Used sector ‘helping decarbonise fleet’
The Imported Motor Vehicle Industry Association (VIA) says its members are helping New Zealand tackle its climate goals after new data shows a drop in household transport emissions.
However, it notes the latest Stats NZ figures on greenhouse gas emissions reveal a complex picture for the transport sector, “with important implications for our industry”.
The data reveals total emissions rose by 1.1 per cent in the June 2024 quarter, when compared with the first three months of the year.
As for household transport emissions, those fell by two per cent over the same time frame and by 4.6 per cent from the June 2023 quarter.
“This reduction is likely linked to several factors, including the ongoing trend of working from home [WFH], which has reduced the need for daily commutes,” says Greig Epps, VIA’s chief executive.
“However, we believe that another critical driver is the increasing uptake of low-emission vehicles, particularly hybrids and electric vehicles, that our industry has helped make more accessible to everyday Kiwis.”
He adds about half of all used vehicle imports over the past year have been hybrids, contributing significantly to the national fleet’s decarbonisation.
“Our sector's role in providing affordable, low-emission vehicles is clear, and we’ve seen the benefits not only in reduced emissions but also in providing Kiwi families with more sustainable transport options,” continues Epps, pictured.
On the commercial side, emissions from the transport, postal, and warehousing sector increased by 2.8 per cent year-on-year for the June quarter.
Epps says this may be largely due to the surge in online shopping and home delivery services as more people work from home.
“While the rise in this sector’s emissions is concerning, the overall reduction in household transport emissions is a positive trend, showing that our collective efforts are having an impact,” he adds.
“At VIA, we support the ongoing efforts of the heavy transport industry to reduce emissions. Innovation and collaboration will be key to achieving the reductions needed in commercial and logistics transport.
“Together, our industry is making a meaningful contribution to New Zealand’s climate goals. We will continue to advocate for sustainable practices and support the transition to a low-emission future.”
