THE TRUSTED VOICE OF NZ’s
AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY SINCE 1984

November issue out now

Changes to legislation are delaying efforts to transition the fleet to zero and low-emissions models and could cost the economy billions of dollars, warns Drive Electric.

Legal action has been filed against the Minister of Transport over the clean car standard. The Better NZ Trust wants changes Simeon Brown made to targets earlier this year quashed. We investigate the high-court claim.

Autofile brings you in-depth coverage of the Financial Services Federation’s conference as the finance sector urges the government to get on with changing credit legislation to help improve consumer access to vehicle loans.

Dean Sheed talks about leaving European Motor Distributors. He has clocked up some 37 years in the industry and is now mulling over what to set his sights on next.

Europe and Chinese marques went up against each other at Paris Motor Show, especially in the EV space as the EU gears up for import tariffs.

The Motor Trade Association has welcomed Apprenticeship Boost being extended for the car industry. Now it’s keen to have talks with the government about funding.

The utility market will face a shake-up in 2025’s third quarter when the Kia Tasman, expected to be available in at least 10 variants, touches down in New Zealand.

Industry legend Malcolm Yorston has been growing his beard for the past year, but it will soon be getting the chop to raise money for Leukaemia & Blood Cancer NZ. You can donate via https://lbc-community-fundraising.raisely.com/malc-yorston.

AutoFlip NZ has struck a deal to access Gulliver Japan’s inventory of up to 20,000 units and is offering them to Kiwis as part of an import package. 

• Ben McFadgen, of the Rental Vehicle Association, explains why changes to freedom camping rules are causing headaches.

• The CEOs of two NZX-listed companies remain positive about the future despite the economic downturn.

• James Hendry, of AdTorque NZ, on why programmatic advertising is driving performance in the car industry.

• Kit Wilkerson, of VIA, warns resisting the switch could be dangerous amid a “noticeable” rise in anti-EV sentiment.

• Larry Fallowfield, of the MTA, explains why teamwork will help keep your business on track during tough times.

• Blackwells Mazda in Christchurch has signed up as a commercial partner with Matatū rugby team.

• The motor-vehicle traders register has been revamped and now boasts better online security.

Plus: Winger Motors West Auckland and Ingham Great Lake in Taupo expand, industry movers, disputes and first in print with in-depth October statistics. Autofile – simply the best coverage of issues affecting New Zealand’s car industry.

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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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