The TrusTed voice of The auTo indusTry for more Than 30 years
www.autofile.co.nz
May 2018
Car dealers must follow recall laws Businesses operating across the automotive industry need to avoid bringing in or on-selling non-complaint stock
V
ehicle importers and car dealers are being warned of the dangers associated with bringing in and selling cars – especially trade-ins – that have alpha-type Takata airbag inflators fitted. The government has ordered the mandatory recall of about 50,000 vehicles with the systems What a Takata airbag inflator looks like installed that have yet to have remedial action completed on them. In addition, registered motorThe safety campaign, vehicle traders run the risk of which affects some models incurring a fine of up to $600,000 manufactured from 2000-11, has under the Fair Trading Act if they been issued because faulty Takata fail to comply with the call-back’s airbags have been associated with requirements, such as by selling 23 deaths and about 230 serious cars still needing remedial work. injuries worldwide. The Motor Trade Association The recall, which was ordered (MTA) is going to great lengths to by Kris Faafoi, Minister of ensure all of its members are up to Commerce and Consumer Affairs, speed with what’s required of them. means that from May 31 vehicles Greig Epps, industry relationship with alpha-type Takata airbags will manager, told Autofile it’s too early become prohibited imports. to tell how the call-back issued
on April 4 has impacted on importing decisions made by its members. “The recall takes effect at the end of May, so dealers should be using the time until then to make themselves familiar with the range of affected cars on www.rightcar.co.nz. “They can assess current stock holdings to determine if any vehicles should be taken to the relevant brand for recall service. “They should also review any import orders already submitted to see if they can remove affected cars or have them remediated before shipment. No car can land after May 31 if it contains an alpha airbag device.” Epps stresses businesses buying and selling vehicles need to be aware of issues around trade-ins. Private sellers are unaffected in that they can move cars yet to be reworked. Dealers, on the other
Specialised training that’s proven to increase profits Stink-bug options revealed p 8
Trading places in Taipei
p 14
Toyota boss in spotlight p 22
Ambassador for sport
[continued on page 4]
GLOBAL VEHICLE LOGISTICS NZ - JAPAN - AUSTRALIA - UK - EUROPE
p 29