The TrusTed voice of The auTo indusTry for more Than 30 years
www.autofile.co.nz
June 2018
Association aims to secure future
Specialised training that’s proven to increase profits
Possible levies on used imports one option to boost funds as board calls for feedback from members on how it moves forward
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Recall work challenging
n industry organisation is considering all options at boosting its funds, and is asking members about its relevance and future. VIA (the Imported Motor Vehicle Industry Association) is looking into new ways of generating income after recording a revenue deficit of about $264,000 in the past financial year. Options being considered include charging levies on used imports and increases in subscriptions. The association’s shortfall has been largely attributed to a tumble in revenue from the technical work it does on behalf of members. This income stream fell by $136,430 to $253,827 – or by 65 per cent – during the 2018 financial year compared to the previous reporting period. As for the future, VIA is
asking its membership about its relevance to the industry, whether it’s still needed and if it should continue to operate in the same way. The bottom line is that if the funding issue remains unresolved, the association’s future may be in doubt. “We have dealt with big issues before, but never so many that are so serious at the same time,” David Vinsen, chief
executive, told VIA’s annual general meeting in Christchurch on May 30. The association and its members have so far faced three major issues this year – the stink-bug crisis, the second phase of electronic stability control (ESC) and, most recently, the mandatory recall of vehicles
fitted with faulty alpha-type Takata airbags. Vinsen describes the callback as being “big to handle” with many aspects having to be gradually dealt with by VIA. “We are trying to work through it,” he says. “We’ve got a new government that’s trying to understand what’s in front of it. It issued this recall with little understanding of the magnitude of the problem and, it’s fair to say, nor did most of us. “We discussed the ramifications with the minister, but he needed to make a decision. We’re working in good faith, but are restrained by the lack of accurate information, lack of parts and no definitive rulings. “If we didn’t take the lead on this, we would have been left with all sorts of problems.” In regards to stink bugs, VIA established a technical research group under the auspices of the
Risk profiles to tackle stink bugs p 19
Vision of an electric future
p 21
p 29
Finding fresh racing talent
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