Trade Me backs CCS overhaul
Trade Me Motors has welcomed the government’s proposed revisions to the clean car standard (CCS), saying the adjustments strike a more realistic balance between environmental ambitions and the practical realities of global vehicle supply.
Over the past year, rising penalties under the scheme on top of strong international competition for used vehicles – particularly from Japan – have contributed to higher average prices and a declining supply of imports.
The company believes recalibrating the standard will help restore access to the types of vehicles most New Zealanders rely on every day.
Steve Vermeulen, industry relations manager at Trade Me Motors, says: “We support this revision to the CCS as it will make the best-quality vehicles Kiwis can realistically access from supply chains more affordable.
“In essence, the revised penalties mean more choice and more affordable pricing for Kiwis as we all recover from a tough financial climate.”
Vermeulen, pictured, describes the intent of the original CCS as well-meaning, but the pace and scale of its targets have resulted in unintended consequences especially for used-vehicle supply where New Zealand depends on overseas production decisions.
“As a market, we have no control over what cars are produced,” he says. “The originally proposed CCS, while ambitious in its environmental goals, has contributed to a much narrower window of vehicles that could be supplied at reasonable costs.
“For everyday New Zealanders, that has meant fewer options and incrementally higher prices at a time when households can least afford it. The ongoing concern is Kiwis may then hold onto their older cars longer, which has negative implications for the overall safety and emissions of our fleet.”
Trade Me Motors expects the revised CCS settings to help stabilise used-car pricing, support healthier supply and maintain the country’s momentum towards lower-emissions transport without placing undue pressure on families, essential workers and small businesses.
