July issue out now

The Financial Services Federation (FSF) is backing a raft of proposed changes to amend “inflexible” and “onerous” lending laws and improve access to car finance. The government plans to alter the responsible lending code and overhaul other rules affecting the sector, although the FSF warns it should take its time over some of the reforms.

The Motor Industry Association is concerned plans to introduce “outrageous” charges to recover costs for the clean car standard may leave importers of new and used vehicles facing a bill of $21.1 million. The Imported Motor Vehicle Industry Association (VIA) also has concerns about some of the potential impacts of a government amendment bill that was passed under urgency in parliament last month. 

Industry stalwart Malcolm Yorston asks, isn’t it about time we had a rethink about allowing left-hand-drive vehicles on our roads? Not only would they expand choice, they could also help us meet decarbonisation targets.

Displaying or promoting the correct ratings encourages people to buy safer vehicles and reduces the potential for complaints due to false advertising, says the NZTA. And they are a useful sales tool for car dealers.

We have highlights from last month’s Fieldays, including BYD’s Shark and the Toyota Hilux Hybrid. Plus: Mad Mike Whiddett with the Chevrolet Silverado HD, KMG’s all-electric Torres EVX and more.

Right to repair is a “vital step towards sustainability and economic fairness”, says VIA’s Kit Wilkerson. That said, he adds implementing it must consider our market’s dynamics, and balance the needs of consumers, importers and manufacturers.

The Motor Trade Association’s dealer attitude survey embarked on a new digital journey in 2023. Larry Fallowfield says dealerships are invited to be part of a collective effort that shapes their future relationships with distributors. 

The government has confirmed the heat-treatment season for stink bugs will continue to run from September to April despite unconfirmed industry concerns the period when used imports from Japan needed to be treated could be extended.

James Hendry, of AdTorque Edge NZ, explains why car dealers are introducing programmatic display advertising to their strategies. They appear as mini billboards across popular websites reaching 80 per cent of Kiwis.

Andrew Cassin, the founder of CO2X which trades CCS carbon credits, predicts prices will remain stable in the short term before increasing in the final few months of 2024.

Toyota NZ resumed deliveries of the Japan-built Yaris Cross last month after shipments were suspended due to issues with certification testing.

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