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Warning issued over car imports

VIA is advising used-vehicle importers to steer clear of models fitted with 760MHz technology or risk falling foul of the law.
Posted on 31 August, 2020
Warning issued over car imports

The Imported Motor Vehicle Industry Association (VIA) is advising its members that 760MHz technology is illegal in this country.

Malcolm Yorston, technical manager, says used vehicles with the technology are now becoming available in Japan, but 760MHz is a radio frequency owned by telecommunications companies in New Zealand.

“It is illegal to import or possess a device that can broadcast on this frequency without a licence, whether the device is active or not,” says Yorston.

“There are large fines under the Radiocommunications Act for possession – as opposed to ownership – of the transmitters. This means people transporting or working on vehicles in New Zealand are potentially affected by this legislation.

“VIA has been working closely with government and industry to prevent importers and the motor industry inadvertently breaking the law.”

The association advises against importing vehicles with 760MHz technology, or disable or disconnect its transmitting devices before import, and consult with agents and inspection companies about identifying affected vehicles.

“The Japanese government is encouraging the use of 760MHz technologies,” adds Yorston. “We understand Toyota is the only manufacturer to date to release vehicles with this technology and is using this frequency in ITS Connect. 

“This should not be confused with ITS Spot, Toyota Connect or T-Connect. In most affected models, ITS Connect is an option ordered at the point of sale.”

Vehicles with ITS Connect – as shown in the picture with this story – will have an option for this in its “features” menu. The ability to access this menu indicates the presence of the technology. ITS Connect may be in the menu even if it’s not installed, but it can only be selected or navigated into if the technology is fitted.

“The ignition must be on for the menu to be accessed,” says Yorston. “But the vehicle does not have to be moving, which means it could easily be checked prior to purchase.”

He adds VIA has information on what following models have the potential to be fitted with ITS Connect. As a manufacturer option, these are the Lexus RX, Prius PHV, Prius and Crown from 2016 onwards. The Lexus LS from 2018 onwards has it equipped standard in all variants.

From 2018 onwards, ITS Connect is a manufacturer option with the Harrier, Alphard and Vellfire. It’s equipped as standard in advanced variants, and likely as an option in others, when it comes to the Lexus RX, ES and UX from 2018.

It was a dealer option in the Noah from 2018 and may only be in the ambulance model of the Hiace from 2021. ITS Connect was kitted out as standard in Toyota buses from 2021. Yorston notes other models from 2016 may be affected.

VIA recommends its members avoids these models and disable devices in those identified with ITS Connect. This can be done by accessing the ITS Connect devices, which are likely to be located under the passenger-side dashboard. 

This may require the removal of internal trim, which creates a risk of damage. Then cut and remove as much of the power cable as possible before clearly marking the cable and device with a “do not reconnect” tag.

However, there’s a warning and that’s this technology can be disabled from within the ITS Connect menu. Doing so stops the vehicle from broadcasting. This does not remove the risk of it being turned back on, but is not sufficient meet New Zealand statutory requirements.

More information about intelligent transport systems can be found on the government’s Radio Spectrum Management website. Read more about ITS Connect on Toyota’s website. For questions on importing vehicles with 760MHz transmitting technology, email technical@imvia.co.nz.