THE TRUSTED VOICE OF NZ’s
AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY SINCE 1984

January issue out now

The Imported Motor Vehicle Industry Association (VIA) is calling on the government to create demand incentives for Kiwis to switch to lower-emissions models following the axeing of the clean car discount (CCD). 

It’s hoping to meet with the Minister of Transport for talks soon and is keen for the coalition to put a greater focus on refreshing the existing fleet.

Brian McCutcheon reflects on Autofile’s heritage as he retires as publisher. “If you had asked the 15-year-old me what I’d finish up doing immediately before retiring, I’m not sure I would have replied ‘being involved in a car industry magazine’,” he quips.

Drive Electric warns weakening the clean car standard in addition to biffing the CCD could mean between 100,000 and 350,000 fewer electric cars on our roads by 2030. Find out why.

The government passed legislation repealing the CCD from January 1 after an amendment bill raced through parliament. We report on the political shenanigans.

James Hendry, of AdTorque Edge NZ, has some top tips on why regular digital health checks are essential for ensuring your online offering is making the right impression with its audience, adapting to shifting trends and maximising returns.

Vehicle emissions and energy economy labels and information on stock offered for sale – on yards and online – needed to be updated from the start of 2024 when the feebate scheme was chopped.

First online and now first in print. Autofile looks back at 2023’s industry statistics as Ford’s Ranger became last year’s number-one model despite the impact of the CCD on the market.

• Loretta Thompson, learning and development manager of the Motor Trade Association, on attracting younger talent into the automotive space.

• The world has enough raw materials, such as lithium and other battery metals, to continue transitioning from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources, says Drive Electric.

• The positioning of EVs as premium goods by manufacturers ends up being a roadblock to future sustainability, contends VIA’s Kit Wilkerson.

• The Toyota 86 Championship has attracted big entry numbers as it celebrates a full decade of top-level racing. The grid of 24 promises some of the best action since the inaugural season.

Plus: In-depth review of 2023, Steve Prangnell’s 40-year career with Toyota NZ and casting an eye back on last year’s concept cars.

To view online, click here.

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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