December issue out now

The used-imports industry is facing a number of challenges in trying to secure ample stock of the cars they want from Japan as “turbulent” times impact the sector.

Disruption to new-car production worldwide and increased competition at auctions from markets with deeper pockets are all playing a part.

Autofile talks to industry experts on how these headwinds are affecting different parts of the supply chain and what the outlook is.

The phased roll-out of the clean car standard (CCS) is under way with importers now able to see the emissions ratings of light vehicles they bring into the country in their CO2 accounts ahead of the scheme’s official start date of January 1.

The payment of any charges under the scheme has been deferred by the government until June 1, a move described by the Motor Trade Association (MTA) as a “win for our industry”.

VIA’s Kit Wilkerson provides some figures – for indicative purposes only – on what CCS charges and credits will apply on the top 25 used models imported during September and October this year. Plus: The Motor Industry Association’s view on new motorbikes and mopeds now being excluded from the standard.

Protecta Insurance is preparing for the dual challenges of advances in vehicle technology and changing consumer behaviour after being taken over by New York-based Assurant. Autofile talks to Hemaka Perera, who now leads the Protecta team. He is Assurant’s president for Australia, New Zealand and Singapore.

More than 270 dead brown marmorated stink bugs have been discovered on roll-on, roll-off vessels heading to New Zealand since the start of the current high-risk season. Biosecurity NZ says ships’ crews handed over 272 dead bugs found between September 1 and November 2 to officers on arrival. A further 11 dead bugs were in a vehicle from the US.

Companies operating in the motor-vehicle finance industry have scored some notable victories at an awards ceremony. The Financial Services Federation staged the event in Auckland on November 16 following a two-year hiatus. Find out who the award winners were.

The Ford Ranger has been named the 2022 AA Driven New Zealand Car of the Year after judges described its latest iteration as being “as fit for purpose as ever”. BYD’s Atto 3 and Mitsubishi’s Outlander also made the top three.

A regulator’s report into board changes at NZ Automotive Investments, which owns 2 Cheap Cars, has concluded the company unintentionally breached an NZX directive.

Ian Pike, chief executive officer of the MTA, calls on the government to unlock the immigration gates to help tackle the automotive industry’s staffing crisis. Plus: Tony Everett’s review of the year.

The amount of time taken to process cars through Ports of Auckland has remained the same for the third year in a row.

Plus: AdTorque Edge’s Todd Fuller on the benefits of phone call-tracking systems, Farmer Autovillage in Mount Maunganui revamps Skoda facilities, Kiwi Brendon Hartley gets “job done” in Bahrain and in-depth industry statistics.

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