Autofile 7 May

The trusted voice of the auto industry for more than 25 years www.autofile.co.nz

Issue 8-2014 7 May 2014

Call for ESC dates to be postponed T

he Imported Motor Vehicle Industry Association (IMVIA) is asking the government to delay the introduction of mandatory electronic stability control (ESC) on used commercials when they cross the border.

It is among the organisations to have made a submission on the proposed staggered roll-out of the safety system.

Public consultation on the timetable started in early March with an amended land transport rule expected to be signed off by Michael Woodhouse, Associate

Minister for Transport, in early July.

He is looking at a staggered phase-in from July 2015 for new cars and light commercials, then used cars and used light passenger and goods vehicles first registered in New Zealand over the following six years.

The IMVIA is now lobbying for the implementation date of January 1, 2020, for used class NA vehicles to be moved back.

This is because the Japanese authorities have only recently announced the mandatory requirement for ESC to be installed

on new light commercials there from 2017.

“We haven’t had the opportunity to research the likely future availability of ESCcompliant stock for purchase,” explains David Vinsen, chief executive of the IMVIA. “We are sure, however, that with ownership cycles for light commercial vehicles – such as depreciation schedules and lease terms – there will be insufficient compliant stock available by 2020.

“Based on previous experience, it’s expected sufficient numbers of

O

which was a decrease of 130 units or 81.8 per cent.

Out of last year’s total, 20 were collision-damaged, six had been involved in fires and three fell into the storm-damaged category.

In 2012, there were 109 involved in crashes and 37 had been in storms with the rest being hail, fire or maliciously damaged.

p6 Minister listening on ESC p10 Jaguar unveils concept p14 Illegal car traders fined p16 Training for inspectors p18 Tribunal rebukes dealer p20 In-depth industry stats

Specialised training to increase your sales Find out more on Page 7

[continued on page 4]

Written-off imports decline fficial statistics show the number of statutory write-offs crossing the border from Australia dropped in 2013 and 2014, with the amount of used imports from there increasing this year.

The NZTA reports 29 written-off vehicles came across the Tasman last year compared to 159 in 2012,

In this issue

The figures come on the back of used imports from Australia tracking upwards. In the first quarter of this year, the total was 713. That was up by 85.2 per cent, or by 328 units, compared to the same period in 2013.

It means 2014 is likely to be the third year in a row used imports from Australia have gone

p12

Brian Gibbons on driving the AA forward

[continued on page 7]

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Changing behaviour key to safety

M

y wife insisted we join the AA before leaving Auckland on a tiki tour of the East Cape, which took in the region’s splendours from “Whale Rider beach”, to Tolaga Bay and the iconic lighthouse.

We both wanted the peace of mind of knowing that if the Mazda Familia finally gave up the ghost in the middle of nowhere we could call for help in the form of a recovery service – if there was any cellphone coverage, of course.

Such issues failed to materialise and some friendly locals would have come to the rescue anyway.

Little, however, did my wife next expect to need the AA on the busiest part of the country’s road network in the rush hour with darkness descending.

Her 20-odd-year-old MX-5 has no fuel-warning light and she ran out where there’s no hard shoulder, and where the southern and northwestern motorways converge like a bowl of spaghetti.

A call home resulted in trying to get the AA out, which never happened due to her cellphone packing in, so I went out and filled up the MX-5 close to an on-ramp where the police had shunted her.

Having jump leads in each car should never be underestimated and it was fortunate the MX-5’s battery is at the back.

So after experiencing the security being a member of a breakdown recovery brings, it felt good to pay the next year’s AA subscription even through no callouts had been needed.

A bubbly and polite operator – friendly, but not overfamiliar – answered the phone and was the epitome of efficiency. Banks and phone companies could learn some lessons.

But the highlight of my wife’s

membership was getting the latest issue of its Directions magazine.

Rarely does anyone read something that mirrors their own opinions, but that’s what Brian Gibbons’ editorial – the full version of which can be found online at www.autofile.co.nz – did.

He writes about drivers not being warned when fixed speed cameras are ahead.

At the moment, speeding motorists – unless they know where cameras are and slow down – get fined, but this does nothing to protect people in high-risk areas and that’s surely the point of these installations. Most drivers slow down if they see warning signs and will at least obey the limit in the accident blackspot, even if they go faster afterwards.

The logic behind this is flawless, but the system we have is another example of the authorities here doing the opposite of what’s practised in other countries – Australia, the UK, Sweden and Holland to name a few.

In the UK, warning signs were installed after cries of entrapment and fixed-location cameras are now everywhere.

There’s also a system that records average speeds, for example, at the start and end of a 10km stretch of a 70kph road to ascertain if the limit has been adhered to – with plenty of warning signs as well.

It’s worth bearing in mind that roads in many other countries, such as Australia, are also more suited to faster speeds than those in many parts of New Zealand. We’re told speed is a major contributor to our road toll, so perhaps it’s time for our authorities to learn some lessons from overseas.

Darren Risby, editor

Editor

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Darren Risby editor@autofile.co.nz 021 137 5430

Brian McCutcheon brian@autofile.co.nz 021 455 775

Journalist & Online producer

Designer

Cameron Carpenter cameron@autofile.co.nz

Adrian Payne arpayne@gmail.com

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news [continued from page 1]

‘Smooth’ delivery necessary ESC-equipped class NA vehicles will not be available until 2025 – eight years after the mandatory date for ESC in Japan.”

The IMVIA does, it stresses, fully support the intention to mandate the fastest practicable introduction and uptake of vehicles with the safety system installed into the national fleet.

In particular, it strongly backs the principle of a phased implementation schedule for used vehicles based on class.

“The schedule makes good sense because it first mandates the vehicles most at risk of loss-ofcontrol crashes and the availability of suitably compliant stock from Japan, our major source market,” says Vinsen.

As it stands, the government is proposing a January 2016 deadline for used class MC vehicles – four-

wheel-drive SUVs and off-road vehicles.

Used class MA vehicles – passenger cars – with engine capacities of more than two litres are set down for a January 1, 2018, cut-off point.

4 | www.autofile.co.nz

the updated entry standards immediately prior to those standards becoming effective.

“There’s no obvious reason why that additional cost should be imposed on the industry at that time.

“Date of registration also serves

“There is precedent in the way the vehicle exhaust emissions rule was implemented.” – David Vinsen, IMVIA BID TO BEAT BACKLOGS The IMVIA has submitted it should be mandatory for any vehicles imported under a border-check dispensation to be entry certified in preparation for registration with an MR2A issued

by July 1 of that year.

Vinsen says the Christmas and

Money-owing checks If you are about to trade a vehicle, you should verify there’s no money owing on it.

To perform a check, simply go to www.motorweb.co.nz and enter the registration plate.

MotorWeb’s vehicle information report (VIR) doesn’t just check for this, it also displays the number of owners, will tell you if the car is stolen and will highlight any odometer inconsistencies.

Financial securities can be registered against past plates as well, but the VIR also checks all of them for hidden securities.

Fair Go recently featured a woman who bought her mother’s car only to have it repossessed. In this case, a security was placed on it from a prior owner the mother was unaware of.

If the vehicle you want to trade has money owing, the most important thing is not to hand over any money, including a deposit, until it’s removed.

New Year holiday periods result in a reduction in staffing and access to specialist advice, making it difficult for agencies to ensure a “smooth implementation” of each phase of the ESC rule on January 1.

“The change we have proposed

The secured party – typically a finance company – will be able to discuss the details of the security with you and you need to get the seller to arrange for it to be removed.

Once the owner says the security has been removed, you should recheck the VIR to confirm the car has clear title because this is the only way to be certain.

If the seller is reliant on your money to repay the loan to the finance company, you can arrange to pay the lender yourself – don’t rely on the seller to do this – and pay the remaining amount to the seller.

In this situation, the seller will need to request a settlement statement and inform the lender you will be repaying the loan.

We recommend completing a purchase agreement before handing over any money.

Conrad Heaven

would achieve the intention of a definitive shut-off date of December 31 of the previous year, but would allow for a more practicable implementation process.

“There is precedent for such a procedure in the way the vehicle exhaust emissions rule was implemented.”

The requirement to complete entry certification within six months should allow enough time to process used imports “without diluting” the rule’s intention.

The IMVIA believes the definition of a “new vehicle” should be based on the date of manufacture – not first registration – and references to those being “first registered in New Zealand” changed to “border checked and details entered into the Landata system”.

The Motor Trade Association (MTA) agrees with the IMVIA that dates to apply ESC requirements should be tweaked.

Historically, compliance dates have been used as and when changes to entry standards have been introduced, and the registration date only recognises when a vehicle enters on-road use, which may be months after compliance.

Rob MacGregor, chief executive officer of the MTA, says: “The consultation document imposes an obligation on new and used importers to register existing vehicles that don’t meet

as an indicator of sales activity and forcing an arbitrary one-off change serves no useful purpose.”

The MTA says the first day of the year falls in a period usually typified by higher arrival volumes due to seasonal influences in Japan’s domestic market and the confines related to New Zealand’s holiday period.

It recommends consideration be given to moving implementation dates out to April 1 to “minimise the usual entry backlog”.

DATE FOR COMMERCIALS The IMVIA and MTA have supported a change in the rollout for mandatory ESC in the submission lodged by the Motor Industry Association (MIA).

The government proposes all new passenger cars in classes MA, MB and MC to have the safety feature fitted from July 1, 2015, and new model class vehicles from July 1, 2015.

But the MIA, IMVIA and MTA are calling for the deadline for existing model class NA vehicles, essentially light new commercials, to be shifted to February 1, 2017, which is different from the draft schedule.

The government’s proposal is for all new light passenger and goods vehicles first registered here to have ESC installed from July next year.

The AA also supports the deadline for new commercial vehicles being delayed, but with a  different date.

news t

“We have always supported New Zealand adopting international standards that align with other jurisdictions, which are key source markets,” says Mark Stockdale, principal adviser on regulations.

“July 2015 is in advance of the deadline adopted by Japan and Australia for class NA models to be compulsorily fitted with ESC, especially for ‘existing new’ models.”

He points out those countries’ deadlines are February and November 2017 respectively.

And as a result, the proposed cut-off point here may reduce the choice and availability of new commercials, and delay the uptake of safer vehicles.

The AA will support a deadline of July 2015 for “new design” new models, which is slightly in advance of Australia’s deadline of November 2015.

But it wants the NZTA to investigate extending it for “existing design” new commercials by at least 12 months if it avoids significantly impacting on the supply of new class NA models.

“This will strike a fair compromise for suppliers by giving the industry more time to source or place orders for compliant models,” says Stockdale.

The MTA and IMVIA are also seeking differentiation between new model and existing model commercials.

“Some existing NA class vehicles being sold in our market wouldn’t be able to meet the new standard and the proposed timing schedule is in advance of Japan,” says MacGregor.

“For those reasons, a change in the proposed timing is reasonable and plausible.”

The MIA endorses ESC to be fitted on light vehicles as soon as possible “without significantly impacting on the availability or cost” of them here.

It wants the timing to reflect the “global harmonisation of standards” – those in Japan, the European Union (EU) and North America, as well as Australian Design Rules (ADRs).

“Sufficient lead time is

Rob MacGregor, chief executive officer of the Motor Trade Association

given for manufacturers and distributors to introduce new standards into model cycles, recognising there are no issues with class MA, MB and MC vehicles,” the submission states.

But the development cycle for class NA is longer with different product replacement timelines.

The timeframes for adoption in Japan, North America, the EU and Australia – where ESC has been mandated – recognise a date for new vehicle models is typically followed by a two-year gap for a second deadline by which all models must comply.

“A significant number of distributors are unable to meet the proposed timelines for class NA existing models as manufacturers are at different stages of model replacement, and are working towards Japanese and ADR timelines.”

As a result, the MIA supports the July 2015 deadline for new class MA, MB and MC vehicles, and new vehicle models in class NA. But it is proposing the date for all class NA vehicles to be February 1, 2017, which is the same as required in Japan.

Call for more exemptions The AA describes mandatory ESC as the most significant policy action the government can take to improve light vehicle fleet safety.

“We believe this has the potential to save the lives of more than 20 New Zealanders a year on our roads,” says Mark Stockdale, principal adviser on regulations.

The AA supports the government’s road map for used imports to have ESC fitted, and backs exemptions for imports more than 20 years old, immigrants’ vehicles, special interest vehicles (SIVs) and those with motorsport authority cards.

But the exemptions exclude scratch-built or low-volume vehicles that don’t have SIV permits.

“The AA believes such new or less than 20-year-old specialist vehicles, defined as low-volume vehicles, should also be exempted,” says Stockdale.

“Overall, we support the analysis that suggests a staggered timeframe will enable the fastestpossible uptake of ESC to realise safety benefits without negatively impacting on used-import volumes, vehicle choice or price significantly.

“We note the phase-in for different classes of engine capacity of used vehicles could be

confusing, especially for private importers.

“It’s essential the NZTA ensures these rules are publicised on its website, Customs’ website and other suitable forums.”

ESC helps drivers to retain control when vehicles lose traction.

It gathers information from sensors to correct differences between intended and actual paths.

There are speed sensors in each wheel, a yaw sensor that detects direction of movement and a steering-wheel sensor detects driver input.

If the system determines a vehicle isn’t following its intended path, it can control each wheel’s brakes and usually uses engine torque to pull it back on-line.

There are limits to what it can achieve, but ESC is effective in allowing drivers to regain control during emergencies.

Submissions on the government’s proposals closed on April 22.

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news

Systems must properly work T

he AA describes the new rule requirements to check electronic stability control (ESC) is working properly on vehicles as inadequate.

The association supports the future mandatory roll-out of ESC on all vehicles crossing the border.

But it is concerned malfunctioning systems may not be picked up at the border, and during warrant and certificate of fitness (WOF and COF) inspections.

“We don’t consider the new rule requirements are adequate to verify ESC is functioning,” says Stella Stocks, the AA’s general manager of motoring services.

“ESC is a critical, advanced active technology that international studies show will improve road safety by reducing single-vehicle crashes by about 25-35 per cent for cars or 50-68

per cent for SUVs. It’s essential the system is operating properly and ensuring a warning system indicator is functioning may not be adequate proof.”

Computerised diagnostic tools can read fault codes in vehicles’ computers, while databanks may determine if the system has a defect or has previously recorded an intermittent defect with ESC being rebooted without repairs.

“Warning lights or icons cannot be completely relied on and aren’t robust in determining if the system is – or has been – operating correctly,” says Stocks.

“They can also be subject to tampering by parallel connection to another system.”

Government documents obtained by Autofile list the proposed in-service requirements for light motor vehicles originally

fitted with ESC that it proposes will come into force in July 2015.

These set out required attributes of compliant systems, the need for them to be maintained in working order and for the warning indicator or tell-tale light to be functional.

A Ministry of Transport regulatory impact statement says vehicles will be checked for compliance at entry certification and identifying ESC is “fairly simple”.

Its presence is indicated by a dashboard light and “often by a switch to fully or partially disable it”.

It’s known what models have been fitted with ESC as standard, as an option or as a mandatory measure.

“Some stakeholders have suggested importers might fake the presence of ESC by improperly wiring bogus dashboard lights,” states the document.

“There’s always a chance vehicles might be tampered with to cheat the entry-certification process. It’s not expected to be a significant problem.

“It’s easy to check the authenticity of the dashboard light by scanning the on-board diagnostic system or by simulating a sensor fault.

“We expect the operation of ESC would be checked when a vehicle is inspected for a WOF or COF. “This would be easily added to the inspection and involve no more than confirming the proper self-diagnostic dashboard light sequence when the vehicle is started. ESC is also self-diagnosing because it’s continuously comparing the outputs of its sensors, so the dashboard light is a reliable indicator it’s working.”

Minister listening and open to changes

M

ichael Woodhouse will “listen carefully” to requests to change the ESC deadlines.

The Associate Minister of Transport has told Autofile: “The proposal for consultation has one date for ESC for all new light vehicles.

“I’m open to making changes if feedback tells us we can prevent difficulties in the market with minimal impact on safety benefits.”

Woodhouse, pictured, worked closely with the used imported

vehicle industry around its roll-out.

“They told us that if mandatory ESC was going to happen that a phased implementation with plenty of warning would make it easier.

“I have proposed a phased implementation for different classes to enable the fastest possible uptake of ESC-fitted vehicles. We announced this proposal to provide fair warning to the industry.”

Used imported cars will be required to have the system

installed from a later date compared to new vehicles.

The Ministry of Transport recognises recent models in Japan have it fitted but many older ones don’t.

“Dates from which used imports will be required to have ESC have been set to ensure enough suitable vehicles will be available for New Zealand.”

It adds dealers may have to change the mix of models imported, “but it’s unlikely this will affect prices in New Zealand”.

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news [continued from page 1]

Extra scrutiny at Kiwi border up. There were 1,199 in 2012 and 1,990 last year.

The NZTA has revised its compliance procedures and is confident it’s identifying them to limit any risks to the market, with all Australian imports having Personal Property Securities Register (PPSR) checks.

Overall figures compiled by the NZTA show that up until the end of last year, Holden took out the top spot for marques and models.

Out of 580 statutory write-offs, 403 were involved in collisions – or 69.5 per cent of the total.

Storm-damaged units accounted for 24.1 per cent on 140.

In other categories, 22 were written off after being involved in fires, eight were maliciously damaged and seven were damaged by hail.

The most popular vehicle imported as a statutory write-off

Australian Write-Offs – Damage Types 120 Malicious

100

Fire

80

Collision Storm

60

Hail

40 20 0

no year 2007 given or before 2007

2008

2009

is Holden’s Commodore on 29 units. It’s followed by the Mazda3 on 25, and Ford’s Ranger and Falcon on 25.

As well as working with industry organisations, every quarter the NZTA provides each

2010

2011

2012

2013

*Figures supplied by the NZTA

marque with a summary of its imported write-offs.

This includes the vehicle identification number so manufacturers can deal with warranty claims and recalls.

David Vinsen, chief executive

of the Imported Motor Vehicle Industry Association (IMVIA), says all statutory write-offs need to be treated the same as damaged vehicles and flagged at the border.

“We need to stop them getting into customers’ hands,” he says.

“The further down the track they get, the more complex it is to access information.

“If a write-off goes from the importer to the dealer and onto the buyer and its status is discovered late in that process, it’s difficult to unravel.”

Vinsen says the association welcomes the action taken by the NZTA, such as Australian PPSR checks, as “steps in the right direction”.

He adds: “It’s always been the case that vehicles coming into the country face more scrutiny than those already in the fleet.” [continued on page 8]

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news [continued from page 7]

Buyers need to be prudent Australian write-offs imported into NZ Top 15 marques

Top 15 models MoDEL

Total

Make

Total

Holden

82

Holden Commodore

39

Ford

74

Mazda 3

25

Toyota

68

Ford Ranger

23

Mazda

64

Ford Falcon*

23

Volkswagen

34

Volkswagen Golf

20

Nissan

31

Toyota Corolla

18

22

Mazda 2

17

Mitsubishi

21

Nissan Navara

16

Honda

20

Toyota Yaris

16

17

Holden Captiva

14

BMW

16

Toyota Hilux

12

Kia

16

Holden Cruze

10

13

Mazda BT-50

10

13

Mitsubishi Lancer

10

10

Honda Civic

8

Kia Rio

8

Subaru Outback

8

Audi

Subaru

Hyundai Mercedes-Benz Land Rover *includes three utes and one XR6 From 2004 to 2013 - source: NZTA

Malcolm Yorston, technical and membership services manager, says the IMVIA raised issues about statutory write-offs with the NZTA, which put damaged flags on them from day one.

After entering the country, they go to a repair certifier after which the parameters of the flag may be removed.

“There needs to be a level playing field and that’s now the case with used imports from Australia,” says Yorston.

“Some flood-damaged writeoffs may have had their tail ends exposed to water because when they dry out there’s a high-tide line.

“Checks made here will determine if they have been flood damaged, or have been in a flood as part of a scam to get insurance money out. Others will have had a good swim and the

damaged flag remains.”

Some Kiwis are importing statutory write-offs because they make high margins here after being bought cheaply in Australia, where they are banned from going back on the road.

They must be repaired properly and certified, but their histories must still be disclosed on the consumer information notice.

“It would be prudent for purchasers to see before and after photos held by the repair certifier,” adds Yorston.

He believes New Zealand has a “robust system” for repair certification, which should pick up write-offs not flagged at the border “to ensure they go through certification”.

Legislation in New South Wales aims to stop statutory write-offs  going back onto the road or

Due diligence in the UK

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8 | www.autofile.co.nz

n regards to an article published on March 20 about a 2013 Audi Q7 S-Line Plus in the UK with an incorrect odometer reading, Nic O’Neil says the trade was offered on behalf of Island Autotraders Ltd acting as a broker.

“Once the issue was bought to our attention, the vehicle was retracted and a claim was made back to the supplier for full reimbursement,” says O’Neil.

Checking MOTs, the UK’s equivalent of the warrant of fitness, was mentioned in the article.

On standard passenger vehicles, MOTs last three years from new before they need to be retested.

Those less than three years old will be impossible to clarify the mileage in this way, which O’Neil states may apply to more than 90 per cent of cars exported from the UK to New Zealand.

He says the UK’s HPI check, normally the best way to verify mileage, on this occasion didn’t show a fault with the odometer.

“I’ve been buying vehicles in the UK for many years,” says O’Neil.

“I know what to look for and what inspections to use.

“On this occasion, the normal checks didn’t show the speedo had been tampered, nor did I suspect it.

“The Audi was nearly-new and it doesn’t make sense why anyone would wind a speedo back 3,000 miles as it’s not likely to improve its value.

“I offered this vehicle in good faith. As soon as I was made aware the car had been clocked, I withdrew the offer and set about to recover our money from the trader we bought it off.

“We were the people who lost money on this deal. When we buy cars on behalf of any client, we do the correct due diligence.”

O’Neil stresses he was the buyer for Chivvy in England and has supplied very few other people with cars and not in any volume, “usually a car here or there on request”.

news t heading overseas as rebirth cars.

Shannon Bonnar, of the vehicle identification inspection unit at NSW’s Road and Maritime Services, says laws were introduced about three years ago to try to prevent illegal reregistration.

This has helped to combat problems with write-offs and crime that goes with that, but lawbreakers get around the rules.

“We don’t keep tabs on vehicles outside Australia, but they are primarily going to the Middle East and New Zealand,” Bonnar told Autofile.

NSW has the biggest proportion of this illegal activity. Hot cars also find their way there, notably from Queensland, for reregistration.

“Just because there are changes in legislation, it doesn’t stop criminals as they work around it,” says Bonnar. “It has created other issues, with mining and agricultural vehicles being targeted for rebirth.”

Along with the National Exchange of Vehicle and Driver Information System (NEVDIS), Australia’s states and territories have their own road authorities.

When vehicle or licence activity occurs in one jurisdiction, the information is stored local to that area with relevant information going into NEVDIS. If a car or driver enters another state, relevant information is checked in the national database and established in the new area’s system.

NEVDIS doesn’t gather statistics on activities around write-offs and rebirthed cars, but it does receive stolen vehicle details from the police and details on write-offs from insurers.

Tim Matthews, of NEVDIS, says write-offs can be shipped to New Zealand for repair and registration

for use here, or to act as donors for rebirth vehicles.

“The stolen or written-off status of a vehicle on NEVDIS can be found through a PPSR report.”

Problems with write-offs and rebirths there relate to crime levels.

The National Motor Vehicle Theft Reduction Council reports 45,764 passenger and light commercial vehicles (PLCs) were stolen in the 2012/13 financial year.

This was down by 3,395 – or seven per cent – compared to the previous period, and 6,995 – or 13 per cent – lower than the base rate of 52,759 in 2008/09.

Theft is broken down into short term and profit motivated.

The latter is defined as vehicles stolen for conversion or separated as parts.

Unrecovered vehicles are used as the “surrogate measure” for profit-motivated theft. They decreased by 443 – or three per cent – in 2012/13 to 17,051 units.

This total consisted of 64 per cent PLCs, 28 per cent motorbikes and eight per cent other vehicles.

PLC thefts fell by six per cent to 10,961. The 10-14 years age bracket had the highest proportion of unrecovered PLCs at 24 per cent.

Large passenger cars were the most popular representing onequarter of vehicles unrecovered compared to small cars, which made up one-in-five thefts.

Toyota’s Hilux made from 1998 to 2004 was the most stolen on 261 units. This was followed by two Holden Commodores, the VT with 257 and VX on 166.

NEVDIS says while exporting write-offs doesn’t break Australian law, activities in recipient countries is where illegal activity may place.

Matthew Newman, Chief Executive, South Auckland Motors (Ford&Mazda) and Steve Owens, CEO Provident Insurance

“Earned our loyalty.

And our business.”

“Why did I switch to Provident? I know that Provident are full of integrity with Steve Owens at the helm.

It’s not just about the dollars. Steve’s word is his bond. He’ll go the extra mile for the dealer client and the customer.

His support goes above and beyond which is why they’ve earned our loyalty.

Steve’s F&I training set the bench mark for the industry, and we welcome this level of training which ultimately benefits the business.

In this business, when you’re talking finance, it’s as competitive as it’s ever been. Your customer will often have an established relationship with another supplier. The ‘trusted financial advisor’ relationship is a strong feature of what Steve’s F&I training brings to the table. The interpersonal skills are key, and part of the training.”

– MATTHEW NEWMAN, Dealer Principal/Chief Executive, South Auckland Motors (Ford and Mazda)

More Holden Commodores are imported from Australia as statutory write-offs than any other vehicle

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www.autofile.co.nz | 9

new cars

Getting practical with hybrid

T

he new compact Lexus CT200h showcases the marque’s hybrid drive system in a practical hatchback.

The system in the three-strong range provides better fuel efficiency and lower carbon emissions.

The CT200h is powered by a combination of an Atkinson cycle 1.8-litre four-cylinder, 16-valve DOHC petrol engine with variable valve timing.

The drive system consists of an electric motor powered by a nickel metal-hydride battery.

A combined petrol engine and electric motor output of 100kW is available through the electric motor’s power with fuel consumption of 4.1l/100km and 94g/km CO₂ emissions.

All models feature an electronic continuously

variable transmission and speedsensitive electric power steering.

This gives the driver control in different environments with steering that becomes lighter to manipulate at low speeds, such as when moving into parking spaces, or firmer for open-road speeds.

Drive mode select is standard and enables the driver to choose between normal, eco and sport, which alter the vehicle’s characteristics depending on

conditions and environment.

The full EV – electric motor-only – mode is also available for emissionsfree driving at lower speeds.

The CT200h’s combination gauges and energy meter allow the driver to see how much energy is being generated or consumed thanks to a hybridsystem indicator, which switches to a tachometer when sport mode is selected.

Standard equipment includes dual-zone automatic air conditioning,

keyless entry and start-stop control, Bluetooth, audio streaming, voice recognition, and front and rear park-assist sensors, and a reversing monitor.

The CT200h is available as an F Sport, while the Limited’s standard kit includes dynamic radar cruise control. This gives the driver the ability to set optimum following distances to the vehicle in front.

The Limited also has a precrash safety system with pre-crash brake assist.

All models’ safety features include vehicle stability, traction and hill-assist control, anti-lock braking and electronic brakeforce distribution.

The CT200h starts at $49,995. Its F Sport variant is $59,995 and the Limited starts at $69,995.

The Lexus CT200h

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10 | www.autofile.co.nz

Concept to reality T

he new five-seater version of the C-X17 “highlights the versatility” of Jaguar’s sports crossover concept for urban environments.

The revised model, which is based on the concept of the same name shown at Frankfurt Motor Show in September, has a cabin with bespoke and traditionally English-inspired interior finishes and materials.

The C-X17 has an interactive multiscreen infotainment network that connects passengers to the outside and each other via wi-fi and social media, while its rear-exit detection system safeguards against blind-spot objects when opening doors.

The design study showcases lightweight technology with Jaguar’s advanced aluminium monocoque architecture, which forms the basis for a new range starting with a mid-size

sedan next year. The modular and scalable metalwork is high strength, extremely stiff and has efficiency technologies.

It enables flexible high-volume production while allowing design freedom without compromising Jaguar’s “character, dynamics, performance and luxury”.

Future models will have engines with a range of capacities and output for performance and fuel efficiency, while the new sedan will be its first vehicle equipped with new four-cylinder diesel and petrol engines – allowing Jaguar to break 100g/km CO₂ emissions.

They will be built at its new UK engine production facility, which will be operational from 2015.

news

World rally star pulls in the crowds M

ore than 100 people met rally driver Hayden Paddon, got up close with racing cars and put their warrant of fitness (WOF) knowledge to the test over the weekend.

Vehicle Inspection NZ (VINZ) threw open the doors to its testing station in Anderson’s Bay in Dunedin on May 3 with Paddon being in the area for this weekend’s Rally of Otago.

“By bringing people into the branch, we were able to show them VINZ’s commitment to vehicle safety,” says Frank Willett, chief executive officer of VINZ. “It was the perfect time to put on this kind of event, especially with the weather being brilliant.

“The day was a great

success with more than 100 people coming through the site and they really appreciated our views on safety.”

The event was based around attracting families, who could inspect some motorsport cars, meet Paddon and look at VINZ’s facilities.

“We also offered WOFs at half price and people tucked into a sausage sizzle while their cars were inspected,” adds Willett.

Hayden Paddon meets fans at VINZ’s testing station in Dunedin

promo car Branch manager Willie Riepma with a VINZ

Fleet’s size increases

T

he national fleet is continuing to grow because different factors are working together, says the Motor Trade Association (MTA).

After strong growth from 200207, its build-up was more subdued during the global financial crisis but it’s increasing again.

The MTA estimates that in 2013 the car fleet grew by more than 57,000 units – or 2.4 per cent.

This was the biggest increase since 2005 when it went up by 2.8 per cent and, at the end of 2013, the fleet stood at 2,482,513 units.

Demand for new and used imported cars over the past 18 months has contributed to this, says spokesman Ian Stronach.

Continued increases seem likely because fuel costs have been relatively stable over recent months while new road projects will encourage vehicle use.

Statistics NZ projects the country’s population to reach

five million in the mid-2020s and the most common method of transport will still probably be the private motor car.

In 2013, new car sales went up by seven per cent and used imported passenger vehicles posted a 26 per cent increase.

Strong local sales and the Kiwi dollar mean demand is likely to remain firm.

There has also been a rise in the number of registered traders. There are now more than 3,000 – 22 per cent more than a year ago and the highest number since 2008.

Another significant factor is the reduction in the scrappage rate. The MTA estimates this has fallen from 174,000 cars in 2005 to 131,000 last year – the lowest in four years.

“Not everyone has the means to upgrade their car,” says Stronach. “For some, if their car performs satisfactorily, it has a certain utility value.”

A competition on vehicle safety inspections was held with one of VINZ’s promotional cars set up with WOF failure items.

Visitors filled in

forms to record any faults they identified to enter a draw for $200 in grocery vouchers and goodies.

VINZ is a major supporter of Paddon, who hails from Geraldine, in a commercial partnership that backs his World Rally and NZ Rally Championship campaigns.

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www.autofile.co.nz | 11

industry profile

Driving changes at the top T

here aren’t many people who have gone from the mail room to the board room, but Brian Gibbons is one of them.

He’s proud of his achievements, yet modest at the same time, and is prouder of what the AA has achieved under his watch.

Gibbons has been chief executive since the 15 motor clubs in this country merged into the one NZAA in 1991. Since then, its membership has doubled to more than 1.4 million.

“In its 111-year history, the AA has never been as relevant to motorists as today with membership rising at 3.25 per cent a year,” he tells Autofile during a rare interview in his Auckland office.

“Our fundamental reason for being here remains focused on

serving the needs of members and, indeed, all motorists when we can.

That requires us to be engaged with members, but also people in the motor vehicle industry.”

It’s hard to put a finger on why Gibbons gives so few interviews, but when asked he explains.

“Because of the AA’s diversity of services, each is managed by an experienced manager, so when it comes to promoting these services the best people to represent the organisation are invariably those managers rather than myself.

“I’m fortunate to have a

As many of Gibbons’ vintage did back in the 1960s, he and his wife married quite young “necessitating” his finding employment in Wellington where they lived.

He landed his first job in Todd Motors’ mail room, and recalls quite affectionately travelling to and from work on his Vespa.

Approached by a recruitment agency, Gibbons was encouraged to take up a position as general manager at the AA in the capital – one of 15 independent clubs at the time.

In 1991, he was appointed

TRANSFORMING THE AA

– Brian Gibbons, chief executive of the AA

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12 | www.autofile.co.nz

BACK TO EARLY YEARS

investigate and report back to the board in England.

“Being 25 or 26 at the time, it was exciting going to exotic places especially when I had never really had the traditional OE having married young.”

“Our 1,000 employees are knights in shining armour.”

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management team that’s very capable and experts in their fields, and the value of services on offer and their execution reflects that competency.”

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“Fortunately, the company must have seen something in how I delivered the mail because it put me through university part time,” he quips. “I graduated with a commerce degree after three years.”

Success at university led to Gibbons being promoted to financial accountant for Todd Motors’ new manufacturing plant in Porirua.

It wasn’t long before he was on the move again joining one of its Mitsubushi dealerships as finance director.

“How could one resist when offered a company car. So was my wife and hers was a Simca.

“Driving it could be off-putting because we could see the road through its floor. By then we had our first house and young children, so having wheels was important.”

Looking for fresh challenges, Gibbons then took up the role of financial accountant for Boots the Chemist in New Zealand.

Boots must have recognised his accounting talents because he was also asked to act as its world internal auditor. If fraud was suspected, he would be asked to

– after overseeing a series of mergers – as chief executive of what today is the NZAA. That year, the AA moved its headquarters to Auckland.

“Back then, the AA wasn’t what it is today – it didn’t have two pennies to rub together.

“When the organisations came together, we had to reduce dependency on member subscriptions, which prior to that tended to go up every year.

“Because of those increases, the value difference between the cost of membership and service benefits wasn’t compelling.

“Our membership was going down, so we changed the business formula and this included freezing subscriptions – and they haven’t gone up for 25 years.”

Gibbons says the AA is always looking for new services to provide added strength and value to augment its existing offerings around insurance, finance, driving lessons and vehicle inspections.

“Success in that regard wasn’t difficult, having an untarnished reputation for near on a century,  and we have the right people

industry profile t motivated by members’ best interests.

“Our commercial services contribute the lion’s share of our funding. The likes of AA Insurance, when combined with income from our other services, means the AA consistently has healthy profits.

“It also holds a strong liquidity position to enable the organisation to look at adding further investments for the benefit of members.

“We’re also successful because of our 1,000 employees. From call centre staff to road-service officers, they’re ‘knights in shining armour’ many of whom go beyond the call of duty.

“One Christmas Eve I recall we received a call for road-service assistance and our patrolman had to tell a couple their car couldn’t be immediately fixed and needed to be transported for repairs.

“The next day, our service officer and his wife visited them in their motel and shared their Christmas dinner with them. This is what I mean by our staff going the extra mile and genuinely caring for our members.”

WORKING FOR SAFETY Gibbons is passionate about safer motorists driving safer vehicles on safer roads.

In respect of safer drivers, the AA now invests $2 million annually in a programme designed to teach novice drivers the right skillset and attitude they need to drive in a caring way and safe way.

When it comes to safer vehicles, the AA has strong links with organisations, such as ANCAP, and Gibbons is also delighted with how the Car of the Year awards have developed.

“A lot of safety enhancements continue to emerge in the new vehicle fleet and the awards make our members aware of those changes.”

Gibbons also supports the future compulsory electronic stability control (ESC) on vehicles coming into the country.

“My BMW has ESC and I wouldn’t have another car without that safety feature.”

“My BMW has ESC and I wouldn’t have another car without that safety feature.

“No one is a good driver all of the time because we can all make mistakes, but here’s a safety feature that helps people should they lose concentration. That’s why we totally support it being mandatory.

“Longer term, autonomous cars will help. Today they are a reality in the workshops of Microsoft, which has a prototype that drives on its own.

“These vehicles are inevitable and part of an evolution, but we may not see many of them in our lifetimes.”

And he cautions no matter how much technology can assist, it will not totally override human error.

On the lighter side, he tells the story of a Winnebago owner in the US who left the driver’s seat having set the motorhome to cruise control, so she could nip back for a cup of coffee. You can guess the inevitable consequences.

AN INTERNATIONAL ROLE The AA is a member of the Federation Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) and Gibbons holds an important position within it.

In July 2009, when Jean Todt, the ex-Ferrari team principal, stood for the FIA presidency, he asked Gibbons to be his deputy president for mobility and tourism, a role he has now held for four years.

Gibbons stresses this invitation reflects partly his management

style, but very much the NZAA being recognised globally as a leader and innovator.

The FIA has 60 million members globally, and is represented by 230 motoring and sports clubs.

Through that role, Gibbons has become aware of the benefits flowing from Formula One. The changing requirements on fuel consumption and power transfer from the battery to save fuel, he says, will ultimately flow through into mainstream cars.

But back to the AA and of

its future. Gibbons stresses the organisation is always in a state of reinventing itself.

“The AA wants to continue to be a leader, change is constant and we need to always be one step ahead of the game.

“In saying this, we will always stick to the fundamental reason we exist – namely to represent our members.

“But to also achieve the best outcomes, it will continue to require us to collaborate with the industry and for us to be supportive of the motor vehicle sector’s aspirations in turn.”

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www.autofile.co.nz | 13

Vehicles wanted

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News in brief Start-up company aiming to develop racing car Entrepreneur Simon Hackett and motorsport expert Rudi Tuisk are looking to develop an electric vehicle (EV) in Australia.

The project – underwritten by Tuisk’s eV Race Systems – is developing a car to compete in Europe and Australia. The first prototypes should be on-track by the end of 2014.

Tuisk, who used to be director of Tesla Australia, is the technical director and Hackett has provided seven-figure funding.

Weighing 1,000kg, it will be powered by a 400kW/800Nm electric motor for a 0-100kph dash in less than three seconds and onto 200kph in less than eight. Visit www.autofile.co.nz for more on this story.

Sedan shines light on marque’s sales position Mitsubishi’s two-litre Lancer sedan, pictured, has topped the charts “as if to celebrate its 40th year in New Zealand”, with more buyers in small sedan sector choosing it than any other model in the 12 months to March 31.

The marque says the GSR name badge’s rebirth is emphasising its appeal because – back in 1974 – it put the model’s first range in the limelight by starting in motorsport success with Safari and Southern Cross rally wins.

“While the Lancer is leading the way, we’re also seeing heavy interest right across the range,” says Daniel Cook, head of sales.

“More customers chose Mitsubishi in March than at any time in the past decade and they were mostly private buyers.”

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Illegal traders fined

T

he Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment has now investigated 422 unregistered motor vehicle traders since July 2012. Of those, 339 have been finalised, 74 are ongoing with the aim of achieving compliance and nine are before the courts.

The most recent cases include a 52-year-old man, who was fined $5,400 in North Shore District Court in early March for selling 10 vehicles without being registered.

A 21-year-old was found guilty in Auckland District Court of the same offence and for selling 12 units. He was fined the same amount.

A 32-year-old, who was found guilty at Gisborne District Court for selling 13 vehicles, received 80 hours’ community work, and a 24-yearold Aucklander has been convicted and fined $8,000 for selling 10.

Individuals are only legally allowed to sell six vehicles in a 12-month period without being registered.

14 | www.autofile.co.nz

The Association for the Promotion of Electric Vehicles (APEV) wants enthusiasts to get their electric motors running in Ruapuna, Christchurch on November 30.

People can build an electric go kart, motorbike or car and take part in an economy rally on roads, an-eighth-of-a-mile sprint or dual sprints.

In the go-kart category, componentry and rolling chassis can be bought through APEV. In the motorcycle and car classes, the motor, controller and optional extras can be sourced through it. There will be a dragon’s den for anyone with an innovation with market potential. Visit www.evolocity.co.nz for more details.

Germans land world title for second time in decade The third-generation of Audi’s premium compact vehicle is 2014’s World Car of the Year.

The A3, pictured, overcame challenges from 23 other cars to win the prestigious title for 2014.

Rupert Stadler, Audi’s chairman, says: “The A6 was the first winner of this award 10 years ago and we’re delighted the A3 has repeated that. It showcases our technical competence in car-making.”

The new A3 is available as a three-door, sportback, cabriolet and sedan.

Visit www.autofile.co.nz for more on this story.

new cars

Lower price for crossover

T

he second-generation Kia Soul has gone on sale with a starting price $500 lower than the outgoing model, higher equipment levels and a choice of two engines.

The model recently scooped an iF Product Design Award in Europe for its style inspired by 2012’s Track’ster concept.

The new Soul comes as a standard six-speed automatic, and has more passenger and cargo space.

Built on an all-new platform, there are exterior similarities with the Track’ster.

The large trapezoidal lower air intake is a carry-over from the concept and the position of the fog lights – low down and pushed to the leading edges – mirror the Track’ster’s as does the “backpack” tailgate.

The new Kia Soul EX is only available only

with a 1.6-litre engine

While none of the exterior body panels are carried over from the original compact crossover, this model is slightly larger but drops 41mm so it’s easier to get in.

The new dimensions and extended wheelbase have improved practicality with more space for people and cargo.

The car has 66 per cent

ultra-high or high-strength steel in its structure with stronger connections along the cowl, upper and lower B-pillars, and between the C-pillars.

All of this result in a 29 per cent increase in torsional rigidity benefitting steering, handling and ride.

It’s also quieter thanks to

suspension changes, more sounddeadening materials and noiseisolation technology.

The Soul gains Flex Steer with three weighted steering modes as standard.

The EX, available only with a 1.6-litre engine, includes cruise control, smart key and push-button start, alarmed remote locking, audio with Bluetooth, rear-parking sensors and 17-inch alloys for $29,990 plus on-road costs.

The SX has premium upholstery, powered driver’s seat, heated and ventilated front seats, front and rear parking sensors, privacy glass and 18-inch alloys for $33,490 with the 1.6-litre engine – and $35,490 for a two-litre.

All models have electronic stability control, hill-start assist and a low-pressure warning system in all tyres.

Buyers have their say Vehicles wanted

H

olden NZ is hoping the Captiva 7 Active will add to the popularity of its SUV range.

The limited edition is based on the model year 2014 petrol-driven Captiva 7 LTZ with its package providing more choice to buyers.

“It has been developed here with extensive input from Holden dealers based on customer feedback,” says Marnie Samphier, general manager of marketing.

Extra specifications in the Active’s package include gloss black or grey painted rims, depending on the exterior paint colour, 19-inch alloys, and increased tints for side and rear windows.

It also has body-coloured lower front and rear bumpers and wheel arches

The limited-edition Captiva 7 Active

with Active-embossed front head rests, a badge on the boot door and branded floor mats.

Technology includes Bluetooth, USB input, seveninch touch screen with satellite navigation and rear-view camera, leather-appointed seats with an eight-way electric adjustment of the driver’s seat, and passive entry and start with sensor key.

The standard specification for the LTZ is incorporated into the Active – that means a three-litre litre V6 SIDI engine, six-speed automatic transmission with active select, active all-wheel-drive and 2,000kg braked towing capacity.

The Active has a $49,990 price-tag, plus on-road costs, and comes in black, silver and white.

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miles motor group www.autofile.co.nz | 15

Industry movers NZ labour market report DOUGAL MORRISON has started as project manager with VTNZ, a newly created position.

His role with the transport service delivery agent includes building partnerships under the new certificate of fitness regime brought about by the Vehicle Licensing Reform to enable inspections to be carried out at more third-party premises.

Morrison was previously general manager of advocacy and training at the Motor Trade Association, where he worked for six years.

Before that, he managed one of the Ministry of Economic Development’s industry development teams and gained transport policy experience while working for the government.

TIM PATERSON has taken over as national sales manager with automotive accessory distributor Griffiths Equipment from Bruce Walker.

Paterson, pictured, has been with the company for five years as area sales manager for the northern half of the country. His career in automotive product sales started with Repco after reading business studies at university.

He then spent five years in a similar role with a company in London before returning. After 20 years in the role, Walker is retiring to return to his Christchurch roots.

DEAN PURVES has been appointed general manager of commercial vehicles at FleetPartners NZ. Purvis, who previously worked for the company in Christchurch, has rejoined the team at its Auckland head office after spending time with TCL Isuzu and Manheim Auctions.

He brings a truck and trailer background, industry knowledge, and financial and leasing expertise to the role.

Managing more than 50,000 units across Australasia, FleetPartners caters for multi-national corporations with corporate or commercial fleets to small businesses looking for one to 10 vehicles.

CRAIG PINNY is now chief financial officer of Mitsubishi Motors NZ. He joined the company, then called Todd Motors, in 1987.

His different roles have covered financial accounting, internal auditing, legal compliance and company secretary with a recent focus on improving dealer profitability.

PHIL DIXON, ex-dealer principal of Giltrap Holden on the North Shore, has moved to Schofields Newmarket to replace Terry Honan, whose retirement has resulted in changes to the parent company’s Auckland operations.

Dave Howarth, former new vehicle sales manager at Schofield Holden, has replaced Dixon, and Albie Peterson has replaced Howarth.

James Dobbie has been promoted into Howarth’s previous position. Chris Davey is now general manager of sales at Giltrap Nissan.

TO FEATURE IN INDUSTRY MOVERS EMAIL EDITOR@AUTOFILE.CO.NZ 16 | www.autofile.co.nz

The Motor Industry Training Organisation (MITO) is working with the NZTA and vehicle inspection sector with the aim of providing training to cover the certificate of fitness (COF) regime.

MITO may bring in a supplementary programme, such as a training “add-on”, to automotive industry qualifications.

This is because a need has been identified to train – initially – COF A and B vehicle inspectors to be consistent and national standards.

The training for COFs may be considered as a strand rather than a separate qualification because inspectors need more advanced knowledge with a strong awareness of vehicle componentry.

It’s anticipated this will also be applicable to warrant of fitness inspectors.

The process will include a working group producing a mock-up version of the certificate.

The draft qualification will then be developed and circulated for consideration.

MITO is spearheading the governance group representing the automotive sector of the Targeted Review of Qualifications and it’s continuing to have discussions on developing new certificates.

The second stage of the motor vehicle industry review involves developing unit standards.

Samantha McNaughton, of MITO, says the NZQA has approved the developing of 14 qualifications for automotive engineering and technology.

“The response from industry has been pleasing for the proposed qualifications,” she says.

“MITO had many opportunities to speak with industry by attending road shows, which have confirmed a genuine need for the qualifications.”

The NZQA wants to see further refinement of strategic purpose statements, while graduate profile outcomes need more consideration.

The structure and titles of

qualifications with strands is now being revisited, as are credit values and an overlap between level-four automotive engineering qualifications – light vehicle and specialist engineering.

The NZQA says a level-five specialised vehicle manufacture qualification and level-six diploma are required in this section.

More consultation will take place and the content for each strand needs to be expressed with potential overlapping considered.

For example, the level-four automotive engineering (light vehicle) qualification requires diagnosis and repair of vehicles, and knowledge of mechanical, electrical and power-source principles.

It also requires diagnosis repair or replacement mechanical, electrical and electronic components of the particular vehicle, including the light vehicles strand.

There will be further development of qualifications and unit standards have to be reviewed to ensure they are fit for purpose.

Discussions will be held on the need for pre-trade training, potential pathways between light and heavy for the collision repair industry, and level-four strand content.

MITO will also ensure NZQA and polytechnic representation on working groups, while its industry training advisers will be part of the process because they are frontline staff working with learners and employers.

However, the October timeframe for qualifications to be listed is unachievable because MITO believes this would compromise the integrity of the process.

Existing qualifications will be scrapped in 2020 to allow enough time to develop their replacements.

The project plan will now be refined and endorsed before being submitted to the NZQA. There are some gaps in industry representation in working groups.

Email colleen.hurley@mito.org.nz for more information, or log onto www.mito.org.nz

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A new Lotus Exige Roadster has been listed with an asking price of $144,960. The six-speed manual has 345hp at 7,000rpm and 400Nm of torque at 4,500rpm. It makes the 0-100kph dash in four seconds and has a top speed of 274kph.

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www.autofile.co.nz | 17

disputes

Tribunal criticises ‘puny attempts’ to fix faults on used import from Japan

wanganui gisborne timaru

t o b e r 2 0 13

m am 1, th 1

e

Used

  

Biggest decreases

new

 27.7%  26.8%  23.7%

PassengeR Vehicle RegistRatiOns

westport Masterton timaru

Used

  

Used Vehicle RegistRatiOns

New versus used

North IslaNd versus south IslaNd

ConneCt & engage 10000

7000

7962

6000

5000

Nov ‘12

Oct ‘13

JuL ‘13

SEP ‘13

JuN ‘13

AuG ‘13

DEC ‘12

MAy ‘13

1000

FEb ‘13

2000

APr ‘13

5000

4000

MAr ‘13

3000

JAN ‘13

6000

Oct Nov Dec y Jun Jul Aug Sep Jan Feb Mar Apr Ma

North Island

4000

FEb ‘13

8545

New

DEC ‘12

Used

7000

JAN ‘13

9000

8000

Nov ‘12

Blenheim nelson rotorua

South Island

JuL ‘13

2012

 100.0%  51.2%  34.1%

SEP ‘13

6500

5500

O hi

Biggest increases

new

JuN ‘13

2013

westport thames napier

AuG ‘13

The finding

7000

6000

S

Orders

try

7500

I

un

VTNZ complied the car on November 6 when its odometer was on 90,466km on condition the rear-brake rotors and brake pads were replaced.

The vehicle had a pre-purchase appraisal done by Marque Automotive on November 11.

A wheel nut-lock tool was missing from the tool kit and there

At:

MAy ‘13

On November 1, Bhardwaj and the trader agreed he would buy the car for $16,800, pay $80 for a pre-purchase inspection report and $840 for a three-year Janssen Holdings Ltd mechanical breakdown warranty.

This came to $17,720, of which the purchaser paid the trader $1,000. The conditional purchase agreement had four conditions:  An independent inspection revealing no major mechanical faults.  New Zealand’s compliance process confirming the car had no history of structural accident damage.  The vehicle was as described by the trader or any condition report on it.  The agreement was changed into English.

upheld the rejec The next day, the dealer trader was slow to appreciate or care about the purchaser’s asked him to take the vehicle frustration with the delay in fixing to Continental Cars for warranty the faults and it was apparently repairs because Marque reluctant to spend money by taking it to a reliable repairer.

Automotive wasn’t an authorised Audi repairer.

The Motor Vehicle Disputes Bhardwaj was told on Tribunal, Auckland.

December 20 the claim was rejected because all but one of the problems were pre-existing. package control unit, ignition, bootHe produced a copy of the lid unit and engine mount – and service estimate dated December repairs were estimated at $7,880.

18 from Continental Cars.

The tribunal ruled the car It listed the engine mount, bootbreached the CGA’s guarantee of lid control unit, rain sensor, which was acceptable quality. replaced by Janssen, drive control The buyer returned the vehicle unit and digital-sound package unit. on November 14 and the trader The total cost was $8,445. Without the had it for six working days. It went sensor, it was $7,880. back on November 26 and the Bhardwaj and his friend Mr C dealer kept it for 13 working days.

Barry met Speight on December 20.

It was returned December 12 He said Speight was unprepared without being fixed and Bhardwaj to fix “extras”, such as the boot-lid was asked to take it to Continental motor and ignition, and wanted Cars and claim through his to install an after-market amplifier Janssen policy. instead of a standard Bose system.

After Janssen declined it, On December 22, the car was Bhardwaj spoke to Speight. Even rejected because it wasn’t “of at that late stage, the trader was satisfactory quality”. reluctant to repair the faults.

Bhardwaj incorrectly cited the The tribunal believed the Sale of Goods Act, but the essence dealer must have known from of his complaint was the time the the complaints and its repairer’s trader had taken to address the “puny attempts” to fix the ignition, faults and its failure to fix them. electrical systems were faulty.

The dealer claimed the car had The trader was reluctant to no major faults and it was entitled spend money by taking it to a to remedy the issues. skilled, reliable repairer and the Speight claimed it wasn’t tribunal ruled the buyer complied given the opportunity to do so with his CGA obligations. and didn’t know about them until The TRUSTED online wholesale trading site.

Continental Cars’ inspection.

He autoport.net added the trader was and had h e ltoncThames Whangarei t Auckland Hami The trader had to refund the been willing to fix the faults.

TaurangadRotorua Gisborne Napier NewoPlymouth Biggest increases/Decreases Wanganui Palmerston North Masterton Wellington By town year-on-year purchase price of $16,800. The Nelson Blenheim Greymouth Whangarei Auckland (OctOber 2013 vs OctOber 2012) Hamilton Thames Tauranga Rotorua Gisborne Napier New Plymouth buyer wasNorthto return the car to the Wanganui Palmerston Masterton Wellington Nelson Blenheim Greymouth Westport Christchurch Timaru Oamaru Dunedintransfer ownership of There were several issues a dealer Invercargill Whangarei Auckland Hamiand lton Thames Rotorua Gisborne Napier New Plymouth buyer would probably not deem Tauranga any security Wanganui Palmerston North Masterton interest after receiving Wellington Nelson Blenheim Greymouth Whangarei ltonpayment.

Thames Tauranga Rotorua acceptable – the digital-sound AucklandoHami c

APr ‘13

The case

n: The tribunal The decisiotion because the

MAr ‘13

Nitish Bhardwaj bought a 2004 Audi A8 from Japan Car Consultants Ltd (JCC) on November 11, 2013.

He rejected it under the Consumer Guarantees Act (CGA) claiming the trader failed to remedy its faults within a reasonable time after being required to do so.

The dealer denied it was given a reasonable opportunity to fix the problems and was willing to repair the car at its cost.

were scratch marks on the lowerrear sill panels.

The parties then signed a vehicle offer and sale agreement, and Bhardwaj paid the balance owing minus a $50 allowance.

He received the car on November 11 but returned it two days later.

The multi-media interface (MMI) system was working intermittently, the keyless ignition stop-start and boot-lid control unit didn’t function, and a side skirt was faulty.

When it was returned on November 14, he said only the side skirt had been repaired and that soon failed because it had been put in place with glue.

Bhardwaj returned the car on the same day and the trader promised to repair the faults.

The dealer had the vehicle until November 21. When it was returned to the buyer, managing director Mr A Speight said it had been repaired and faults were due to an old battery.

He told Bhardwaj he wouldn’t pay to repair the boot-lid motor because it was too expensive.

On November 25, the buyer told Speight the MMI system was still restarting itself, the ignition switch wasn’t working and the side skirt had come off.

When Bhardwaj returned the car, he was told the MMI was excluded from the warranty and he needed to pay another $100 to cover the system for three years.

The buyer did that on 10000 December 1 but was disappointed the vehicle hadn’t been repaired.

9500 Speight called Bhardwaj on 9000 December 11 to confirm the boot-lid motor and MMI system were faulty.

0 850 The trader intended to claim under 8000 the policy for those repairs.

an Audi A8 impo Japan after the dealer failed to carry out repairs in a reasonable time.

Aroun

Background

buyer rejected The case: Therted used from

Used imPORt PassengeR Vehicle RegistRatiOns by city

aucklaNd, wellINgtoN, chrIstchurch

18 | www.autofile.co.nz

4500

600

3500 3000

hamIltoN, tauraNga, duNedIN, PalmerstoN North

4320

4000 Auckland

500

Hamilton

disputes

Buyer failed to give dealer reasonable time to replace engine’s starter motor Background

Annual high for stockpile

stock for too long.

“The industry tends to manage stock levels quite well and does this day in, day out,” he told Autofile.

“My data suggests this is a cyclical thing and levels were no higher in previous years, but they

NeW CArS SoLd

Imported

dAyS AVerAge SALeS per StoCk dAy - ytd At hANd

StoCk

VArIANCe

12,984

MIA stock estimate as at end of December 2011 Jan ‘12

5,026

7,499

(2,473)

10,511

242

43

Feb ‘12

7,368

5,633

1,735

12,246

223

55

Mar ‘12

7,228

6,499

729

12,975

218

59

Apr ‘12

6,285

5,430

855

13,830

209

66

76

May ‘12

7,742

5,942

1,800

15,630

205

‘12 Jun  95.5% ‘12 Jul  64.9%  52.0% ‘12 Aug

8,870

7,142

1,728

17,358

211

7,894

6,208

1,686

19,044

209

91

8,589

5,959

2,630

21,674

207

105

Sep ‘12

6,828

105

Oct ‘12

8,155

6,637

191

21,865

7,336

819

22,684

211

107

25,153

212

119

1,714

26,867

211

128

13,883

NeW CArS SoLd

Imported

Jan ‘13

5,355

Feb ‘13

7,027

Mar ‘13

6,329

Apr ‘13

7,391

May ‘13

7,429

Jun ‘13

8,051

Jul ‘13

8,423

StoCk

VArIANCe

26,867

2013 predicted sales

(471)

25,594

1,483

27,077

216

1,082

28,159

214

132

509

28,668

220

30,322

220

130 21 Oct 80 138

34,559

220

34,293

222

5,908 Osaka 6,347

7,542 Nagoya

125

120

20 Oct

100

6,769

1,654

7,272

(266)

35,693

226

158

40

-

-

-

-

-

20

-

-

-

68,612

8,826

4,237 Yokohama 6,828

Sepang Express V9

normally does.

“If the monthly stockpile was 10,000 on a regular basis it means there are solid holding numbers,” he told Autofile. “North of that and we would be looking at an

Make

Toyota

Holden

Ford Hyundai Mazda

Nissan Morning Miracle Suzuki V5

30 Oct

31 Oct

2013

Mitsubishi

15 Nov

Honda

16 Nov

2012

Volkswagen

USed ImportS VArIANCe SoLd

29 Nov

11 Dec

Mercedes-Benz

Peugeot

ISING ED ADVERT TARGET PORT TO DOOR SERVICE

SPACE

Ssangyong

Dodge GENEROUS REWAR DS



MPI Border inspection

Lexus

Land Rover Ship your motor vehicles on

Dec

oct

nov

sep

JUL

Audi

aUG

11 Dec

JUn

23 Nov

BMw

Subaru

apr

16 Nov

0

4 Dec

may

13- Nov

Kia

17 Nov

17 Nov

Feb

7 Nov

Jan

Lyttelton 82,380

1 Nov

154

StoCk

dAyS AVerAge SALeS per StoCk dAy - ytd At hANd

8,579

Jan ‘12

3,191

6,375

(3,184)

5,395

206

26

Feb ‘12

4,920

6,000

(1,080)

4,315

210

21

Mar ‘12

6,504

6,429

75

4,390

209

21

The finding

mar

Wellington -

157 22 Oct 60

Dec

77,438

Auckland 1,400 7,962

oct

-

nov

9,362

sep

7,006

JUL

11,065

INCLUDING : WE BE LOOKING AT YOUR BUSINESS? SHOULDN’T PROGRAMMESkoda

495

Imported

Total stock at the end of December 2011

go to www.autofile.co.nz/subscribe for the latest industry news Jeep

h

says Macdonald.

“Dealers then jump online to buy more from Japan, but that’s

25 206 5,126 736 match demand.

5,877 6,613 Apr ‘12 29 208 6,026 900 6,793 “When the market’s down in 7,693 May ‘12 33 208 6,789 763 6,184 Japan, stock is hard to get. When 6,947 Jun ‘12 26 209 5,483 (1,306) 6,641 5,335 it’s buoyant, you tend to buy what Jul ‘12 oversupply issue.

21 210 4,402 (1,081) 6,621 5,540 you can because you don’t know Aug ‘12 “There was good buying in Japan 18 209 3,686 (716) 6,222 time. next 5,506 available be will ‘12 what Sep arrival high saw we and in March, 12 211 2,507 (1,179) 6,867 in bear 5,688 to need also ‘12 Oct “Dealers numbers in April, May and June.

18 213 3,810 1,303 7,183 to 8,486 Nov ‘12 mind it takes four to six weeks “The stockpile occurs more at 14 Nov '13 215 3,105 (705) Nov '12 7,119 Nov 6,414 ” Mkt +/- % Dec ‘12 stock from Japan. get'13 2013 certain times of the year. Since Mkt Share 2013 total (5,474) 78,311 Share 72,837 Model say 300 Make ytd total Larger operations, of in Nov '13 Nov '12 +/back into the I came1746 Nov Mkt 2013 2013 Mkt 1190industry46.7 % 23.4% Share total 14670 19.3% Share dAyS AVerAge Toyota Corolla 685 USed ImportS 673 StoCk SALeS per StoCk 1.8 35.5 Imported626 SoLd462 VArIANCe 9.2%import8102 cars 8.4% dAy5283 2013 Days stock in nZ - UseD hANd 10.7% - ytd At 6.9% Toyota RAV4 618 596 289 3.7 80 261.3 8.3% 3105 3.9% 2521 6519 at the end of December 2012 8.6% 3.3% 180 Holden Total stock Commodore 572 624 260 -8.3 0.7 171 239 7.7% 176 52.0 (2,929) 7,397 4,468 6695 3.5% 2399 8.8% 3.2% Mazda Jan ‘13Cx-5 160 512 6 243 485 1,501 1,325 6,922 239 8,247 5.6 141 Feb ‘13 6.9% 69.5 5447 3.2% 1989 7.2% 11 243 2.6% Toyota Mar ‘13 2,772 1,271 7,581 Liberty 140 382 8,852 yaris 281 35.9 227 267 5.1% -15.0 3342 4.4% 5,893 2235244 2.9%24 3,121 3.0% 7,418 10,539 Suzuki Apr ‘13 V1 Swift 120 376 405 -7.2 218 34 250 5.0% 254 8,400 2,507 2.9% 8,460 -14.2 4436 10,967 May ‘13 5.8% 2750 3.6% Ford 351 34 Mondeo 252 272 8,627 227 7,862 29.0 8,089 184 Jun ‘13 4.7% 29100Nov 98 87.8 3661 2.5% 1201 261 1.6%29 4.8% 7,621 (1,006) Hyundai Jul ‘13 9,629 310 8,623 ix35 312 -0.6 80 168 4.2% 81 107.4 (13) 2.3% 2994 263 1.8% 29 3.9% 7,608 8,648 1338 8,635 30 Nov ‘13 Mitsubishi Aug Lancer 288 261 10.3 29 168 262 3.9% 60 7,494 (114) 7,615 84 3527 7,501 100.0 Sep ‘13 4.6% 2.3% 894 Toyota 202 263 1.2% 35 240 9,323 1,829 8,545 -15.8 1 Dec 2013 10,374 ‘13 Oct Camry 2.7% 168 131 40 2563 28.2 3.4% - 1.7% - 2.3% - 1270 172 Holden ‘13 NovCaptiva 178 -3.4 2.3% 135 1861 319 20 2.4% 19 Dec - 1.8% - 2039 - -57.7 ‘13 2012 2.7% 165 Volkswagen DecGolf 153 7.8 2.2% 134 80,077 30.1 6,218 1645 86,295 103 ytd total 2.2% 0 1.8% 1469 1.9% 163 Toyota 26 Dec 150 Highland 96,145 8.7 er sales predicted 2013 2.2% 118 1748 79 2.3% 49.4 1.6% 1092 1.4% 128 Ford 82 Focus 56.1 1.7% 114 1398 29 Dec 212 -46.2 1.8% 1.5% 1429 108 1.9% Honda 60 80.0 Jazz 1.4% 113 1001 1.3% 1.5% COMMERCIAL STATISTICS76 48.7 922 92 OF THE NEW AND USED 1.2% 65 SPONSORSHIP Ford 41.5 Kuga 1.2% 775 1.0% 18 522.2 FOR YOUR BUSINESS 112 AVAILABLE NOW IS PAGES 1.5% 952 86 1.3% 49 Mazda 75.5 Mazda3 1.2% 724 109 1.0% 151 -27.8 1.5% 1537 64 2.0% 46 le.co.nz Toyota 39.1all enquiries 775 or email on 021 455 Aurionbrian@autofi107 0.9% contact For 478 Brian0.6% 23 365.2 1.4% 447 63 0.6% 56 Holden 12.5 Cruze 0.8% 654 106 0.9% 80 32.5 1.4% 1925 54 2.5% 44 Hyundai 22.7 0.7% Santa Fe 508 103 0.7% www.autofile.co.nz | 27 261 -60.5 1.4% 1847 51 22 2.4%

Subscribe - FREE aUG

Oct ‘13

ytd total

6,800

160 104 Hoegh Xiamen 117 223 140 115V20 222

238

JUn

Dec ‘13

Port 1,228 5,799Calls

24,837 26,065

January to 131 in October.

Last year 90,754 units were imported and there were 76,871 sales for a variance of 13,883.

LATEST SCHEDULE

(2,030)

apr

1805

Nov ‘13

180

7,385

may

Oct ‘13

Christchurch.

“If you add in Dunedin and Wellington, these centres cover a large proportion of the population and all have strong economies.”

Year to date, 77,438 new cars have been imported and 68,612 have been registered to give a variance of 8,826 so far this year.

Days with stock at hand has been steadily increasing from 78 in

Days stock in nZ - new cars

Feb

Sep ‘13

dAyS AVerAge SALeS per StoCk dAy - ytd At hANd

Jan

Aug ‘13

other centres.

“But 80 per cent of New Zealand’s population is in Auckland and

with 30 to 40 cars.

“They can suddenly be selling without having bought for a few weeks and being 10-15 units down makes them more susceptible,”

always been the way.

“You can oversupply when buying conditions are good, but the marketplace normally corrects itself by pulling back from Japan or selling down. The numbers might drop for a month or two before trundling up again.

“There’s no magic supply-chain miracle. When it’s slow, it tends to be slow for everybody. If you can get good supply with a good exchange rate, everyone benefits.”

Days of stock

2,469

6,102

76,871

6,484

7,816

Total stock at the end of December 2012

6740

7,494 in September.

There have been two other major increases during 2013 – with variances between imports and sales of 3,121 in April and 2,507 in May. Graeme Macdonald, chairman of the North Island branch of the Imported Motor Vehicle Industry Association, says the current stockpile should correct itself – as it

has gone up.

“October and November are normally difficult for the industry, so the stockpile tends to go up,” says Macdonald. “But trade swings up over Christmas and the holidays, so it goes down.

“December and January are good months for sales because people take time off work, the kids are off school and people may have Christmas bonuses or holiday pay.

“It’s a time when Kiwis tend to make financial decisions, so dealers need to have plenty of stock to

TWO SAILINGS PER MONTH JAPAN TO NZ

8,953

90,754

mar

2013

82

209

Days of stock

Nov ‘12

 41.7% Dec ‘12  20.0% ytd total  12.4%

during 2012.

There were 54,404 sales in 2009, 62,029 in 2010, 64,019 in 2011 and 76,871 in 2012, and the MIA is predicting about 82,000 passenger vehicle and SUV sales this year.

“We’re looking at about 30,600 light commercials and we’re on track for 112,000 or 113,000 new vehicle sales overall.”

Business confidence being high and strong regional economies in Auckland and

T

hot, SUVs are.

“People in the housing market are refinancing their mortgages to buy big-ticket items especially when they are confident about keeping their jobs.”

All that said, some of the regional centres, such as Hawke’s Bay and Palmerston North, aren’t showing as much growth as

units, are more static with their holding not changing too much.

A drop of 50 units may not be too drastic. But stock can vary enormously by proportion on yards

Finance

ighest of 2013.

There were 7,962 sales last month, also this year’s biggest mount, while the variance was ,400 with 9,362 units imported – he second highest amount after 11,065 imports in August.

The total stock figure at the end of December was 20,683 and

1996, it has ebbed and flowed.”

Used car stock levels are traditionally based on what’s happening in Japan and what consumers are buying here.

Conditions there have improved recently and the exchange rate

he amount of stock held by used car dealers during October was the highest monthly total of the year.

There were 10,374 units imported last month with a variance of 1,829 on 8,545 sales.

The number of cars in stock amounted to 9,323 compared to

to reject the because the tribunal didn’t think the purchaser gave the supplier a reasonable opportunity to repair the starter motor before having it repaired at her own cost. r Vehicle Disputes At: The Motoland .

Tribunal, Auck

January 2013 and called the trader in March.

She asked the dealer to fix the starter motor. Conway agreed to consider this, but didn’t comply with her request and within 24 hours she replaced it.

Main’s conversations with Conway and her correspondence showed she tried to get the trader to accept responsibility for the oilconsumption issue.

The tribunal didn’t accept the trader’s claim that: “Main never contacted me. I tried to speak to her but she disappeared and I never heard from her for five or six months.”

The trader accepted no responsibility for the faults and the tribunal viewed North Western Toyota’s report as the most objective.

That stated the car produced a “small amount of smoke” and had a few minor leaks that were to be expected in a vehicle of this age and mileage. Cylinder tests showed acceptable compressions of 175-180psi.

It was ruled the light smoking didn’t constitute a failure to comply with the guarantee of acceptable quality in the Consumer Guarantees Act.

Order

17%

850 wds

The application was dismissed.

Payment protection

S

did come down after the global financial crisis [GFC].

“Stocking levels then increased again and they respond to the number of new vehicles sold and the rate at which they are sold.

“They basically go up when sales go up, but I’m not so sure about the days stock is held for being longer and can’t explain that.

“Average sales per day came down during the GFC and before that they were much higher.”

If 80,000 vehicles are sold one year and 100,000 are sold the following year, the average sales per day should be higher – and the MIA is expecting more new vehicles to be sold this year than

that dropped to this year’s low of 18,653 in January.

David Crawford, chief executive officer of the Motor Industry Association (MIA), says current models aren’t sitting around in

Christchurch are boosting sales.

“Trades people are upgrading their vehicles,” says Crawford.

“Although passenger cars aren’t so

n: The application The decisio vehicle was thrown out

41

12% 14% 13%

GAP

Industry manages levels well

surance

The case

tock levels of new cars have increased every month except one this year, with October’s total of 29,509 being the

high-mileage wanted to reject it because the engine was badly worn, but the trader argued the car didn’t breach consumer laws.

a replacement radiator and $70 two days later along with a for the belt. cylinder leak down.

On April 23, View Motors The results included the estimated $2,517 to supply and result as “all cylinders 190psi cold install a second-hand engine, and 195psi hot”. The leak-down cambelt, tensioner and thermostat. test recorded cylinders one, two Main said the starter motor and four at 10 per cent, with the began to fail in April and she third one at five per cent. called Conway, who said he would An oil smoke was found but consider paying. the head needed to come off to She got quotes and determine the cause. The invoice recommended the cheapest from was sent to the trader.

Glen Eden Auto Electrical.

The tribunal asked Main to take Conway wanted to talk to the the car to a franchise for an engine company. When he didn’t, Main diagnosis. had a second-hand starter motor North Western Toyota, fitted the next day for $196.

Henderson, stated the engine On May 7, she sent in a letter smoked a lot in the morning and with two reports – one was from under load on February 3.

Pit Stop and the other was View There was exhaust smoke when Motors’ estimate. cold and a small amount was She invited the trader to detected at operating temperature. organise an inspection and Minor leaks from rocker-cover understood the cheapest solution gasket and distributor oil seal were was to fit a second-hand engine. found. There was evidence of oil The car passed a warrant of fitness burning in cylinders on spark plugs (WOF) on June 28 after 173,767km and a compression test was “okay”. and its emissions were checked. VTNZ The mechanic suspected noted: “Engine starting to smoke seized oil rings on the pistons and needs attention.” and worn valve stem seals. It was Main gave another letter to the recommended to recondition the dealer on August 28. It included a engine or replace it with used one. xxxxxxxxx copy of the inspection sheet and a The dealer said Main contacted Glendene Engine Reconditioners it two or three months postreport with estimates. purchase claiming to smell smoke.

One was for engine reconditioning It asked her to have her garage do of $5,760. The other was to replace a compression test and it would do the piston rings and conrod bearings, the same. timing belt, tensioners, and water Main failed to do this and didn’t pump for $2,594. contact the dealer until August or Main claimed the cost of September 2013.

Dealer stock of used car imports in New Zealand - Oct 2013 repairs, the inspection fee, starter He offered her $1,400 towards 2012 motor’s cost and the quote to repairing the engine or $3,000 replace the radiator. to buy the vehicle back, but she The trader contacted Main rejected both offers. on August 28 and said it wanted New Passenger Vehicle Sales

by Make - November 2013 a compression test report on New Passenger Vehicle Sales

by Model - November 2013 Main first raised the smoke smell in the engine, which was done

Angela Main paid $3,500 for a 1996 Toyota Corolla from The Chequered Flag Ltd. She said its engine was badly worn and wanted the trader to replace the timing belt, water pump and recondition the cylinder head.

Main also claimed for a starter motor, radiator and inspection fee – a total of $3,046.

Main bought the car on December 11, 2012, with 170,580km on the odometer. Two days later, West Point Motors Ltd changed the engine oil, oil and air filters, and spark plugs.

In December or January 2013, it seemed to be going well but had a burnt-oil smell. She took it to her garage, which reported no significant leaks.

In February 2013, Main noticed the car was using a lot of oil, so the trader inspected it. She asked for an engine assessment, but the dealer wanted a compression test completed.

On March 28, Main gave a letter to the trader saying Pit Stop had checked the vehicle and it was blowing blue and black xxxxxxxxxxx smoke indicating an excessively worn engine.

Pit Stop advised Main – without a mechanical diagnosis and without charging for its visual inspection – the car was burning oil, valve-stem seals were leaking and piston rings needed replacing.

- Oct 2013 New Zealand Dealer stock of new cars Itin was inspected

by View Motors 2012 on April 19 after 173,311km. The engine emitted blue smoke and had excessive oil consumption.

The radiator top tank was faulty and the alternator belt was worn out. It quoted $200-$280 for

The buyer of a The case: 1996 Toyota Corolla

22% 9% 8500

New Passenger registration

s-2

The TRUSTED online wholesale trading site.

NEW: 130

183

 4.1%

Nelson Blenheim Greymouth Whangarei Auckland Hamilton Thames Tauranga Rotorua Gisborne Napie r New Plymouth Wanganui Palmerston North Masterton Wellington Nelson Blenheim Greymouth Westport Christchurch Tim aru Oamaru Dunedin In vercargil l Whangarei Auckland Hamilton Thames Tauranga Rotorua Gisborne Napie r New Plymouth Wanganui Palmerston North Masterton Wellington Nelson Blenheim Greymouth Whangarei Auckland Hamilton Thames Tauranga Rotorua

4739

Total Used Imported Cars

9501

2013: 7418 Thames

A p r il 2 0 1 4

Whangarei 2013: 105  23.8% 2013: 145  26.2%

NEW: 2856 Used:

Aroun

6150

Used:

co

try

Total New Cars

d

un

autoport.net 2013: 5907

he

Whangarei tAuckland Hamilton Thames Tauranga Rotorua Gisborne Napier New Plymouth Wanganui Palmerston North Masterton Wellington

NEW: 46 USED:

2013: 45

Tauranga NEW: 262

Auckland  9.0% 2013: 3676  28.9%

USED:

370

NEW: 176 Used:

NEW: 84 Used:

NEW: 4 Used:

NEW: 17 Used:

36

10

189

230

2013: 306

NEW: 78 USED:

80

Gisborne NEW: 38

New Plymouth NEW: 111 2013: 113  1.8% Used: 181 2013: 120  50.8%

64

2013: 284

Rotorua

Hamilton NEW: 441 2013: 414  6.5% Used: 610 2013: 448  36.2%

Used:

 4.5%  46.7%

2013: 44

66

2013: 2619

NEW: 52

 28.1%

USED:

58

Napier

NEW: 143

Wanganui 2013: 57  8.8% 2013: 56  14.3%

USED:

155

NEW: 47 USED:

2013: 57

2013: 26 2013: 30

2013: 172 2013: 107

34

2013: 55 2013: 34

Wellington NEW: 530

Nelson 2013: 100  16.0% 2013: 107  76.6%

USED:

726

2013: 601 2013: 669

Blenheim NEW: 46

Westport 2013: 3  33.3% 2013: 10  0.0%

USED:

38

Christchurch NEW: 685

Greymouth 2013: 18  5.6% 2013: 21  71.4%

USED:

Timaru

NEW: 67 USED:

Oamaru NEW: 16 USED:

Dunedin

NEW: 223 USED:

Invercargill NEW: 98 USED:

2013: 106

Masterton

Palmerston North 2013: 206  14.6% 2013: 190  21.1%

255

2013: 90

108

20

87

2013: 14 2013: 12

2013: 176 2013: 216

2013: 596

1262

2013: 49 2013: 66

2013: 59 2013: 37

 -7.7%  20.9%  -26.4%  40.4%  46.2%  93.3%

 16.9%  44.9%

 14.5%  0.0%

 11.8%  8.5%

 22.0%  2.7%

 14.9%  27.6%

2013: 989

 36.7%  31.8%

 14.3%  66.7%

 26.7%  18.1%

 8.9%  40.3%

2013: 77

UK, Japanese and local vehicles.

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Imported Passenger Vehicle Sales by Make - April 2014

Imported Passenger Vehicle Sales by Model - April 2014

Apr '14 Mkt Share

2014 Total

2014 Mkt share

21.5

23.3%

9122

1215

43.2

18.3%

1524

1224

24.5

Honda

1057

829

Suzuki

560

BMW

Make

Apr '14

Apr '13

Toyota

2217

1824

Nissan

1740

Mazda

+/- %

Make

Model

23.8%

Nissan

6980

18.2%

16.0%

6454

27.5

11.1%

423

32.4

391

249

Subaru

380

Volkswagen

2014 2014 Mkt Total share

Apr '13

Tiida

515

303

70.0

5.4%

2054

5.4%

Suzuki

Swift

459

351

30.8

4.8%

1902

5.0%

16.8%

Mazda

Axela

443

327

35.5

4.7%

1784

4.6%

4116

10.7%

Mazda

Demio

374

304

23.0

3.9%

1759

4.6%

5.9%

2276

5.9%

Honda

Fit

340

266

27.8

3.6%

1420

3.7%

57.0

4.1%

1478

3.9%

Toyota

Corolla

253

244

3.7

2.7%

1051

2.7%

349

8.9

4.0%

1599

4.2%

Toyota

Wish

244

195

25.1

2.6%

1017

2.7%

368

275

33.8

3.9%

1350

3.5%

Toyota

Vitz

241

174

38.5

2.5%

943

2.5%

Mitsubishi

365

378

-3.4

3.8%

1449

3.8%

Subaru

Legacy

228

199

14.6

2.4%

895

2.3%

Audi

196

150

30.7

2.1%

770

2.0%

Volkswagen

Golf

223

157

42.0

2.3%

811

2.1%

Mercedes-Benz

171

110

55.5

1.8%

629

1.6%

Mazda

Atenza

215

236

-8.9

2.3%

872

2.3%

Ford

112

94

19.1

1.2%

456

1.2%

Mazda

Mpv

177

159

11.3

1.9%

792

2.1%

Volvo

51

52

-1.9

0.5%

206

0.5%

Honda

Odyssey

153

149

2.7

1.6%

598

1.6%

Chevrolet

50

63

-20.6

0.5%

219

0.6%

Nissan

March

148

104

42.3

1.6%

636

1.7%

Mini

42

8

425.0

0.4%

136

0.4%

Mitsubishi

Outlander

139

139

0.0

1.5%

519

1.4%

Hyundai

36

8

350.0

0.4%

111

0.3%

Nissan

Note

139

119

16.8

1.5%

626

1.6%

Lexus

36

13

176.9

0.4%

145

0.4%

Honda

Accord

130

96

35.4

1.4%

496

1.3%

Jaguar

33

25

32.0

0.3%

157

0.4%

Toyota

Estima

126

96

31.3

1.3%

507

1.3%

Land Rover

28

12

133.3

0.3%

105

0.3%

Mazda

Premacy

125

84

48.8

1.3%

453

1.2%

Holden

22

16

37.5

0.2%

82

0.2%

Bmw

320i

116

63

84.1

1.2%

389

1.0%

Dodge

13

7

85.7

0.1%

43

0.1%

Toyota

Ist

114

155

-26.5

1.2%

587

1.5%

Peugeot

13

11

18.2

0.1%

41

0.1%

Mitsubishi

Colt

110

117

-6.0

1.2%

453

1.2%

Daihatsu

12

8

50.0

0.1%

72

0.2%

Nissan

Murano

110

34

223.5

1.2%

354

0.9%

Jeep

8

6

33.3

0.1%

22

0.1%

Nissan

Teana

102

69

47.8

1.1%

403

1.1%

Porsche

8

8

0.0

0.1%

54

0.1%

Toyota

Auris

100

85

17.6

1.1%

477

1.2%

Alfa Romeo

7

3

133.3

0.1%

17

0.0%

Toyota

Blade

100

53

88.7

1.1%

358

0.9%

Renault

6

9

-33.3

0.1%

18

0.0%

Nissan

Bluebird

98

154

-36.4

1.0%

493

1.3%

Chrysler

4

5

-20.0

0.0%

13

0.0%

Nissan

Presage

92

68

35.3

1.0%

382

1.0%

Citroen

4

1

300.0

0.0%

11

0.0%

Honda

Stream

87

77

13.0

0.9%

364

0.9%

Maserati

4

1

300.0

0.0%

11

0.0%

Honda

Crv

86

55

56.4

0.9%

296

0.8%

MG

4

2

100.0

0.0%

9

0.0%

Mazda

Verisa

83

36

130.6

0.9%

305

0.8%

Cadillac

3

3

0.0

0.0%

11

0.0%

Nissan

Skyline

79

40

97.5

0.8%

303

0.8%

Pontiac

3

1

200.0

0.0%

8

0.0%

Honda

Civic

77

64

20.3

0.8%

278

0.7%

Rover

3

1

200.0

0.0%

7

0.0%

Toyota

Caldina

75

74

1.4

0.8%

315

0.8%

Buick

2

1

100.0

0.0%

11

0.0%

Toyota

Rav4

74

66

12.1

0.8%

286

0.7%

Others

28

34

-17.6

0.3%

185

0.5%

Others

3326

2506

32.7

35.0%

13195

34.4%

9501

7418

28.1

100.0%

38373

100.0%

Total

9501

7418

28.1

100.0%

38373

100.0%

Total

+/- %

Apr '14 Mkt Share

Apr '14

sTricTly dealer only 22 | www.autofile.co.nz

www.heiwa-auto.co.nz

Bumper month for dealers U

sed imported passenger vehicle sales of 9,501 last month were 2,083 – or 28.1 per cent – ahead of the same month last year to make it the best April for registrations since 2006.

The Nissan Tiida was again the leading model on 515 registrations, ahead of Suzuki’s Swift on 459 units and Mazda’s Axela on 443.

Roger Patterson, co-director of Henshaw Quality Cars in Timaru, says: “We started reasonably quietly last month, but had our biggest weekend ever over Easter.

“We are selling all over the place and are getting a lot more internet sales – mainly through Trade Me.” The business specialises in “ultra-low kilometre, high-quality cars” and has been dealing with the same import company for 15 years.

Patterson says the dealership’s turnover last year was its highest since he started in the industry almost four decades ago – and the trend for selling has been on the up for the past eight months.

“We’ve got a very good reputation and get a lot of repeat business, but we didn’t do a lot of trade-ins last month.”

He has between 80 and 90 used vehicles on site at any one time and has been experiencing a good run on BMWs with Toyota Corollas also selling well.

“We can generally beat the banks as far as personal loans go,” says Patterson. “We’ve still got a fair few buyers who tack car finance onto the end of their mortgage.

“The Timaru area was pretty shell-shocked when South Canterbury Finance went under and if the government hadn’t bailed out the investors, it would have become a lot more difficult in this region.

“The government made the bail-out decision quickly.

Investors spent the money they got from the government on cars, rather than reinvesting.”

He adds the region’s franchise dealerships appear to be doing well, “and with the right product and service, everyone should be benefitting from that”.

Jeremy Gane, sales manager of City Motor Group in Auckland, reports a record month.

“To be fair, these past 12 months have been good,” he says.

“Last winter was really strong and January was another huge month.

Watts Motors in Gisborne sells used stock with sticker prices of less than $20,000 and prices it all up on a national basis.

“We have to be competitive on the internet and Trade Me,” explains dealer principal Brian Watts. “We do sell a lot of cars out of town and it’s a price-competitive market.”

He says the used vehicle sector has been patchy recently, which may be due to uncertainty with interest rates.

“Gisborne is lacking anything to get the economy going and I

Used Imported Passenger Registrations - 2012-2014 10500 10000 9500 9000 8500 8000 7500 7000 6500

2012 2013 2014

6000 5500 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun

“If we have people on the go between yards, nine-and-a-half times out of 10 we will secure the sale.

“Buyers have a shortlist of between three and four cars at different dealerships, and when they turn up here we provide them with excellent service.”

Gane, who is from Christchurch, believes Auckland can be pretty average when it comes to customer service even though the market is “far more competitive” than in his home city.

“Service is our number-one priority along with quality of stock,” he told Autofile.

Jul Aug Sep

Oct Nov Dec

think the city has been struggling since 2008.

“It was slower than other areas to feel the impact of the recession, it hung on for it bit and then it was a bit slower to bounce back.”

Watts says there has been movement towards SUVs, such as the Mitsubishi Outlander, and Nissan’s X-Trail and Qashqai, in the used market.

Holly Brown, of Regent Car & Commercial in Invercargill, says economical vehicles, such as the Mazda3 and Nissan Tiida, are “selling well at the moment.”

Matthew Newman, of South

and True Wholesale

Auckland Motors in Manukau, says: “The used industry is up significantly and up by about 25 per cent.

“Many franchise dealerships haven’t enjoyed that same lift because many are only in the $20,000plus used car market. It’s $10,000 and under where the growth is.

“Franchises are also keen to keep their brands happy by selling more new vehicles to maintain performance satisfaction.”

Newman says the dealership’s trade-ins probably come in at about one in five, or one in six if fleets are excluded.

He believes buyers are spending their own money because many hand their vehicles down to family members, or sell them privately on Trade Me. Brian Read, of Gisborne Motors, says his dealership’s price range for used stock sits between $15,000 and $20,000. He reports business as being quiet with inquiries via the internet also being down.

“I don’t know why used is so quiet,” says Read. “Gisborne isn’t really growing and new pricing hasn’t altered for some time.”

His biggest challenge has been the build-up of used stock and disposing of it.

“There’s no auction house here and it’s a question of buying right.

We don’t buy any imports because we have enough supply of New Zealand new as it is.”

James Crighton, of Tasman Toyota in New Plymouth, says: “Everybody’s getting more online inquiry, and we’re sending more product out of town and across Taranaki.

“We are strong with local purchasing and we’re the third highest in terms of income nationwide.”

Reece McKerrow Ph: 021 988 727

Greg Bardsley Ph: 0279 363 595

www.heiwa-auto.co.nz www.autofile.co.nz | 23

New Passenger Vehicle Sales by Make - April 2014 Make

Apr '14

Apr '13

+/- %

Apr '14 Mkt Share

2014 Total

New Passenger Vehicle Sales by Model - April 2014 2014 Mkt share

Make

Model

Apr '14

Apr '13

+/- %

Apr '14 Mkt Share

2014 2014 Mkt Total share

Toyota

764

918

-16.8

12.4%

4041

13.9%

Toyota

Corolla

298

287

3.8

4.8%

1739

6.0%

Holden

662

588

12.6

10.8%

3061

10.6%

Nissan

X-Trail

238

39

510.3

3.9%

514

1.8%

Hyundai

571

541

5.5

9.3%

2626

9.1%

Holden

Commodore

217

181

19.9

3.5%

883

3.0%

Mazda

485

463

4.8

7.9%

2159

7.4%

Mazda

Cx-5

198

205

-3.4

3.2%

828

2.9%

Nissan

469

236

98.7

7.6%

1709

5.9%

Mazda

Mazda3

181

116

56.0

2.9%

751

2.6%

Ford

441

506

-12.8

7.2%

2393

8.2%

Hyundai

Santa Fe

176

200

-12.0

2.9%

681

2.3%

Mitsubishi

334

251

33.1

5.4%

1731

6.0%

Holden

Captiva

152

153

-0.7

2.5%

732

2.5%

Suzuki

309

441

-29.9

5.0%

1764

6.1%

Volkswagen

Golf

139

119

16.8

2.3%

737

2.5%

Volkswagen

308

263

17.1

5.0%

1397

4.8%

Toyota

Highlander

134

91

47.3

2.2%

419

1.4%

Kia

231

242

-4.5

3.8%

1009

3.5%

Suzuki

Swift

128

307

-58.3

2.1%

909

3.1%

Honda

200

271

-26.2

3.3%

1157

4.0%

Holden

Cruze

125

187

-33.2

2.0%

550

1.9%

Bmw

199

162

22.8

3.2%

739

2.5%

Mitsubishi

Lancer

119

33

260.6

1.9%

689

2.4%

Audi

159

141

12.8

2.6%

723

2.5%

Mitsubishi

Outlander

119

95

25.3

1.9%

542

1.9%

Subaru

125

140

-10.7

2.0%

611

2.1%

Hyundai

ix35

115

71

62.0

1.9%

602

2.1%

Mercedes-Benz

120

110

9.1

2.0%

586

2.0%

Hyundai

i30

107

114

-6.1

1.7%

545

1.9%

Jeep

115

86

33.7

1.9%

395

1.4%

Jeep

Grand Cherokee

97

59

64.4

1.6%

282

1.0%

92

91

1.1

1.5%

393

1.4%

Nissan

Pulsar

90

50

80.0

1.5%

249

0.9%

Peugeot Ssangyong

70

63

11.1

1.1%

303

1.0%

Ford

Kuga

85

77

10.4

1.4%

490

1.7%

Skoda

67

50

34.0

1.1%

279

1.0%

Ford

Focus

83

94

-11.7

1.3%

621

2.1%

Land Rover

66

28

135.7

1.1%

314

1.1%

Toyota

Rav4

83

205

-59.5

1.3%

543

1.9%

Mini

48

49

-2.0

0.8%

203

0.7%

Toyota

Yaris

79

118

-33.1

1.3%

562

1.9%

Volvo

37

24

54.2

0.6%

164

0.6%

Honda

Jazz

76

46

65.2

1.2%

358

1.2%

Dodge

32

21

52.4

0.5%

172

0.6%

Nissan

Qashqai

72

48

50.0

1.2%

475

1.6%

Alfa Romeo

31

8

287.5

0.5%

103

0.4%

Kia

Sportage

71

58

22.4

1.2%

317

1.1%

Citroen

31

21

47.6

0.5%

168

0.6%

Ford

Fiesta

69

102

-32.4

1.1%

356

1.2%

Lexus

28

30

-6.7

0.5%

183

0.6%

Toyota

Camry

62

68

-8.8

1.0%

248

0.9%

Porsche

22

18

22.2

0.4%

96

0.3%

Ford

Territory

59

104

-43.3

1.0%

354

1.2%

Chery

20

11

81.8

0.3%

74

0.3%

Hyundai

Accent

59

26

126.9

1.0%

162

0.6%

Fiat

18

10

80.0

0.3%

106

0.4%

Volkswagen

Tiguan

59

34

73.5

1.0%

269

0.9%

Renault

18

5

260.0

0.3%

41

0.1%

Honda

Civic

58

92

-37.0

0.9%

277

1.0%

Great Wall

13

24

-45.8

0.2%

47

0.2%

Suzuki

Sx4 S-Cross

56

-

-

0.9%

278

1.0%

Jaguar

12

5

140.0

0.2%

44

0.2%

Ford

EcoSport

53

-

-

0.9%

57

0.2%

Daihatsu

11

51

-78.4

0.2%

21

0.1%

Mitsubishi

Mirage

51

75

-32.0

0.8%

200

0.7%

Chrysler

9

5

80.0

0.1%

35

0.1%

Holden

Barina

49

32

53.1

0.8%

234

0.8%

Isuzu

9

0

900.0

0.1%

27

0.1%

Holden

Trax

49

-

-

0.8%

229

0.8%

Mahindra

5

0

500.0

0.1%

20

0.1%

Mazda

Mazda6

49

75

-34.7

0.8%

252

0.9%

Maserati

4

2

100.0

0.1%

24

0.1%

Suzuki

Splash

49

14

250.0

0.8%

107

0.4%

Mg

4

3

33.3

0.1%

10

0.0%

Ford

Mondeo

47

71

-33.8

0.8%

257

0.9%

Aston Martin

3

2

50.0

0.0%

14

0.0%

Kia

Cerato

47

74

-36.5

0.8%

186

0.6%

Can-Am

3

21

-85.7

0.0%

20

0.1%

Subaru

Outback

46

28

64.3

0.7%

199

0.7%

5

6

-16.7

0.1%

45

0.2%

Others

2106

2159

-2.5

34.2% 10324

35.6%

6150

5907

4.1

100.0%

29007

100.0%

Total

6150

5907

4.1

100.0% 29007

100.0%

Others Total

Seal the deal with UDC. Ph 0800 500 832 or visit www.udc.co.nz 24 | www.autofile.co.nz

UDC Finance Limited lending criteria applies.

Best April for two decades T

he Easter and Anzac Day public holidays – and school holidays – had little impact on new vehicle registrations last month, which was the strongest April since 1982.

There were 6,150 new passenger cars sold last month.

That was up by four per cent – or 242 units – on April last year.

Year-to-date registrations of cars are now 12 per cent and 3,118 units ahead of the same period in 2013.

Toyota led passenger car sales on 764, which was a 12 per cent share of the market.

Holden came second on 11 per cent and 662 units, while Hyundai was third on nine per cent and 571 sales.

Toyota’s Corolla remained the top-selling passenger model with a market share of five per cent and 298 units.

It was followed by Nissan’s X-Trail on 238 registrations and Holden’s Commodore on 217.

Autofile contacted some franchises around the country to see how business has been faring.

Ken Cummings, managing director of Southern Motor Court, founded the company with a single site in Dunedin in 1973.

It has since grown to have six South Island branches with dealerships in the city, Invercargill and Queenstown, and it holds franchises for Nissan, Audi, Volkswagen, Skoda, Great Wall, Peugeot and Subaru.

Cummings says the first quarter of this year has resulted in improvement and strong growth when it comes to targets and sales.

“There has been a major improvement in Southland that has come down to a strong rural economy. Some of the European brands have had strong growth as well as the Japanese brands.”

The family-owned business is one of the biggest private motor groups in the South Island with about 120 staff, but that leaves no room for complacency.

“It’s fair to say the new car market is very competitive and that’s going to remain like that this year,” says Cummings.

“You would think that one day it has to level out and even I’ve been surprised with the growth this year.

But you have got to be realistic and I wouldn’t be surprised if it levels out.”

South Island-based Drummond & Etheridge sells new Nissans and Holdens, as well as a wide range of used cars.

model of the Patrol. We have sold out of the Pathfinder Ti, while the ST variant has been going well.

“Nissan has a huge amount of new models coming up and we’ve already had a lot of interest in the new X-Trail.”

Would-be buyers are already looking forward to the new Pathfinder being released next year.

“We’re down on numbers compared with other brands. But with new models coming up next year, we expect our figures to go back up and – to be fair – we’re still sold out of one Pathfinder model.”

Donaldson says the service department has been busy with

New Passenger Registrations - 2012-2014 8500 8000 7500 7000 6500 6000 2012

5500

2013 2014

5000 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun

It operates from two locations – Moore Street in Ashburton and Evans Street in Timaru. The former is home to mid-Canterbury’s only new Nissan dealership, while the Timaru business showcases both marques.

“Overall, we are choc-a-block once again with plenty of cars and trade is very strong – but maybe not quite as strong as last year,” says Scott Donaldson, dealer principal in Ashburton.

“The Pathfinder is still going incredibly strong as is the new

Jul Aug Sep

Oct Nov Dec

many people in Christchurch opting to have their vehicles serviced at the dealership to avoid traffic delays in the city caused by roadworks.

A dealer who used to work in the Garden City has joined Donaldson’s team and that’s helping the business gain a slice of the city’s strong commercial vehicle market spearheaded by the rebuild.

Brian Watts, dealer principal of Watts Motors in Gisborne, says: “We had a good January and February, it wasn’t so good during

March and April was average.”

However, there has been strong inquiry for the new plug-in electric hybrid Outlander.

“We have had a surprising amount of interest in that,” enthuses Watts. “We had a stand at an eco-day last month organised by the local council and about a dozen people there already had a hybrid as well.”

He says the franchise is selling more from the Mitsubishi range compared to Honda’s, while the dealership also sells Fuso trucks.

Dealers in the Taranaki indicate sales in the region have been strong.

James Crighton, chief executive officer of Tasman Toyota, says: “We’re always looking for diversification and are trying to do more within our franchise.

“The larger you are, the more diverse you can be. Workshops can move more into alloys, tyres and wheel alignments, and the key is to do as much as you can fit in.

“We have also got plans for customer parking and a servicing revamp with a new customer care approach in line with Toyota’s strategy.”

WR Phillips has franchises for Mitsubishi, Fuso and Volkswagen in New Plymouth.

“Over the past 12 months, new cars have become very affordable,” says dealer principal Paul Phillips.”

Across the whole new vehicle market, there were 8,729 sales last month.

This was up by seven per cent to bring the year-to-date total to 4,746 – 13 per cent ahead of this time in 2013.

Toyota was the overall leader with 16 per cent market share and 1,384 sales. Ford came second on 11 per cent and 985 units. Holden was third with 10 per cent and 915 registrations.

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new commercial sales

Sales of ute ‘absolute sensation’

R

egistrations of commercial vehicles during April amounted to 2,578, which was up by 15 per cent – or 343 units – compared to the same month of 2013.

The market’s year-to-date registrations came in at 18 per cent – or 1,628 units – ahead of the same month last year.

The Ford Ranger was the top-selling model with 513 registrations, which was a market share of 20 per cent.

The Toyota Hilux came in second on 15 per cent and 377 sales, while Holden’s Colorado took out third with nine per cent share of the market and 231 units.

Year to date, the Ranger is the top-selling commercial on 16 per cent market share and 1,688 registrations, followed by Toyota’s Hilux on 14 per cent and 1,503. The difference

between the two is now 185 units.

Matthew Newman, of South Auckland Motors, describes the Ranger’s success as “an absolute sensation” during his 40 years in the business.

“I’ve never seen a product that has had so much customer support and for so long,” he says. “My gut feeling is that it will sell well more

Apr '14

Apr '13

as being on “low development” in terms of market share.

“The van market is doing between 4,000 and 5,000 units per year, and 40 per cent of that volume is Toyota’s Hiace,” he says.

“It has been like that for a long time, and a huge share of the Hiace’s business is fleet and courier.

“But my gut feeling is the Hiace is slowly coming under attack and the Transit is certainly among them.”

Ken Cummings, of Dunedinbased Southern Motor Court, says: “I don’t think trade has been as buoyant as in Christchurch as far as the tradies go.

“But there’s an air of confidence in Otago and Southland, and it’s not just rural.

“Our tradies are also quietly confident, and you have Queenstown and the Lakes District benefiting from growth in central Otago.”

New Commercial Sales - 2012-2014

3500 3250 3000 2750 2500 2250 2000 1750 1500

2012 2013 2014

1250 1000 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun

New Commercial Sales by Make - April 2014 Make

than 5,000 units over this year.”

Newman believes the Ranger is popular with a wide range of buyers, including large fleets, while the BT-50 appeals to Mazda loyalists and has no fleet backing.

He adds many Hilux owners expressed interest in the Ranger during Toyota’s recall issues.

Newman describes Ford’s Transit

+/- %

Apr '14 Mkt Share

Jul Aug Sep

Oct Nov Dec

New Commercial Sales by Model - April 2014 2014 2014 Full Year Mkt share

Make

Model

Apr '14

Apr '13

+/- %

Apr '14 2014 2014 Mkt Share Full Year Mkt share

Toyota

619

559

10.7

24.0%

2336

22.0%

Ford

Ranger

513

416

23.3

19.9%

1688

15.9%

Ford

544

488

11.5

21.1%

1881

17.7%

Toyota

Hilux

377

360

4.7

14.6%

1503

14.1%

Holden

253

160

58.1

9.8%

785

7.4%

Holden

Colorado

231

143

61.5

9.0%

717

6.7%

Mitsubishi

158

133

18.8

6.1%

728

6.9%

Toyota

Hiace

230

179

28.5

8.9%

767

7.2%

Isuzu

126

88

43.2

4.9%

612

5.8%

Mitsubishi

Triton

123

91

35.2

4.8%

455

4.3%

Nissan

119

232

-48.7

4.6%

952

9.0%

Nissan

Navara

119

212

-43.9

4.6%

952

9.0%

Mazda

103

71

45.1

4.0%

405

3.8%

Mazda

Bt-50

103

71

45.1

4.0%

404

3.8%

88

38

131.6

3.4%

299

2.8%

SsangYong

Actyon Sport

88

38

131.6

3.4%

299

2.8%

SsangYong Volkswagen

88

76

15.8

3.4%

409

3.9%

Isuzu

D-Max

73

38

92.1

2.8%

367

3.5%

Great Wall

55

85

-35.3

2.1%

297

2.8%

Hyundai

iLoad

48

21

128.6

1.9%

273

2.6%

V240

Hino

55

52

5.8

2.1%

212

2.0%

Great Wall

Mercedes-Benz

51

24

112.5

2.0%

168

1.6%

Mercedes-Benz Sprinter

46

50

-8.0

1.8%

230

2.2%

39

12

225.0

1.5%

125

1.2%

Hyundai

49

22

122.7

1.9%

276

2.6%

Volkswagen

Amarok

36

52

-30.8

1.4%

243

2.3%

Volvo

41

23

78.3

1.6%

122

1.1%

Mitsubishi

L300

35

42

-16.7

1.4%

273

2.6%

Mitsubishi Fuso

32

36

-11.1

1.2%

177

1.7%

Volvo

Fm

31

22

40.9

1.2%

98

0.9%

Ldv

23

0

2300.0

0.9%

114

1.1%

Ford

Transit

25

66

-62.1

1.0%

174

1.6%

Foton

22

2

1000.0

0.9%

102

1.0%

Hino

700

23

8

187.5

0.9%

52

0.5%

Fiat

16

16

0.0

0.6%

94

0.9%

Ldv

V80

23

0 2300.0

0.9%

114

1.1%

Man

16

5

220.0

0.6%

100

0.9%

Hino

500

22

35

-37.1

0.9%

94

0.9%

Iveco

15

14

7.1

0.6%

47

0.4%

Holden

Commodore

21

11

90.9

0.8%

65

0.6%

Others

105

111

-5.4

4.1%

507

4.8%

Total

2578

2235

15.3

100.0%

10623

100.0%

Others

372

368

1.1

14.4%

1730

16.3%

Total

2578

2235

15.3

100.0%

10623

100.0%

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used commercial sales

High prices may take tumble P

rices for used commercial vehicles remain strong and are being backed up with good national sales, while supply is steady with used imports increasing.

But one specialist believes current market conditions may have a limited lifespan.

“Something is going to hit soon,” says Gareth Karrasch, of 317 in Takanini south of Auckland. “But I’m not worried about it because there are always fluctuations.”

He says researching prices online shows a new Hiace is selling for about $40,000, “so we wonder how we’re getting $35,000 for the 2010 model”.

Karrasch told Autofile: “With prices you’re paying for a secondhand Ranger, you would have enough to buy a new Mitsubishi.

“A lot of people don’t realise what you can get a new vehicle for and nowadays it’s almost a

Fieldays special every day.”

Last month, there were 538 registrations – up by 24.2 per cent compared to 433 in April 2013.

Used commercial imports continued to track upwards with 468 crossing the border, of which 394 were less than 3,500kg. April was the biggest month of 2014 and brought the year-to-date total to 1,533 units.

Apr '14

appearing to make purchases.

However, he thinks “more people are more likely to go to new than used”.

Brian Watts, of Watts Motors in Gisborne, says it’s hard to come by used commercials for good money.

He holds franchises for Mitsubishi, Honda and Fuso, but the dealership doesn’t get many of the diamond marque’s L300s traded in because owners “sell them privately to mates”.

With 273 registrations in April representing an increase of 30 per cent, Toyota took out 50.7 per cent of sales in April.

Its Hiace dominated with 205 registrations, which was a 28.9 per cent increase over 159 in the same month of 2013.

It means the van claimed 38.1 per cent of the market and its yearto-date sales are 895.

Used Commercial Sales - 2012-2014

650 600 550 500 450 400 350 300

2012 2013 2014

250 200 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun

Used Commercial Sales by Make - April 2014 Make

Holly Brown, of Regent Car & Commercial in Invercargill, says demand is high for economical trade vehicles, such as vans and utes, “but finding utes is hard”.

Jimmi Guillosson, of Energy City Motors Hyundai in New Plymouth, says the used commercials market is doing well with more farmers in the Taranaki

Apr '13

+/- %

Apr '14 Mkt Share

Jul Aug Sep

Oct Nov Dec

Used Commercial Sales by Model - April 2014 2014 2014 Full Year Mkt share

Make

Model

Apr '14

Apr '13

+/- %

Apr '14 Mkt Share

2014 2014 Full Year Mkt share

Toyota

273

210

30.0

50.7%

1173

49.4%

Toyota

Hiace

205

159

28.9

38.1%

895

Nissan

111

118

-5.9

20.6%

500

21.1%

Nissan

Caravan

47

66

-28.8

8.7%

229

37.7% 9.6%

Isuzu

25

9

177.8

4.6%

131

5.5%

Nissan

Vanette

35

36

-2.8

6.5%

161

6.8%

Mazda

22

25

-12.0

4.1%

94

4.0%

Toyota

Regius

20

25

-20.0

3.7%

94

4.0%

Ford

19

25

-24.0

3.5%

101

4.3%

Mazda

Bongo

19

20

-5.0

3.5%

72

3.0%

Mitsubishi

17

6

183.3

3.2%

64

2.7%

Toyota

Dyna

17

11

54.5

3.2%

78

3.3%

Chevrolet

12

8

50.0

2.2%

54

2.3%

Toyota

Hilux

11

3

266.7

2.0%

39

1.6%

10

6

66.7

1.9%

52

2.2%

9

8

12.5

1.7%

33

1.4%

Holden

9

2

350.0

1.7%

40

1.7%

Isuzu

Elf

Hino

7

10

-30.0

1.3%

37

1.6%

Nissan

Navara

Fiat

5

0

500.0

0.9%

25

1.1%

Toyota

Toyoace

9

7

28.6

1.7%

37

1.6%

Mercedes-Benz

5

1

400.0

0.9%

30

1.3%

Ford

Ranger

8

4

100.0

1.5%

25

1.1%

Gmc

4

3

33.3

0.7%

15

0.6%

Mitsubishi

Delica

7

1

600.0

1.3%

25

1.1%

Land Rover

4

0

400.0

0.7%

8

0.3%

Nissan

Patrol

7

0

700.0

1.3%

14

0.6%

Volkswagen

4

3

33.3

0.7%

12

0.5%

Ford

Transit

6

14

-57.1

1.1%

34

1.4%

Daf

3

2

50.0

0.6%

4

0.2%

Isuzu

Forward

6

0

600.0

1.1%

21

0.9%

Man

3

2

50.0

0.6%

17

0.7%

Nissan

Atlas

6

4

50.0

1.1%

42

1.8%

Dodge

2

3

-33.3

0.4%

7

0.3%

Chevrolet

Silverado

5

0

500.0

0.9%

22

0.9%

Ducato

Scania

2

0

200.0

0.4%

4

0.2%

Fiat

Suzuki

2

0

200.0

0.4%

8

0.3%

Mercedes-Benz Sprinter

0

500.0

0.9%

23

1.0%

1

400.0

0.9%

20

0.8%

Alexander Dennis

1

1

0.0

0.2%

5

0.2%

Isuzu

4

1

300.0

0.7%

40

1.7%

Others

8

5

60.0

1.5%

45

1.9%

Others

97

67

44.8

18.0%

418

17.6%

538

433

24.2

100.0%

2374

100.0%

Total

538

433

24.2

100.0%

2374

100.0%

Total

Como

5 5

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