‘Monumental’ task for transport

The Motor Industry Association (MIA) has welcomed a draft report published by the Climate Change Commission into required pathways to reduce New Zealand’s greenhouse gas emissions. 

It describes it as “a significant contribution to the debate and documents the challenges ahead for all New Zealanders”.

David Crawford, chief executive, says none of the policies suggested by the Climate Change Commission are unexpected other than timelines for the uptake of electric vehicles (EVs) and banning pure petrol or diesel vehicles. 

“The task required to decarbonise our transport is monumental,” says Crawford, pictured. 

“In 2020, sales of vehicles with any form of electrification – hybrid, plug-in hybrid and fully electric – accounted for just 9.2 per cent of our sales with non-plug-in hybrid vehicles accounting for most of that with 7.3 per cent.

“Worldwide production of pure EVs is still a fraction of annual vehicle manufacturing.

“There needs to be a quantum shift in the availability of low-emission vehicles, including hydrogen, if we stand any chance of getting close to the targets the commission says are necessary. 

“The New Zealand market is too small for us to dictate to manufacturers what they build for us. We cannot lead the world on ICE [internal combustion engine] bans, but we can be a fast follower. We need policies that leverage worldwide available technology.”

Crawford adds the MIA has stated on many occasions that it supports well thought-out and constructive policies that will lead to an increased rate in the reduction of carbon-dioxide emissions from the country’s vehicle fleet.