August issue out now

Advice issued by the Climate Change Commission forecasts all new and used light imports will be zero-emitters by 2040. And it tips new battery electric vehicles (BEVs) are tipped to reach price parity with fossil-fuelled cars within the next eight years. Plus: Industry reaction and what could be in New Zealand’s fourth emissions budget for 2036-40.

The clean car standard targets for the next five years have been changed based on advice from the Ministry of Transport, which warned the previous goals for imported light vehicles were unlikely to be achieved. 

A milestone survey shows the economic footprint of the historic and classic vehicle sector comes in at $16.5 billion. That’s the major finding research commissioned by the NZ Federation of Motoring Clubs, which will be used as a “gateway” to the sector’s future.

Demand for car finance is down by about one-quarter on last year. However, the sector is due a silver lining and “thankfully, there’s a small one on the horizon”, says Lyn McMorran, of the Financial Services Federation. Plus: Phase two of the government’s proposed reforms will make more substantial changes to legislation.

Dealers report a “grim” start to 2024 with lower-than-usual vehicle sales and a number of businesses closing, but they are optimistic it won’t take much for the market to improve.

• Geneva Finance plans to focus more on growing its core business after delisting from the NZX and moving to the Unlisted Securities Exchange. 

• Auto Trader, taken over last year by the Optimus Group, reveals how it is preparing to rebrand and launch a new-look platform.

• Provident Insurance has launched a new platform for its products after spending 18 months developing the digital system to enhance its offering and service delivery.

• James Hendry, of AdTorque Edge, explains why a key to capturing a higher portion of in-market buyers is delivering a modern and performance-driven website. And he’s got some tips on achieving that.

• The switch to BEVs “requires an innovative approach that directly empowers people in the energy transition”. Read what VIA’s Kit Wilkerson has to say on the subject.

• Australasia’s first zero-emissions hydrogen refuelling network has been launched in New Zealand. 

• Larry Fallowfield, of the Motor Trade Association, reflects on a whirlwind start to 2024’s second quarter as team members covered industry events.

• Christchurch-born Ryan Yardley has scored his first-ever Porsche Carrera Cup North America victory.

Plus: July’s industry statistics, Kiwis finish second and third in Formula E series, new cars, disputes, movers, VIA appoints new chairman and much more.

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