VIA to review clean cars policy
An industry organisation will consider reviewing its policy stance on the government’s clean cars programme.
The Imported Motor Vehicle Industry Association (VIA) changed its position in October 2021 to support the policies, under which the clean car discount has been rolled out and the clean car standard continues to be developed.
The matter was raised at VIA’s annual general meeting in Auckland on June 23 when members asked that if there was a change of government, would it be worthwhile for VIA to reconsider its position on this matter.
David Vinsen, chief executive, told Autofile Online that the association decided to get behind the policies last year for the right reasons and that VIA has seen some benefit from that decision, although it may be worthwhile to reconsider where it sits on the issue.
“In light of the difficulties that have been experienced with the implementation of the clean car discount, we do have concerns about the clean car standard,” he says.
“That said, supporting the clean car policies has improved VIA’s access to the minister. For example, we [the used-imports industry] were given the same penalties for the discount as the new-vehicle industry, but that was never in the consultation process.
“I was able to contact the Minister of Transport privately about this. He then prepared a paper for cabinet and had that changed. That came about because of VIA having a seat at the table. We will now look at our support in a different light and review our position.”
Chris Stephenson, pictured, VIA’s chairman, says: “Our council will continue to review our policy positions. A big topic moving ahead will be the impact of the clean car standard.
“There have been a lot of teething issues with the clean car discount and these could be compounded by the standard. It will certainly be an issue our council continues to discuss this year.”
VIA’s future direction
This year’s AGM was “all about thanking David for all the work he has done for VIA over the past 19 years”, says Stephenson, after it was announced Vinsen would be transitioning to retiring from his role over the coming year.
“We have yet to make decisions on what to do in the future,” adds Stephenson. “At the moment, it’s about creating space in our budgets, and that includes looking at a role that focuses on membership engagement and communication.
“Any association is only as successful as its members think it is. We’ve found ourselves in a position of not necessarily getting in front of our members as best as we can, so improving our level of engagement is a top priority.”
Stephenson is pleased VIA managed to “squeeze out a surplus” from the 2021/22 financial year and emphasises the association needs to “build up some cash again”.
