Fears vehicle safety progress at risk

The Motor Industry Association (MIA) warns safety standards for vehicles imported into New Zealand risk falling behind other markets after the government scrapped plans to mandate a number of driver-assistance features.

The coalition consulted on proposals late last year to make a number of systems compulsory for new and used light imports, but this week announced it was not going ahead with any of the potential changes.

“MIA is disappointed by the government’s decision not to introduce new safety requirements for imported vehicles,” an MIA spokesperson told Autofile Online. 

“MIA advocated for these technologies to be adopted in line with established international standards and with practical implementation timeframes. 

“Technologies such as autonomous emergency braking and lane-keeping systems are proven to reduce crashes, and New Zealand risks falling out of step with other countries introducing these requirements.

“While many new vehicles already have these safety features, and manufacturers will continue to introduce them, the question now is how New Zealand will maintain progress in vehicle safety without additional mandatory entry standards.”

The proposals, announced as part of land-transport rule reforms, would have required imported light vehicles to have lane-departure warning or lane-keep assist, autonomous emergency braking, and an acoustic warning system on EVs and hybrid units. 

The suggested start dates were October 2026 for new models and July 2027 for existing models and used imports.

Mandating those systems for new and used heavy vehicles was also considered, along with electronic stability control and anti-lock braking systems.

James Meager, Associate Minister of Transport, says he decided against going ahead with the plans as many new vehicles crossing the border already have the suggested features, which are expected to become standard over time.