Offering ‘solutions’ for sector

“The challenges are real, but we have solutions that we believe will carry us into the future.”

That’s the message from Lee Marshall, chief executive officer of the Motor Trade Association (MTA) following the launch of the organisation’s “call to action”.

Being a general election year, the MTA has launched a strategic publication called “Driving New Zealand Forward: future proofing the automotive industry”.

The publication lays out several challenges faced by the industry and how the MTA can work with the next government to address them for the benefit of all New Zealanders.

“A strong, healthy automotive industry isn’t just important to the thousands of Kiwis who work in it,” says Marshall, pictured.

“It’s essential for every community and family. We are a nation of motorists and travellers. We depend on driving to connect with loved-ones, to deliver goods and services and to explore our country.

“A strong automotive industry is one that’s committed to protecting everyone, whether that’s by making vehicles safer, creating strong and fair markets, or reducing harmful emissions and creating a safe environment for future generations.”

The 44-page strategy was launched at a function at parliament attended by Associate Transport Minister Kiritapu Allan. She was standing in Michael Wood, the Minister of Transport, who was in Auckland due to the flooding.

Julie Anne Genter, Simeon Brown and Simon Court, transport spokespeople for the Greens, National and Act respectively also gave speeches at the event.

The MTA’s calls to the next government – as first reported by Autofile Online on May 9 – include mandating emissions testing, resetting the warrant of fitness, phasing out the clean car discount and deferring the clean car standard, expanding the immigration system’s green list, accelerating electric-vehicle training and starting a scrappage scheme.

Marshall says: “We are ready to work with the government, all agencies and stakeholders to ensure New Zealand has the strong automotive industry it needs and deserves.”