March issue out now
Car dealer complaints are set to hit their highest level in three years with more than 100 made to Duncan Connor, registrar of motor-vehicle traders, in seven months.
Talking to Autofile, Connor says concerns about unregistered trading are the most common cause of grievance and the increase follows a request for legitimate dealers to provide information about those flouting the law.
Importers face having to fork out millions of dollars in penalty fees under the clean car standard over coming years unless there’s a “massive swing” to purchasing EVs. Automotive business consultant Phill Haynes explains why.
Christchurch-based SBL, the used-vehicle importer and distributor, is aiming to double its market share in the next three years. And managing director Simon Beirne tells Autofile why the brand is being refreshed, which includes launching a new website.
Ben McFadgen, chief executive officer of the Rental Vehicle Association, says regulatory obstacles are limiting the sector’s productivity. Plus: the impact of tourism in this country “flatlining”.
The prime minister has officially opened a new Lexus franchise in east Auckland. Following on from Autofile Online’s exclusive report and pictures, we have extra coverage in this issue of the magazine.
The government has responded to a monitoring report on reducing transport emissions in the wake of policies, such as the clean car discount, being canned. Plus: what the ETS is all about, and the role of technology and innovation in tackling pollution.
Turners has revised its 2024/25 guidance to at least $53 million net profit before tax, Geneva Finance has posted a profit jump of 97 per cent for the nine months to December 31 and Colonial’s half-year profits are $6.9m.
• DPL Insurance has rebranded itself as Autosure Insurance to eliminate creating any potential for clients to get confused between the two.
• Carolyn McMahon has made history by being appointed as the first female president of Honda NZ.
• James Hendry, of AdTorque Edge NZ, looks into the changing behaviour of buyers and the impact on how car dealers do business.
• Larry Fallowfield, of the MTA, reveals some of the not-so-great experiences he had when visiting dealerships to purchase a new family SUV.
• VIA’s Kit Wilkerson comes up with a system he says is a smarter way to manage the fleet that’s fair, effective and works for the Kiwi market.
Plus: Red Bull junior driver Arvid Lindblad’s domination of New Zealand’s top single-seater series, change at the Giltrap Group and other industry movers, dealership awards and in-depth statistics when you need them.
Autofile magazine bringing you the news that matters.
To read the March edition of Autofile, click here.
