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NZ AUTO INDUSTRY FOR 40 YEARS

September issue out now

Industry faces anxious wait over changes to vehicle exhaust emissions rule, lobby group calls for next government to retain clean car policies, new chief executive for VIA, disputes, in-depth statistics and much more.
Posted on 06 September, 2023
September issue out now

Industry associations and their members are on tenterhooks waiting for news on how vehicle exhaust emissions will be changing – but they may have to wait until after next month’s general election. The Ministry of Transport had to analyse 77 submissions on the draft plans and its advice to the minister was only sent late last month.

Drive Electric is urging the next government to retain the clean car discount and standard. The lobby group believes the two policies will continue to incentivise the uptake of electric vehicles (EVs) over a short time horizon. Autofile talks to chairman Mark Gilbert about the road ahead.

Fees for regulatory services provided by Waka Kotahi have been given final government approval to change from October 1, with the charges for some services increasing and others being cut altogether

Greig Epps will be a “very good fit” as chief executive of the Imported Motor Vehicle Industry Association (VIA) says chairman Frank Willett. Epps is a familiar face in the car industry following his eight-year spell with the Motor Trade Association (MTA).

Members of the used-imports industry have gathered in Auckland to farewell David Vinsen, who has retired after 20 years as its chief executive. We have a report and photos from the night.

Larry Fallowfield has taken over from Tony Everett as sector manager – dealers at the MTA. While some traders’ sales have slowed, he’s hearing of “some great positives coming out of the tough times”.

• Representatives from the four main political parties shared their views on issues affecting the automotive industry during a special debate, with the fate of the clean car discount a major talking point.

• Lyn McMorran, of the Financial Services Federation, provides an update on changes to consumer credit laws and yet another government review.

• Liam Lawson makes his breakthrough into F1, while a number of other Kiwi drivers are also feeling on top of the world after success on the international stage.

• Lead-generating tools dealers are making available on their websites are giving buyers what they want, says AdTorque Edge’s Todd Fuller. 

• VIA’s Kit Wilkerson explains how and why the car industry can be part of the solution when reducing emissions from transport.

• Plus: new cars, disputes, in-depth statistics and much more.

To read the September edition of Autofile, click here.