’s Castrol Toyota Racing Series and its Toyota 86 Championship will reach more viewers worldwide than ever before. Next year’s TRS will be the first full international series since 2020 and should be viewable by fans in more countries.

The affairs of Autoterminal NZ are still being investigated as attempts continue to secure books and records held by parties overseas. The company’s liquidators reveal legal matters are still progressing and they can’t comment due to “commercial sensitivity”. 

Wayne Brown, Auckland’s new mayor, has written to POAL saying he no longer wants Bledisloe Wharf to be used for car imports. His letter to chairwoman Jan Dawson gives the company less than six months to come up with a plan.

Growing social awareness when it comes to climate change and global regulations on emissions are influencing consumer choices. Alex Gibbons, CEO of Colonial Motor Company, describes these issues as “changing the game” in the automotive industry. 

• Turners Cars has extended its national reach by opening dealerships in Nelson and Rotorua.

• AdTorque Edge’s Todd Fuller says it’s time for New Zealand’s car industry to prepare for a shake-up and embrace e-commerce. 

• Andrew Brough, head of auto and consumer at Avanti Finance Group, including BFS, on consumers’ changing expectations.

• And drastic change is needed to reach net zero, according to VIA’s Kit Wilkerson. Plus: Protecta Insurance set to be bought by an American company, transport agency issues acid-wash alert for importers, the future of Rally NZ and in-depth industry statistics.

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