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Opposition voiced to used import changes O rganisations representing the new vehicle industry on both sides of the Tasman have raised concerns about the possibility of importation rules on used vehicles going into Australia being relaxed. The Canberra-based Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) and New Zealand’s Motor Industry Association (MIA) have criticised recommendations made by the Productivity Commission in its 326-page report. The outcome of its inquiry into automotive manufacturing flags up the costs and benefits of financial and other assistance in light of Ford, Holden and Toyota closing their Australian production lines. The commission says the government should end all industry-related funding when local car manufacturing ends in late 2017. Its recommendations – first reported by Autofile Online on August 26 – have sparked off fresh debate in both countries about relaxing the rules on used vehicles going into Australia. The commission says this should happen no earlier than 2018 and initially be limited to vehicles no more than five years old when they cross the border, while a standards-based approach may also be adopted. The report also tackles restrictions on used imports through Australia’s Motor Vehicle Standards Act, which is subject to a separate review. Restrictions through that legislation currently arise from the need to obtain import approvals, without which no road vehicles may enter the country. The commission adds that luxury car tax, which applies The trusted voice of the auto industry for more than 25 years Issue 16-2014 5 September 2014 In this issue p6 Used sector’s views on Oz p10 Great results for industry p12 Focus on Ford NZ’s boss p18 Supercar emissions drop p23 Ruling on wear and tear p24 Sales statistics – in-depth Specialised training to increase your sales Dealers caught breaking law www.autofile.co.nz A ctions by two individuals have seen their access to name and address information on MotorWeb revoked. Chris Knight, the company’s general manager, urges all registered motor vehicle traders (RMVTs) to obtain the personal details of car owners for approved purposes only. “It’s important to remember this access is a privilege, not a right,” says Knight. MotorWeb says any registered dealers who flout the regulations will be banned from using its online services, which will have serious implications on the way their businesses operate. For many years, access to names and addresses on the motor vehicle register was available to the general public. However, this changed when new legislation came into effect on May 1, 2011, meaning only authorised types of businesses – such as RMVTs – complying with section 241 of the Land Transport Act 1998 (LTA) are now able to access this information. “MotorWeb provides a service for GLOBAL VEHICLE LOGISTICS [continued on page 4] [continued on page 8] Find out more on page 7 Premium compact SUV makes ‘bold statement’ p 19

Autofile 5 Sept

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Two people have had their access to name and address information on MotorWeb revoked. General manager Chris Knight urges registered dealers to only obtain personal details of car owners for approved purposes. John Davies, of AUTOHUB NZ, believes if Australia’s tax on luxury cars is scrapped, that could open the way for more high-end European stock to be exported from the UK. Read more views in the magazine. The new car industry on both sides of the ditch are concerned about the possibility of rules on used vehicles going into Australia being relaxed, while the government says it will not become a “dumping ground” for old stock. Corey Holter’s career with Ford spanned three continents before taking over as MD in New Zealand last July, while Angus Bradshaw will be spending more time at a vineyard when he retires from MTF. Industry movers include Warwick Quinn starting as CEO of the MTA and Stuart Gibbons being appointed to Colonial Motor Company’s board.

Citation preview

Page 1: Autofile 5 Sept

Opposition voiced to used import changesOrganisations representing

the new vehicle industry on both sides of the

Tasman have raised concerns about the possibility of importation rules on used vehicles going into Australia being relaxed.

The Canberra-based Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) and New Zealand’s Motor Industry Association (MIA) have criticised recommendations made by the Productivity Commission in its 326-page report.

The outcome of its inquiry into automotive manufacturing flags up

the costs and benefits of financial and other assistance in light of Ford, Holden and Toyota closing their Australian production lines.

The commission says the government should end all industry-related funding when local car manufacturing ends in late 2017.

Its recommendations – first reported by Autofile Online on August 26 – have sparked off fresh debate in both countries about relaxing the rules on used vehicles going into Australia.

The commission says this should happen no earlier than

2018 and initially be limited to vehicles no more than five years old when they cross the border, while a standards-based approach may also be adopted.

The report also tackles restrictions on used imports through Australia’s Motor Vehicle Standards Act, which is subject to a separate review.

Restrictions through that legislation currently arise from the need to obtain import approvals, without which no road vehicles may enter the country.

The commission adds that luxury car tax, which applies

The trusted voice of the auto industry for more than 25 yearsIssue 16-2014

5 September 2014

In this issuep6 Used sector’s views on Oz

p10 Great results for industry

p12 Focus on Ford NZ’s boss

p18 Supercar emissions drop

p23 Ruling on wear and tear

p24 Sales statistics – in-depth

Specialised training to increase your sales

Dealers caught breaking law

www.autofile.co.nz

Actions by two individuals have seen their access to name and address

information on MotorWeb revoked.Chris Knight, the company’s

general manager, urges all registered motor vehicle traders (RMVTs) to obtain the personal details of car owners for approved purposes only.

“It’s important to remember this

access is a privilege, not a right,” says Knight.

MotorWeb says any registered dealers who flout the regulations will be banned from using its online services, which will have serious implications on the way their businesses operate.

For many years, access to names and addresses on the motor vehicle register was

available to the general public. However, this changed

when new legislation came into effect on May 1, 2011, meaning only authorised types of businesses – such as RMVTs – complying with section 241 of the Land Transport Act 1998 (LTA) are now able to access this information.

“MotorWeb provides a service for

GLOBAL VEHICLE LOGISTICS

[continued on page 4]

[continued on page 8]

Find out more on page 7

Premium compact SUV makes

‘bold statement’

p19

Page 2: Autofile 5 Sept

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Page 3: Autofile 5 Sept

www.autofile.co.nz | 3

editor’s note

Making mockery of democracyIf you think the political

playground gets grubby in New Zealand, spare a thought

for other countries.Many migrants arrive here on

tailcoats of despair at the powers-that-be in their homelands.

They may be English fed up with the hangover of Thatcherism or Tony Blair leading the battle cry into what was Persia in a style reminiscent of the crusades.

They may come here from post-apartheid South Africa, or Somalia or Afghanistan in fear of their lives as asylum seekers.

It almost pales into insignificance the bad apple that’s sometimes Kiwi politics – from the last months of the Clark government grasping onto power, to Judith Collins’ ignominious departure.

More revelations may well be exposed in the coming days, while Kim Dotcom’s so-called “bombshell” is set to be revealed five days out from election day – or so he says.

Politics, when good, can make a country. I remember sitting on a wall outside the Beehive as editor of a community paper with bags of petitions to present for a campaign, which was successful.

I watched John Key get out of his chauffeur-driven car flanked by a few men in black, while officials and politicians from South Korea were coming out of another door.

And there I was, sitting with my bulging suitcases just metres away from our prime minister and very important people from overseas.

Had this been close to the House Commons, it might have been the start of a spell in the Tower of London.

But it wasn’t. It was Wellington and I genuinely felt blessed to be in such a relatively “free” country.

Whatever failings our politicians have, it doesn’t compare to our

cousins across the ditch judging by the tirades being exchanged in Canberra as a great industry enters its twilight years.

Here are some numbers to ponder. The Productivity Commission there estimates about NZ$33.4 billion was provided to the automotive manufacturing sector between 1997 and 2012 via tariffs and subsidies.

About 40,000 people may lose their jobs when the production lines close and because of the “rationalisation” of supply-chain business. Some say the figure will be closer to 200,000.

Serious stuff, you would have thought, except the political bun fight that has ensued almost makes a mockery of democracy.

The federal treasurer tabled the commission’s report on the last possible day he was allowed to under statute.

The industry minister insists Australia will never become a “dumping ground for other countries’ old second-hand vehicles” under his watch.

The opposition’s industry spokesman has rubbished the commission’s report and has accused the government of handling car industry policy with “contempt”.

He puts the cost of supporting the automotive manufacturing industry there at $19.35 per year per person compared to about $100 in Germany, $294 in the US and $371 in Sweden.

So who to believe? That’s a question all people from all countries have to answer come polling day – if they are lucky enough to live somewhere where voting is allowed.

But who can blame anyone for putting a massive cross or tick across the whole ballot paper before sparking up the barbecue and cracking a tinnie?Darren Risby, editor

Copyright: Published twice monthly by 4Media, PO Box 6222, Dunedin 9059 All statements made, although based on information believed to be accurate and reliable, cannot be guaranteed, and no liability can be accepted for any errors or omissions. Reproduction of autofile in whole or part, without written permission, whether by xerography or any other means, is strictly forbidden. All rights reserved.

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darren risby [email protected] 021 137 5430

Journalist & onlinE producEr

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Brian Mccutcheon [email protected] 021 455 775

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adrian payne [email protected]

Autofile is also available as an electronic copy via email. If you’d like to receive electronic copies please send an email with your name and organisation to: [email protected]. Back copies are also available on request.

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“Our dealership has installed the system on its loan vehicles. They’re prone to a bit of kerbing, so RimPro-Tec has saved us quite a bit of money. For owners of high-performance cars with alloys worth $7,000 to $8,000, it’s an economical way to save rims. We’re selling quite a few each month.” - Evan Lorezon, Jerry Clayton BMW

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Page 4: Autofile 5 Sept

4 | www.autofile.co.nz

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Backing to scrap luxury taxto vehicles over certain value thresholds, should be scrapped.

In general, it believes allowing more used imports into Australia will deliver lower prices for consumers as well as improved features and greater choice.

The FCAI, the country’s equivalent of the MIA, has welcomed the federal government saying it has no intention of allowing Australia to become a “dumping ground” for old second-hand vehicles imported from overseas.

Tony Weber, chief executive of the FCAI, believes the country has the world’s most competitive new car market, which brings with it the latest in-vehicle environmental and safety technologies.

“With year-on-year improvements in technology, it goes without saying a newer fleet is better for consumers

[continued from page 1]

Tony Weber, of the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries, is concerned about the Productivity Commission’s views on more used imports going into Australia

impacts on safety and environmental outcomes,” says Weber.

“We welcome the government’s in-principle support for this recommendation and look forward to further consideration in a taxation white paper.”

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KIWI INDUSTRY VIEWSDavid Crawford, chief executive officer of the Motor Industry Association (MIA), says: “We are following the Australian discussion on freeing up the market by allowing in more used imports with interest.

“The MIA has previously noted in Autofile that there appears much for Australian consumers to lose and little to gain by allowing used imports to flood into their market.

“We support the FCAI’s view that relaxing the market will see that country’s fleet becoming older and less safe. It’s hard to see why you would want that to happen.”

The MIA does, however, also welcome the Productivity Commission’s recommendations to scrap luxury vehicle tax because “any tax of this nature distorts markets”.

because newer cars are safer, more environmentally friendly and more reliable,” he says.

“The high level of competition is benefiting consumers with a vast majority of models being sold in Australia cheaper than in other right-hand-drive markets.”

The FCAI has released research to support this, while the most recent CommSec Car Affordability Index shows prices are at their lowest since the index started in 1976.

“We will continue to engage with the government about this,” says Weber. “This includes through our response to the Motor Vehicle Standards Act Review.”

The FCAI does, however, support the commission’s recommendation for luxury car tax to be canned.

“This poorly designed tax distorts purchasing decisions, and adversely

The Australian government is adamant the country will not become a “dumping

ground” for old used imports.“This issue will be considered in

detail as part of the government’s review of the Motor Vehicle Standards Act,” says Ian Macfarlane, Minister for Industry.

“We will be mindful of the need to maintain the highest safeguards for consumers and the impact of any changes on the domestic car retail market.

“No decision has been taken to reduce restrictions and the government has no intention of allowing Australia to become the dumping ground for other countries’ old second-hand vehicles.”

The government says it will continue working with the automotive sector on a transition plan to help workers and components suppliers to capitalise on opportunities in other industries.

It will also support domestic manufacturing through fleet

procurement until the end of local car production.

Despite what has been incorrectly reported by some media outlets, no further consultation will be carried out by the Productivity Commission on its inquiry.

It is now up to the government to seek any feedback in relation to the report and to decide what it will do in relation to its recommendations.

“[Our report] doesn’t go to further consultation,” a spokesperson for the commission told Autofile.

“The government has made its response. The Productivity Commission has no further role.”

The report includes an assessment of factors that have impacted on car making in Australia and includes nine recommendations.

The government supports, or backs in principle, most of them and some will be considered in a white paper on tax reforms.

No to ‘dumping ground’

Page 5: Autofile 5 Sept

www.autofile.co.nz | 5

t Crawford says: “Unlike Australia, we allow used imports in. While we have a standards-based approach, if they aren’t regularly updated older vehicles end up being imported.

“This exacerbates end-of-life issues and, in this regard, we note with interest the commission’s recommendation that if the used car market is opened up, no vehicles older than five years should be imported.

“The MIA would recommend our government seriously considers a similar policy for New Zealand.”

Tony Weber, head of the FCAI, and its technical director James Hurnall visited New Zealand earlier this year to study the MIA’s experiences with the parallel and used imported vehicle sectors.

The MIA facilitated meetings with the government, AA and some of its members.

“Of interest to the FCAI were conditions in New Zealand when the used car sector developed, how parallel and used imports have co-existed, and experiences of our new vehicle distributors,” says Crawford.

“The main points related to the political and business environment in the 1980s and ‘90s compared to now, and the difference between used and parallel imports.

“We consider parallel imports as near-new vehicles that bypass the marque’s official New Zealand distributor.

“They have typically been sold overseas with little mileage, deregistered and then imported here purportedly as new.”

The MIA says they are not new under the Motor Vehicle Sales Act because they have been previously registered overseas.

“As such, they have for the purposes of our legislation been sold – albeit new or nearly new after arriving here because they might not have travelled more than 50-100km,” says Crawford.

“Used imports are typically older and sold to end users, so managing parallel imports compared to used imports has different considerations.”

Crawford says the business environment is now different

compared to when New Zealand’s used car sector got off the ground.

“Back in the 1980s, we had a heavily regulated market, high tariffs to protect domestic manufacturing and assembling operations, and an old fleet,” he told Autofile.

“Vehicles were expensive with limited models to choose from. New cars today are worlds apart in terms of quality, features and reliability from those available to Kiwis back then.

“They are also supported by a customer-focused dealer network with legislated consumer protection.

“The range available has significantly expanded and, for the size of our market, it’s one of the best in the world per head of population.”

THE COST OF NEW CARSThe MIA says the affordability of new vehicles in New Zealand has improved significantly.

“If we look at the consumer price index [CPI] of new cars from a base in March 1994 of 1,000 units, there has been a 20 per cent decrease in real car prices,” says Crawford.

“Over the same period, the overall CPI rose by 55 per cent. In other words, the price of a new car is now about 75 per cent below the 1994 price – if new cars had grown at the same rate as the total CPI.

“Other factors affect our ability to buy a car. Incomes have been tracking up over the past 20 years with the median average growing by 46 per cent in real terms from 1994 to 2009 with average after-tax

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ordinary time wages increasing by 24 per cent in real terms.

“This has meant that, since 1988, the number of weeks it took earning the average gross wage to buy a car – with it adjusted for a constant quality – has been declining.

“In 1988, it took 92 weeks to buy an average car. By 2007, it only took 35 weeks.”

Another feature that has made it easier to purchase a new vehicle is better access to and affordability of finance.

“In 1988, the floating interest rate was 19 per cent,” says Crawford. “Action by governments to control inflation over the past 25 years has seen mortgage rates drop to as low as about five to six per cent.

“Today’s business in New Zealand is similar to Australia, so this raises the question of whether there is any public benefit to freeing up the market in Australia to allow large numbers of used imports.

“The rate of ownership in both countries is high with more than 700 vehicles per 1,000 people.

“The big difference remains the average age of the fleets and penetration rate of safer vehicle technologies. Australia has a lower vehicle age and its new technology rate is higher than in New Zealand.

“It will be an interesting time for Australia as it grapples with whether or not to free up used imports.”

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“It will be an interesting time for Australia as it grapples with whether or not to free up used imports.” - David Crawford, MIA

Page 6: Autofile 5 Sept

6 | www.autofile.co.nz

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There’s unlikely to be a flood of second-hand vehicles crossing Australia’s border

if the grip is loosened on what can go into the country.

And if its tax on luxury cars is scrapped, that could open the way for more high-end European stock to be exported from the UK to create a viable business model.

Those are the views of John Davies, managing director of AUTOHUB New Zealand, who stresses the relaxation of restrictions is some way from being sorted out.

Only recommendations have so far been made by the Productivity Commission to the government.

“The system Australia may adopt could be based on age or standards, such as electronic stability control,” Davies told Autofile.

“The government has said there won’t be a flood of used vehicles going in, so reading between the lines I feel it has no appetite to let large volumes of older cars in.

“It’s likely there will be more demand in the future for later models and I don’t expect the market to be directly compete with New Zealand that much.

“If the luxury car tax is scrapped, I expect that to lead to a greater potential for exports from the UK and there could be a scenario with that channel becoming commercially viable.”

Davies will be surprised if the implementation of any changes to Australia’s border control and taxation systems takes until 2018 – as the commission has recommended.

“It’s rumoured some suppliers of parts and services are reputedly already cashing up and walking away from the industry,” he says.

“The new car manufacturers may not even maintain production until 2018, in which case changes could come in sooner than that.

“I wouldn’t be surprised if the Australian government made an announcement on the way forward early next year. At the moment though, it’s pretty much guesswork.”

Davies says there may be more issues Australia has to face because of its high dollar, manufacturing costs and those associated with doing business there.

“Only one state – Western Australia – is running at a profit thanks to its mining, but even that’s getting shaky.

“There’s an issue for Australia taking in more cars from Japan because it’s about 50 per cent more expensive to drop them off there than in New Zealand because of ports’ fees and structures.

“The ports are basically monopolies and lazy, and this makes doing business here a breath of fresh air by comparison.

“Some people just don’t know how lucky we are in New Zealand because most countries don’t have the industry services we have.

“Regulations and processes in Australia aren’t geared up for multiple imports because it’s done on a car-by-car basis at the moment.”

Davies also thinks there will be market changes there in time, “but there won’t be a groundswell for new imports and some wholesalers will make up a few of the players”.

He adds: “Car-buying trends change as well, with Australians now going for Hyundai, Kia, Subaru and Mazda. That big six-cylinder mentality isn’t there as much.

“New Japanese vehicles are being sourced quite cheaply there, so 2005 Toyota Corollas may not work there.”

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Flood of used imports ‘unlikely’

recognises the commission’s report has gone to the government, but “there’s a long way to go”.

He adds: “As an existing service provider, we are encouraged to see the report recommends making the rules more relaxed towards more used vehicles being imported into Australia, while concentrating on consumer and end-user needs of vehicle safety, supply availability and price.

“Given local car manufacturing in Australia is going to come to an end, this is a logical step forward.

“Vehicles to be supplied to Australia in future may be from overseas jurisdictions with equivalent requirements to Australia Design Rules [ADRs], which would apply to those from Europe.”

ASSOCIATION’S VIEWPOINTGraeme Macdonald, North Island chairman of the Imported Motor Vehicle Industry Association (IMVIA), believes there will be no “overnight change” if Australia allows more used cars in.

The suggested year of 2018 for this to happen will “give New Zealand importers a settling-in period and they won’t be competing with Australia for a few years yet”.

Macdonald told Autofile some vehicles will cross over, but overall the stock both countries import will be “very different”.

“Change in Australia was inevitable because of manufacturers ceasing production. The market there was going to change whether we had involvement or not.

John Davies, managing director of AUTOHUB NZ, says new Japanese vehicles are being sourced quite cheaply in Australia, so 2005 Toyota Corollas may not work there.

Page 7: Autofile 5 Sept

www.autofile.co.nz | 7

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“IMVIA members and sponsors are looking at opportunities too, there’s an adequate supply of vehicles and there will be more to come.

“Some vehicles coming to New Zealand will be affected, but our market will adapt. We’re aware of concerns some members have, but we already exist alongside a couple of hundred markets.”

Macdonald says there may be uncertainty about 2018 being the year for Australian restrictions on used imports to be relaxed.

“There has been resistance from the new car media, which is to be expected given its relationship with the new vehicle industry.

“Despite this, members of the public are not fools. They vote with their cheque books and feet. We also believe a discussion about the luxury tax is a move in the right direction.”

He adds the commission’s use of the word “initial” indicates a five-year age limit maybe an appropriate place to start.

IMPORT STANDARDS REVIEWAn options discussion paper for the review of the Motor Vehicle Standards Act 1989 (MVSA) was released by Australian government on September 4.

It will consider consumer access to vehicles at the lowest possible cost if the rules and taxes around importation are relaxed.

“Key issues include short and long-term impacts on the price of second-hand and new vehicles,” the paper states.

The effect on the fleet’s safety, environmental performance and anti-theft measures will be examined because “newer vehicles are generally safer and more environmentally friendly” than older ones.

There may be issues around the availability of overseas stock that meets ADRs or equivalent standards, as well as providing consumer protection.

Assessing vehicles’ histories – so only those not subject to structural

damage, inadequate repair, theft and odometer tampering can be imported – will be investigated.

“Regulatory approaches will need to reflect an overall risk-

based regulatory model,” it states.Limiting the age of imports “for

example, to less than five, three or two years old” – and from countries with standards equivalent to ADRs – will be considered.

“Imports could be required to have five-star ratings issued by ANCAP or Euro NCAP, or specified UN regulations for the year of manufacture.”

The document also highlights “nearly new” cars. These are “built to comparable international standards – for example, a three-year-old car first registered in the UK or Japan”.

The government says older “used vehicles” are likely to have a greater risk of not satisfying Australian standards.

“It would be appropriate to put in place a more rigorous quality assurance process around them.”

Consultation closes on October 13 after which a regulation impact statement will be produced.

More onlineVisit www.autofile.co.nz for

in-depth coverage – just click on “Spotlight on Australia”.

Articles include new car dealers there opposing more used imports,

the Aussies’ views on the Kiwi auto industry and more on

the latest government review.

t

“Some vehicles coming to New Zealand will be affected, but our marketplace will adapt.” – Graeme Macdonald, IMVIA

Page 8: Autofile 5 Sept

8 | www.autofile.co.nz

[continued from page 1]

A used car dealership is pleased with the industry’s response to an email alert

after it dismissed a member of staff following allegations of theft.

The action was taken in June by 2 Cheap Cars Ltd, which has branches in Auckland and Christchurch.

General manager Garry Moore says: “Without going into too many details, he admitted to two areas of theft.”

Moore has emailed dealers, and finance and insurance companies, about the matter, and told Autofile he has received about 50 phone calls in support.

While the alleged theft has affected the company, he says, “what is more important and apparent is that he has been in previous positions of trust at dealerships”.

Moore’s email states: “I believe you should all advise your clients that they should be careful if considering this person as an employee.

“We all have a duty to raise the bar. By not taking appropriate action in cases such as this, you are preventing the industry from achieving all it can be.”

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

Dealer takes action

Law-breakers barred from site

MotorWeb recently discovered two customers logged onto its system, accessed names and addresses, and posted details on public websites. It did not hesitate in banning these users.

They will not only be banned from MotorWeb, but the NZTA may also take action against them meaning they will no longer have access to name and address information through any means.

Knight says: “We understand how heavily our customers rely on access to the MotorWeb system for many transactions – including name and address information – and the impact removal would cause their business.

“We are doing everytihing possible to educate RMVTs on the

authorised use of this information. “We don’t want to see a

dealership lose access due to one employee’s illegal behaviour.”

ABIDING BY THE RULESThe conditions for accessing the names and addresses of registered vehicle owners include this information being accessed only by the authorised user on its own behalf and solely for its own use and for a specified purpose.

Before being permitted to access the motor vehicle register, all staff must receive training that emphasises this must only be for a specified purpose and refresher training of all employees must be undertaken at appropriate intervals.

Access must be restricted solely to members of staff for whom authorised access is essential to achieving a specified purpose.

The names and addresses obtained under the authorisation must not be disclosed to any third party unless such disclosure is necessarily incidental to achieving a specified purpose.

Any instances of unauthorised access are immediately reported to the Secretary for Transport and Privacy Commissioner.

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customers to access this information within the scope of our terms and conditions,” explains Knight.

“Registered dealers and other authorised groups must abide by this legislation.”

Before users can access this information, MotorWeb requires them to complete an online training exercise, which includes real-life scenarios they may encounter.

Users also need to understand and agree with the company’s conditions of use.

Approved purposes include safety recalls, confirmation of ownership changes and checking who registered owners are when trading vehicles.

Unapproved access includes checking a car with no intention of buying it, and acquiring owners’ details in the event of an accident or for marketing purposes.

A screenshot of a training section on MotorWeb“Registered motor vehicle traders who operate outside of the law will be banned from MotorWeb.”

– Chris Knight

Page 9: Autofile 5 Sept

www.autofile.co.nz | 9

Auckland-based Awan Boueki Pacific Ltd has been fined $200,000 – and

its 55-year-old director $50,000 – for selling 69 vehicles in a year without being registered as a motor vehicle trader.

Karla Flood, manager of the registries integrity and enforcement team at the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, says the judge referred to the case’s aggravating features.

These included the persistence of the offending, premeditation and the fact it was well-planned and deceptive. The matter is reported in more depth by Autofile Online.

“This sentencing should send a message that enforcement action by the registrar of motor vehicle traders will be taken against any individual or company actively flouting the to rules,” says Flood.

The judge put this prosecution in the category of “most serious of cases”, beating the previous record penalty imposed to a Waiheke Island man in July, who was fined $30,000.

Flood says when consumers purchase vehicles from unregistered traders, they have less protection when things go wrong.

The case follows a number of other prosecutions in recent months.

Record fine issued

news

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Angus Bradshaw is looking forward to spending more time at a vineyard when

he retires as managing director of Motor Trade Finances (MTF) Ltd later this year.

He joined the Dunedin-based company as general manager in December 1997 and was appointed to his current position the following April.

“I’ve enjoyed my time with MTF and still do,” Bradshaw told Autofile. “The highlight has probably been working with excellent staff, who are some of the top people in our industry and have made the job relatively easy.

“It has also been a pleasure working with dealers and franchises because they are the business.

“There will always be challenges in any job or industry, but we’ve had good support from our shareholders and the majority of our originators.”

Bradshaw, also a director of Central Otago-based Grasshopper Rock Wine Ltd, says the global financial crisis “certainly wasn’t fun, but everyone understood

what we had to do and what changes had to be made”.

He adds: “I’m 66 next week and have no grand designs, but I’ve lined up a couple of things to do.

“I will spend more time at the vineyard making pinot noir, and will also enjoy keeping fit and causing trouble to fish.

Stephen Higgs, chairman of MTF, says: “Angus has successfully led MTF since 1997.

“During this time, MTF has converted from a co-operative to an investor-owned company, launched a franchise business, and developed

a reliable and efficient wholesale funding base.

“He has built a strong team and leaves the company well-positioned for growth. The search for a successor has begun and Angus will work with the board to manage the transition.”

The company caught some in the industry by surprise when it issued a brief statement to the NZX on August 29 advising Bradshaw will leave on November 30.

Managing director to leave company

Angus Bradshaw

Page 10: Autofile 5 Sept

10 | www.autofile.co.nz

news

being flexible across of the port. “Cars stretched from Captain

Cook’s Wharf in the west to Freyberg in the east, nestled among iron-sand exports. Three years ago that would have been impossible.”

The port now operates an automated manifest and billing, which means all vehicles other than cars are measured in tonnes.

Bulk and break-bulk volumes went up to 5,679,325 tonnes, or 26 per cent, while ship calls increased from 1,463 to 1,541 – up by 5.3 per cent.

“It hasn’t all been smooth sailing,” adds Gibson. “We have delayed a new terminal operating system until we’re confident it can be introduced seamlessly.

“That is now not likely to take place until early 2015, after the import peak season.”

Meanwhile, work on a 50-metre extension of the container wharf starts in September with completion due in late 2015. It will mean two next-generation container ships can be handled at the same time.

As for financials, trading profit before income tax was $73.5 million, up by 65.5 per cent from $44.1m. Net profit after tax of $74m was 90 per cent up on the previous year’s $38.9m.

TRADING IN GOOD SHAPEMarket conditions are moving in favour of customers buying

used vehicles with the Kiwi dollar being strong, says Turners Group New Zealand.

It also reports heavy discounting on new cars and an influx of imports from Japan leading to a surge in supply.

“This is having a positive flow-on effect for Turners and we expect good trading conditions for the second half of our financial year,” says Todd Hunter, chief executive officer, in the company’s half-year report.

Changes to the Consumer Guarantees Act (CGA) came into effect on June 18 so members of the public who buy through auctions, including online, have the same protection as other trader-to-consumer sales.

“This is great news for consumers because it reduces the risk associated with buying any product at auction.”

Trade Me has now become one of Turners’ fastest-growing sales channels.

“We believe the increased protection provided under the new CGA will encourage even more consumers to buy used vehicles through online auction channels,” says Hunter.

“We are continuing to roll out our multi-channel sales model and are seeking new channels.

“We have launched an online tender channel for dealer customers. This provides exclusive access to ex-lease vehicles.”

To meet demand, Turners is expanding its operations in Christchurch with a separate site for damaged vehicle storage, trucks and machinery sales.

For the six months ending June 30, it reported net profit after tax of $2.27m – a six per cent increase.

Its fleet and finance divisions grew by more than 35 per cent. Revenue from auctions was down slightly, which represents its shift to “higher margin retail sales”.

The outlook for net profit after tax is growth of five to 10 per cent over 2013’s full-year profits.

Good results across industryPorts of Auckland has set a

record by processing 207,591 cars in a 12-month period.

There have been consecutive increases for the past five years, which reflects the healthy state of the motor vehicle industry.

The total for the year ending June 30 was up from 170,835 new and used car imports in the previous reporting period – a jump of 22 per cent.

The latest record compares to 147,221 cars in 2012, 123,362 in 2011 and 119,608 in 2010.

“Overall productivity has been increasing since restructuring started in 2011 and has hit new highs this year,” says chief executive Tony Gibson.

“This has been the key to our success across the port, enabling us to handle record numbers of cars, containers and other freight.

“One week this year we handled more than 10,000 cars. That was twice as many as we handled a month during the peak of the recession.

“It was difficult, but we did it by working with the industry and by

Tony Gibson, chief executive of Ports of Auckland, says the company has been experiencing increases in productivity since restructuring started in 2011

More with Autofile Online

Trade Me Motors is retaining “strong market position” with advertising increasing by 29 per cent.

The company’s overall earnings growth has continued with net profits after tax of $80.1m – a two per cent year-on-year jump, as reported by Autofile Online and in the previous issue of the magazine.

Visit www.autofile.co.nz for more on publicly listed

companies’ financials.

Page 11: Autofile 5 Sept

www.autofile.co.nz | 11

NEW PRODUCT LAUNCHEDHeartland NZ has launched i-finance for “lower cost cars”, while its intermediated distribution strategy continues to perform with five to 10 per cent growth expected in the year ahead.

It is predicting marque motor vehicle product growth of about

$54m, or seven per cent, in the current year.

The company has been looking at acquisitions to help grow earnings.

It bought reverse mortgage businesses from Seniors Money International for $87m and Motor Trade Finances turned down a

takeover bid earlier this year.Overall, it posted a rebound

in profit to meet its guidance release issued earlier last month – as reported by Autofile.

Net profit after tax was $36m. This was up from $6.9m in the previous 12-month period, and increased by $11.6m – or 48 per

cent per cent – from 2012/13’s adjusted total.

The improvement was partially due to one-off expenses incurred in the previous period, the expansion of operating income, and managing operating expenses and impairment levels.

news

ACROSS-BOARD SUCCESSThe Colonial Motor Company (CMC) says a strong feature of its financial year has been good performances for all of its trading companies – car dealerships, heavy trucks and tractors.

Its preliminary results for 2013/14 show net profit lifting to $20.2m as the new vehicle industry grows.

Jim Gibbons, chairman of the Wellington-based company, says: “In the first six months of 2014, new passenger registrations grew by 11 per cent over the same period in 2013.

“Light commercials grew by 21 per cent and heavy commercials by 20 per cent.

“The company continues to have desirable product in growing segments in this growing industry.

“Operating efficiencies have improved. However, there are increasing signs the favourable conditions are easing.”

CMC has now settled its purchase of Jeff Gray BMW, which consists of dealerships in Christchurch, Wellington, Palmerston North and Hastings.

“They will be a standalone cluster and separate from other CMC dealerships,” says Gibbons.

“In South Auckland, a new dealership is to be established, Southern Autos – Manukau Ltd – with franchises for Citroen and Peugeot cars, and Isuzu light commercials.”

A company-owned site alongside South Auckland Motors is to be developed for Southern Autos – Manukau, with the adjacent Mazda facilities being upgraded at the same time.

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“The company continues to have desirable product in growing segments in this growing industry.” – Jim Gibbons, chairman, Colonial Motor Company

More with Autofile Online

Trade Me Motors is retaining “strong market position” with advertising increasing by 29 per cent.

The company’s overall earnings growth has continued with net profits after tax of $80.1m – a two per cent year-on-year jump, as reported by Autofile Online and in the previous issue of the magazine.

Visit www.autofile.co.nz for more on publicly listed

companies’ financials.

CMC has purchased property near the Auckland Airport to be developed into a service centre for South Auckland Motors Ford and Mazda.

In Gore, an acquired site will allow its New Holland tractor business for Agricentre South can be expanded.

LOOKING FOR TAKEOVERSPerth-based Automotive Holdings Group (AHG) has lifted its full-year profits by 12.5 per cent to AU$72.9m with its New Zealand dealerships performing well in a “softening” new car market.

“The acquisition of Davie Motors Holden and the development of Manukau Nissan contributed strongly to the outcome,” says Bronte Howson, managing director.

“The company is on the hunt for further acquisitions and has more than AU$100m in headroom should the right ones come along.”

It acquired the rights to distribute Husqvarna motorcycles in Australia and New Zealand in January.

Howson says this complements the group’s KTM brand with Husqvarna highly regarded as one of the oldest marques in world motorsport.

The company’s automotive retail division outperformed the broader market even with a slowdown at its Western

Australian dealerships triggered by lower levels of activity in the mining and resources sector.

Howson says the broader Australasian car market

slowed in 2013/14, but AHG has delivered higher sales

and strong performances in used vehicles, finance, insurance, servicing and parts.

Page 12: Autofile 5 Sept

12 | www.autofile.co.nz

industry profile

Around the world with blue oval

US started when he moved to customer service in Atlanta, Georgia, for two years.

Following that, he was appointed to the Lincoln Mercury division in Washington DC in 1999. Then it was back to Dearborn in 2001 as global strategic alliances manager.

Holter joined Ford of Europe in 2004 as marketing manager for medium-sized cars based in Germany before holding other positions.

“While in Europe, I was brand manager for the Focus and all-new Kuga. I was there for the SUV’s development and it was launched under my watch.

“The Kuga went onto to become the number-two model in its segment behind Volkswagen’s Tiguan. It was satisfying to see it perform well right out of the gate.”

Before arriving here, Holter was marketing strategy director for Ford’s Asia-Pacific region in Shanghai where he worked on Lincoln for its launch later this year.

“A lot of advance planning was needed. The Chinese already knew what Lincoln was about from

popular culture, such as movies, and it being used as the US president’s limousine over the years.

“Overall, there’s also a lot of optimism in China surrounding its growth and the optimism is palpable. The incredible growth in the market is unlikely to ever be seen again in our lifetimes.”

VIEWS ON THE KIWI MARKETOne of the talking points in the new vehicle industry in New Zealand is what will be this year’s best-selling ute – Ford’s Ranger or Toyota’s Hilux?

“The lead in the market has been swinging back and forth, but we think we have the best product,” Holter told Autofile.

“More customers are choosing the Ranger and making the switch from other brands. It will be up to buyers to decide what ute tops the sales ladder, but we’re pleased with results so far this year.

“And we aren’t willing to do anything ‘unnatural’ with the Ranger. We are getting feedback its resale values are market-leading, so we will

Corey Holter’s career with Ford spanned three continents before touching

down in July 2013 to take over from Neale Hill as managing director of the company in New Zealand.

He concedes coming from China was a big change, but he and his family are happy to be here and loving the lifestyle.

On top of that, New Zealand has the highest market share of all of Ford’s markets across the Asia-Pacific region.

During his first year at the helm, he made it a priority to visit all of the marque’s 32 dealerships on these shores and has enjoyed being back in an operational role.

“It’s great working directly with dealers again because I haven’t done that for 10 years since being in a sales role in the US and dealers have been the key to Ford’s success in New Zealand.”

Last year, Ford NZ ended up with 11.3 per cent market share and, in 2014, it’s one of three mainstream marques – along with Mitsubishi and Holden – to experience year-to-date share growth.

“That’s something everyone connected with the company should be proud of. We’re looking forward to continued sales and share growth in 2015 with new vehicles coming up.

“Alongside this, Ford NZ has expanded its own resources by 10 per cent to create a better, smarter customer experience.”

GOING AROUND THE GLOBEHolter started off with Ford at Dearborn, Michigan, in 1996 as a member of the North American fleet, lease and remarketing group.

“When driving around the site, you pass Ford’s proving ground, and signs for the likes of the wind tunnel and product development centre, so you feel you’re in the heart of everything.

“Walking around design studios and seeing concepts of future products was energising.”

In 1997, a career tour of the

Corey Holter says customers are choosing the Ranger and switching from other marques

What’s in a car?Born in the North Carolina, Corey Holter has spent almost half of his life outside the US.

He moved overseas with his family when he was eight and stayed in Europe until he was 18.

“We lived in London for five years and my first car was a used orange Austin Allegro with a manual choke – not the best first car experience.

“This dramatically improved with my first new car, which was an F-150 I bought in the US when I joined Ford.

“My current daily drive is a Territory Titanium, which is great having two young daughters.

“As managing director, I occasionally get to ‘test’ other vehicles, including the FPV GTF #1 complete with rego plate GTF 01.

“I hadn’t driven the Ranger until I got to New Zealand and it’s the kids’ favourite. They love it because it ‘looks cool’ and it’s so high up.”

Page 13: Autofile 5 Sept

www.autofile.co.nz | 13

industry profile

do nothing to jeopardise that.”Another hot topic is the demand

for all light commercials, which Holter believes is down to three factors.

“Farmers are benefitting from having more dairy dollars in their pockets, which is driving sales.

“There’s also a boom in construction – not just in Christchurch but also Auckland – and overall the Ranger has become more of a lifestyle vehicles choice for many people.”

The Transit Custom and Cargo, which have been on the market for a few months, are selling well to the point where Ford could retail more if it could get them.

“Overall, we are looking to ramp up light commercial volumes, although we’re pleased with our sales to date.”

Holter is keen to get Ford above fourth spot on the passenger vehicle leader board.

“We’ve closed the gap on third place, which was bigger in 2013 than this year. With new vehicles coming out in 2015, I’m confident we’ll move up. Fourth just doesn’t feel right for Ford.

“Next year, we will make more headway in the SUV market with the all-new Everest and a full year of the EcoSport being available.

“There’s a continuing shift towards SUVs, so we will be beefing up our line-up to four vehicles.”

MORE THAN SELLING CARSHolter says “Go Further” isn’t just a tagline, but also about how Ford serves customers and the wider community.

“We take corporate social responsibility seriously. For instance, Ford NZ has been a partner of Variety – The Children’s Charity for 25 years and we take great pride in that.

“We love taking part in the

Variety Bash and so do our dealers. I went along this year for a few days and hope to go again next year for its 25th anniversary.

“The event is a great combination of fun and community outreach, and it’s great meeting kids the charity helps out along the way.

“Driving Ford NZ’s Zephyr was fun, as was meeting comedian Ewen Gilmour and his mates in their stretched Falcon.”

In addition to community initiatives and sponsorships, the company encourages its employees to take two fully paid volunteer days.

“Companies cannot just be nameless faces. As Henry Ford put it, ‘a business that makes nothing but money is a poor business’.”

LOOKING TO THE FUTUREFord launches its refreshed Territory and Falcon in New Zealand in early 2015, which will also see the launch of the all-new Mondeo, a refreshed Focus line-up and all-new Everest.

“The Mondeo has been a home-run model in US and China and we expect similar results here. The same goes for the Everest, but what has many people talking is the new Mustang.

“I’ve been surprised by the public’s perception of it – from social media to journalists to dealers taking lots of inquiries from people walking in.

“The enthusiasm is incredible, which is in keeping with bringing an icon onto the market.

“When I was with Ford of Europe, we did global market research on the Mustang. We met focus groups in the UK and Germany, and there was always at least one person that would have a Mustang story.

“I’ve since had the same

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experience in New Zealand – whether it was a road trip on Route 66 or driving the Pacific Coast Highway.”

Much has already been reported about Australia’s automotive manufacturing with Ford, Holden and Toyota exiting the local car-making market over the next few years.

Holter believes the blue oval will emerge stronger in the future and ultimately Ford customers will benefit.

“Consumers there and in New Zealand will have a greater choice

of vehicles because the line-up will expand and be refreshed by 2017.

“Ford will also continue its global development and design operations in Australia.

“In New Zealand, our mix from Australia is relatively small. While the Falcon will not be replaced, we already see the Mondeo growing in that space and the Mustang as well.

“There will also be a Territory SUV replacement, so there are some exciting times ahead.”

“The Mustang is an icon and we’re looking forward to bringing it to New Zealand next year.” – Corey Holter, managing director of Ford NZ

Page 14: Autofile 5 Sept

14 | www.autofile.co.nz

More space thanks to rooflineBMW has released the official

pricing for its all-new 4 Series Gran Coupe.

The 428i Sport Line starts at $99,800 and has a four-cylinder in-line turbocharged engine with direct injection.

It produces 180kW power, 350Nm of torque and makes the 0-100kph dash in six seconds.

The Sport Line’s fuel consumption rate is 6.4l/100km, while it produces 149g/km of CO₂ emissions.

The 435i M Sport comes with a $127,900 price-tag and reaches 100kph in 5.2 seconds.

The six-cylinder in-line turbocharged powertrain produces 225kW and 400Nm. CO₂ emissions come in at 178g/km while fuel consumption is 7.6l/100km.

sport steering with a high-performance four-piston

fixed-calliper brake system. They also have 19-inch alloys and Adaptive M Suspension.

Sport Line is standard with the

428i and the 435i comes complete

with the M Sport package.It features high-gloss black for

the front and rear-bumper trims, kidney grille, B-pillar trims and window recess covers with a black chrome trim for the exhaust tip.

The interior has grey surrounds on the air conditioning and radio controls, leather steering wheel with red stitching, black interior trim with red accents and black leather upholstery with red stitching or vice-versa.

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Jaguar NZ has launched a new derivative in its XF line – the 2.0i4 SE, which sells for $75,000.

It’s powered by a two-litre, four-cylinder turbo petrol engine, which produces 177kW of power to take the sports sedan from 0-100kph in 7.9 seconds.

The XF has the ZF’s eight-speed gearbox, which boasts intelligent stop-start functionality to improve fuel economy, reduce emissions and comply with Euro 5 standards.

The variant’s high-specification level includes automatic zenon headlights with LED signature details and 17-inch alloys.

The interior includes bond grain with suede leather seats, electric steering column, mood lighting

and American walnut veneer.The multimedia system has a

seven-inch touchscreen, which controls Jaguar’s 250-watt sound system with 10 speakers.

There’s also hard-drive music storage, iPod integration, Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, a DVD player and satellite navigation.

“Many New Zealanders think a large Jaguar sedan costs well in excess of $100,000,” says James Yates, general manager of Jaguar NZ.

“We expect customers who would normally consider more mainstream brands to be surprised they can own one for $75,000.”

The XF 2.0i4 SE is available now at authorised Jaguar centres.

Priced to surprise

new cars

Jaguar’s XF 2.0i4 SE

BMW’s 4 Series Gran Coupe 435i M Sport

An eight-speed sports automatic transmission is fitted as standard to both.

Boasting nearly identical exterior dimensions to its two-door stable mate, the new 4 Series is 4,638mm long, 1,825mm wide and shares the coupe’s wheelbase.

The Gran Coupe’s roofline sits 12mm higher and extends 112mm more towards the rear.

Its two frameless rear doors offer greater access to the two-plus-one rear bench seat and the extra height creates greater rear passenger headroom.

Both versions are equipped with automatic stop-start, brake-energy regeneration and on-demand ancillaries, such as electric power steering.

The 435i combines variable

Page 15: Autofile 5 Sept

AUTOHUB shipped more than 40,000 cars to New Zealand from various places around the globe last year, but mostly Japan, the UK and Australia.

The company’s aim is for “customers’ vehicles to get to New Zealand as soon as possible, in the same condition they bought them in and with as little hassle as possible with a guaranteed fixed price”.

AUTOHUB understands the need to make shipping painless, simple and reliable.

For this to happen, of course, a lot goes on behind the scenes and the experience of AUTOHUB’s staff makes the difference.

“Our staff understand the market and what is required to get a car from A to B as efficiently and quickly as possible,” explains John Davies, managing director of AUTOHUB NZ. “They are the reason our customers keep supporting us.

“Because these guys work pretty much behind the scenes, I thought it was a good idea to let our customers know a little about who they are dealing with on the other end of the phone.”

xxxxxxx GLOBAL VEHICLE LOGISTICSwww.autohub.co +64 9 411 7425 [email protected]

InTrOdUCInG yOUr

LOGISTICS TEAm

AndreA dAvies Chief financial officer25 years in the motor industry. Handles all financial payments and supports the financial team in Japan

BArBArA MitChellAccounts managerBeen with AUTOHUB since the beginningHandles all payments and invoicing

lisA CookAccounts assistant / container logisticsBeen with AUTOHUB since the start andBarbara Mitchell’s assistant

kAren BArnettAccounts officer (europe)Responsible for HPI and emissions certificates, dealing directly with Europe

sheenA PriestleyAccounts / logisticsHandles customer invoicing and customer support

MiChelle leArnAnAccounts / logistics (Uk and Australia)Handles customer invoicing and customer support

MArissA BlitviChlogisticsJoined AUTOHUB this year and assists Sheena Priestley. Has come from a shipping and logistics background

kAren CArgillreception / accounts payableAUTOHUBʼs frontline on the reception desk

John CAMeronChief financial officer supportUK booking and VAT financial liaison

roBin sUttietransporter / MPi logistics and vehicle trackingBeen with AUTOHUB since the beginning

“In addition to the New Zealand office staff, we have regional representation in this country with Blair and Nigel in the field, about 30 staff in Japan, and offices and representation in the UK and Australia,” adds John.

AUTOHUB offers unique services dealers may not think about, but they make up the overall package.

When the company receives a car from the agent, it then deals with the MPI, NZTA and odometer inspection agencies along with the required paperwork.

A gate-in survey is conducted to log the vehicle’s condition, then shipping is organised to get it to New Zealand in the fastest possible time.

When the vessel berths here, AUTOHUB organises the documentation and transport to wherever the customer wants it to go.

And the company’s insurance package ensures the car is covered by a comprehensive policy, not just marine, and for all the time your vehicle is in AUTOHUB’s care.

Page 16: Autofile 5 Sept

16 | www.autofile.co.nz

Models add ‘value for money’Holden has introduced

two automatic models to its Cruze line-up

– the Z-Series and SRi Z – as replacements for the CDX and SRi-V respectively.

They add content to their predecessors’ standard features and aim to retain the model’s “value for money reputation”.

The Z-Series – available only as a

sedan – comes with a 1.8-litre engine.Standard features include the

MyLink infotainment system, seven-inch colour touchscreen, Siri voice recognition, leather-appointed seats, push-button start and reverse

camera with parking sensors.Optional extras include 17-

inch alloys with a dark finish on the wheels, a rear-lip spoiler, Z-Series exterior badge and floor mats, and sill plates.

The sportier SRi Z-Series, which is available as a hatchback and sedan, has a 1.6-litre turbo engine, sports suspension and body kit, and satellite navigation as standard.

Additional content includes 18-

inch alloys, sill plates, alloy pedal covers, and model-specific mats and badge.

The sedan comes with a rear-lip spoiler as standard, but can be fitted in the hatchback.

“The Z-Series and SRi Z-Series represent two of the best value offerings in the small car market,” says Marnie Samphier, of Holden New Zealand.

“High-end features mean the Z-Series will ensure the Cruze continues to stand out in this competitive market.

“We listen to what customers want and believe it will take our popular small car to another level.”

The recommended retail price of the SRi Z-Series sedan and hatchback is $39,490. The Z-Series sedan has a price-tag of $33,490.

The range is unavailable on Cruze Sportwagon models.

Provided by Heartland Bank Limitedmarac.co.nz heartland.co.nz

MARAC is a division of Heartland Bank Limited. Lending criteria, fees and charges apply.

Drive away with finance from MARAC

new cars

The Cruze SRi Z-Series hatchback

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– a fantastic gift or just to have in the office or showroomPriced at $59.50 including post and packaging

Visit www.autofile.co.nz/book and fill in the order form now, email [email protected] or phone 021 455 775

From the rising sun to the long white cloud

Written to celebrate the silver anniversary of the used vehicle import association

tells the stories of innovators and pioneers who identified business opportunities and jumped at the chance to be in at the ground level.

The imported used vehicle industry created a market that has contributed billions of dollars to the New Zealand economy every year, and continues to do so.

Page 17: Autofile 5 Sept

Finance and lending services are provided by MARAC, a division of Heartland Bank Limited. Insurance is provided by MARAC Insurance Limited. Lending criteria, conditions and fees apply.

A better experience for dealers and customers

“Our friendly and professional team can also provide dealers with opportunities to grow their businesses and increase profitability.”

While MARAC is primarily known for car finance, it recognises insurance is an important part of the of the total finance solution. As a result, in 2006, MARAC Insurance was established.

“Buying insurance is essentially buying peace of mind,” says Sarah Smith, Chief Executive Officer of MARAC Insurance.

“It’s purely a way of protecting yourself from the financial blow that the unexpected can bring.

“MARAC Insurance provides products such as guaranteed asset protection and mechanical breakdown insurance.

“We also offer lifestyle protection insurance, which – although not linked to lending – provides a set monthly benefit to cover financial commitments and living expenses in the event a customer has to stop work because of an illness,accident or redundancy.”

Andrew Brown adds: “Heartland – as New Zealand’s specialist bank – has the agility to meet market changes quickly, ensuring that our dealers can offer competitive products to customers.”To find out more about MARAC, visit www.marac.co.nz, email [email protected] or phone 0800 85 30 30.

Provided by Heartland Bank Limitedmarac.co.nz heartland.co.nz

MARAC is a division of Heartland Bank Limited. Lending criteria, fees and charges apply.

Drive away with finance from MARAC

“Heartland staff work with dealers to help

them understand MARAC’s finance and insurance products, and techniques required

to sell them.” – Andrew Brown, National Manager Consumer, Heartland Bank

“Buying insurance is essentially buying

peace of mind. It’s a way of protecting

yourself from the financial blow that

the unexpected can bring.”

– Sarah Smith, Chief Executive Officer, MARAC Insurance

Serving New Zealanders and New Zealand businesses for more than 60 years, MARAC – a division of Heartland Bank – is a long-standing and respected

name with motor vehicle dealers across the country. Our personal service, tailored finance and insurance

packages, and online systems access for dealers are backed up by competitive rates and finance terms ranging from as little as six months and onto five years.

Andrew Brown, National Manager Consumer at Heartland Bank, says: “MARAC provides finance via its online system, which is used by dealers nationwide.

“This system has been designed to provide a single platform to quote and then originate finance and insurance documentation.

“The efficiencies the system delivers allows for a better dealer and customer experience.”

Brown adds: “More recently, Heartland Bank has relaunched the ‘i-finance’ brand, which caters for buyers looking for slightly older vehicles and gives dealers a wider range of finance options for their customers.

“Heartland’s dedicated staff will work with dealers to help them understand MARAC’s extensive range of finance and insurance products, and the techniques required to sell them.

Page 18: Autofile 5 Sept

18 | www.autofile.co.nz

News in brief Speakers to tackle global intelligent transport solutionsAbout 10,000 experts are expected to meet up in Detroit, Michigan, later this month for the 2014 World Congress on Intelligent Transportation Systems.

Keynote speakers include Mary Barra, General Motors’ chief executive officer, and Bill Ford, Ford Motor Company’s executive chairman.

The event will feature interactive technology showcases, about 30 live demonstrations and 270 panels, roundtables and interactive sessions.

Other highlights include an operational traffic management centre and an investor-matching programme to help start-ups.

More than half of the top 100 worldwide automotive suppliers have their headquarters in Michigan, and nearly 400 research and development centres are based there.

Visit www.itsworldcongress.org for more details on the event, which runs from September 7-11.

Supercar manufacturers on track for cutting emissionsUltra-luxury marques are opting for electric powertrains to cut carbon-dioxide emissions from supercars.

Hybrid systems in LaFerrari, McLaren’s P1 and Porsche’s 918 Spyder boost performance while increasing fuel economy.

Bentley’s CO₂-reducing solution is to offer a plug-in hybrid powertrain variant in 90 per cent of its line-up by the end of the decade.

The marque is a subsidiary of Volkswagen, which has pledged to reduce its overall fleet CO₂ emissions to 95g/km by 2020 from 128g/km last year.

Ferrari wants to reduce its fleet emissions by 20 per cent by 2021 without sacrificing power. Its average now is about 270g/km. They have fallen by almost 40 per cent since 2007 when emissions were 435g/kg.

The Italian marque will look to hybrid solutions for its V12 engines in its F12 Berlinetta and FF models.

It showed what’s possible last year by introducing its first hybrid – the limited-edition LaFerrari.

It gets its power from an 800hp normally aspirated 6.3-litre V12 engine and 120Kw electric motor, and has a combined 963hp and emits 330g/km of CO₂. The model it replaced, the Enzo, offered 660hp and emitted 545g/km.

Service centre opened to meet growing market needsThe Giltrap Group has opened up a Volkswagen service centre in Botany as its customer base in South Auckland continues to grow.

Christopher Gunn, group marketing assistant, says the Giltrap Prestige site is part of the company’s efforts to service customers beyond initial sales.

“Our technicians will also be responsible for special projects and limited-edition vehicles that come straight to us from Europe and are modified on-site.”

First payments made to failed finance investorsStrategic Finance’s secured investors have received their first payments after a $22 million settlement deal was struck by the receivers and Financial Markets Authority in June.

It became unconditional on August 8 with $10m being received. Two instalments of $6m are due at the end of August and November for further distributions to be made.

The deal represents some five cents in the dollar for secured investors and will mean total distributions to secured investors by the end of the year will be 15 cents in the dollar.

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miles motor groupPaul Curin 0274 333 303 [email protected]

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new cars

exhaust throws out V8 noise

are also unique fog-lamp bezels.The XR8 is a welcome return

to the Falcon line-up, says Bob Graziano, president and chief executive officer of Ford Australia and New Zealand.

“We are excited by its return because this badge hasn’t been on a Falcon since 2010,” he says.

“Our enthusiasts have been asking for it, so we’ve purposely

revealed the XR6 and XR8 first.“When you look at cars like the

new Falcon, it’s easy to understand why we are now leading global projects – such as with the new Everest, which is designed and engineered in Australia.”

Pricing, features and specifications will be revealed closer to the launch, with the XRs going on sale early next year.

Lexus says its new premium compact SUV combines bold exterior design

details with a luxurious and technologically advanced interior.

The NX – an addition to the marque’s range – features bespoke styling cues designed to make all seven models stand out.

It features touches such as an “aggressive spindle grille” and intricate LED headlight clusters, including l-shaped daytime running lights.

Overfenders are tucked inside flared arches, the SUV’s lines go along its length to tapered window lines recessed in the c-pillar and a two-level rear spoiler improves aerodynamics.

“The NX makes a bold

statement,” says Neeraj Lala, general manager of product with Lexus NZ.

“We think of this nimble crossover as the definitive SUV in its class. With a comprehensive line-up on offer, there’s an NX for every lifestyle.”

The range incorporates Lexus’ hybrid technology and – for the first time – an all-new turbo petrol engine.

There is a choice of front or all-wheel-drive, performance-orientated design accents with the F Sport and luxury detailing on the Limited grades.

The NX makes it debut in New Zealand in October, with pricing and more specifications to be released.

Making ‘bold statement’

The refreshed XR6 sedan

Ford’s XR8 performance sedan

Ford has revealed its new Falcon XR8 performance sedan while also releasing

the first official image of its refreshed XR6 sedan.

Both showcase an Australian interpretation of the marque’s global design DNA with a strapezoidal grille, chiseled headlamps and wraparound tail-lamps.

The XR8 features a sporty front end, enhanced bonnet power dome and exhaust system tuned for “V8 noise”.

The dome now extends to the

windscreen cowl, which is similar to the new Mustang and Mondeo, which join the blue oval’s line-up on both sides of the Tasman next year, while the XR8’s bespoke lower diffuser houses round quad-exhaust tips.

The headlamps on the sports XR are different with past models featuring quad designs.

The XR features slim “hockey stick” style LED daytime running lamps, which mimic the double-drop headlight treatment of past XRs.

The lens reflectors have shields inset into the overall design and there

Lexus’ new NX300h

Page 20: Autofile 5 Sept

20 | www.autofile.co.nz

Last month’s reLease of performance data for industry training organisations (ITOs) shows solid improvements in the performance of trainees and apprentices.

“The consolidation from 39 to 13 ITOs has resulted in larger organisations delivering better services,” says Steven Joyce, the Minister for Tertiary Education, Skills and Employment.

“Trainees are achieving more credits and more are completing their programmes.”

Tertiary Education Commission data shows how individual ITOs are performing by measuring them against the achievement of credits and course completion rates. Both improved across the sector from 2012-13.

When it came to credits, the NZ Motor Industry Training Organisation (MITO) notched up 63 per cent at levels one and two, 77 per cent at levels three and four, and 56 per cent at level five and above.

MITO’s course completion rate came in at 89 per cent for levels one and two, 84 per cent for levels three and four, and 65 per cent for level five and above.

Some 5,253 trainees went through its courses and there were 2,205 standard training measures (STMs) – units of training and the amount needed to achieve 120 credits.

Nationally, the totals were 129,307 trainees and 42,087 STMs.

When it came to the performance ladder, MITO ranked eighth with 75 per cent – four per cent higher than the sector-wide median average – for its students achieving credits.

This measure shows the number of credits achieved by trainees in a given year as a proportion of the credits they were expected to achieve.

The ITOs for pharmacy, and

building and construction, took out the top two spots on 100 per cent.

For course completion, MITO ranked fifth with 84 per cent compared to the 67 per cent average with perfect scores going to hairdressing and pharmacy.

This measure shows the nominal credit value of programmes completed as a proportion of the credits it was anticipated students would get.

When it came to ethnicity, 85 per cent of MITO’s students were European, 12 per cent were Maori and four per cent were Pacific, with others coming in at four cent.

This compared to 66 per cent being European across all ITOs, 18 per cent being Maori, seven per cent Pacific and 12 per cent others.

These totals don’t come to 100 per cent because some students select more than one background option.

Eight per cent of MITO trainees studied at levels one and two compared to 36 per cent across all ITOs.

Eight-eight per cent at MITO were on levels three and four compared to 59 per cent, and it came in at four per cent for levels five and above – the same as the national rate.

Thirty-nine per cent of MITO trainees were aged 20-24 with 25 to 39-year-olds next on 27 per cent. They were followed by 18 to 19-year-olds with 17 per cent with 13 per cent being over-40s.

“Other changes, such as the introduction of apprenticeships and new vocational pathways, means we are set up to meet the industry training needs of an expanding economy,” says Joyce.

“We expect ITOs to continue to achieve better results as the sector completes its consolidation and wider industry training reforms bed in.”

industry movers

TO FeATURe IN INDUsTRY MOVeRs EMAIL [email protected]

NZ labour market report

www.netyourjob.co.nz

WarWICK QUInn has taken over from Rob MacGregor as chief executive officer of the Motor Trade Association.

He previously held CEO positions with the Registered Master Builders Association and Master Build Services Ltd, and was general manager regulatory and chief crown property officer with Land Information NZ.

Quinn, pictured, was also valuations manager at Auckland City Council and regional manager at Landcorp Property Ltd.

“I’m delighted to have the opportunity to lead such a strong membership organisation,” he says. “The MTA is a highly respected brand with a powerful voice in the industry.”

David Storey, national president, adds: “Warwick brings business experience and a proven track record of developing and positioning a membership organisation as an industry leader.

“His experience will assist the MTA to deliver its vision to ‘create sustainable business advantages’ for its members.”

Visit www.autofile.co.nz for an edited question-and-answer session with Quinn from the latest issue of Radiator magazine.

JULIan stone has been appointed dealer principal of John Andrew Mazda in Grey Lynn, Auckland.

He was previously national manager at Auto Select and a member of the senior management team at FleetPartners.

Stone’s other senior dealerships roles have been with Nissan, Mitsubishi and Holden.

His new role has resulted from the growth achieved at John Andrew Mazda and Ford, which now has a dealer principal for each brand with Paul Brown continuing to head up the Ford franchise.

stUart GIBBons has been appointed to the board of Wellington-based Colonial Motor Company.

His position was effective from July 4 and he will be standing for election at the next annual general meeting.

franK WILLett has joined logistics company AUTOHUB New Zealand on a part-time basis.

He is assisting with the processing of vehicles and has taken the position after recently stepping down as chief executive officer of Vehicle Inspection NZ for personal reasons.

marK heYWooD is now used vehicle manager at Team McMillan in Auckland.

His previous experience includes being sales manager at Archibald and Shorter and and his appointment follows a period of self-employment.

Page 21: Autofile 5 Sept

www.autofile.co.nz | 21

August s t a t i s t i c s

*in August on Trade Me Motors

Most popular car makes searched*

1 Toyota 2 Nissan3 Ford4 Mazda5 Holden

Most popular car models searched*1 Corolla 2 Hilux3 Falcon4 Swift5 Commodore

Most popular body styles searched* 1 RV/SUV 2 Sedan 3 Station wagon 4 Ute5 Hatchback

Most popular makes of motorbike searched*1 Honda 2 Harley-Davidson 3 Suzuki 4 Yamaha5 Kawasaki

The owner of a four-cylinder Triumph TR7 for the past 31 years has listed the 1977 model for $7,500. The two-door coupe has clocked up 124,000km and has a 1,998cc engine. The seller says: “It has a few spots of rust but an overall really good body.”

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Page 22: Autofile 5 Sept

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BackgroundJolene Bothwell bid for a 2003 Volkswagen Golf on April 6, 2014. It was bought online for $4,570 from C&R Motors Ltd, trading as JP Autos, via a dollar-reserve auction.

Shortly afterwards, she claimed to recover $5,175 for reconditioning the transmission.

The trader said she bought the vehicle by auction so the CGA didn’t then apply. In addition, it was advertised and sold on “as is”, and the dealer accepted no responsibility for its mechanical problems.

The caseThe advert included the car’s odometer being on 121,000km. Its registration was due to expire in April and the warrant of fitness (WOF) was valid until September.

It invited viewings of the vehicle, which was being “sold via auction and as is, no warranty implied or stated” and “the top bidder will own it, so check the car before the auction is completed”.

The buyer was represented by her father, Mr J Bothwell.

They inspected the vehicle at the dealer’s premises on April 6 and test drove it.

In her application, the purchaser wrote: “The salesperson appeared evasive when questioned about the number of previous owners, service history and cambelt replacement.

“He advised the car was a trade-in and was being offered for sale via Trade Me with ‘no warranty implied or stated’ with sale set for that day so the company wouldn’t have to reregister it and have other on-road costs.”

There was no consumer information notice evident with

the car and the salesman advised her all relevant details were on Trade Me.

The buyer paid for it the next day. Her father had an obscenity scratched into the rear quarter panel painted out. The purchaser had difficulty in engaging the gears.

The AA inspected the car on April 11. It reported the transmission engagement was harsh and there was evidence of a transmission oil leak that was recently cleaned.

Three days later, the buyer and her father had issues engaging the gears although the problem wasn’t so noticeable after it warmed up.

Mr Bothwell took the car to his mechanic on April 15, who said the transmission was faulty and recommended the vehicle be inspected.

The fault was diagnosed as an issue with the torque converter and possibly other worn components, which could only be determined after the transmission was disassembled. Kaspa Transmissions quoted $3,500 to $4,500 to recondition it.

Mr Bothwell met the trader’s sales manager, Robbie Su, on April 22. He was unwilling to assist with repair costs and general manager Ray Pan gave a similar response.

Kaspa Transmissions was authorised by Mr Bothwell to go ahead and recondition the transmission, which was completed on May 13 for $5,175 including GST.

The trader was represented by salesman Mr J Niu, who said it bought the vehicle as a trade-in on March 11, 2014, and its policy was to sell all under-$5,000 trades via $1 reserve auctions.

The dealer did no work on

the car apart from getting a new WOF. As far as the trader knew, its transmission wasn’t faulty and several prospective buyers had test driven it before it was sold. Niu claimed it was of acceptable condition.

The findingMr Bothwell, the buyer’s father, was aware that because the vehicle had been sold by auction the CGA’s provisions were excluded when it was supplied in April.

In those circumstances, the Sale of Goods Act (SOGA) might have applied and section 16 implies contract terms relating to the quality of goods.

Of relevance were sections 16(a), the implied term of fitness for purpose, and 16(b), the implied condition as to merchantable quality.

Section 56 contains a provision whereby the parties can contract out of these terms if the exclusion clause is clear, which is a distinction made between a condition and a warranty.

The SOGA defines a warranty as “an agreement with reference to goods subject of a contract of sale, but collateral to the main purpose of such contract, the breach of which gives rise to a claim for damages but not to reject the goods”.

Fitness for purpose and merchantable quality are expressed as conditions and not warranties.

In a precedent, a court held in interpreting a clause in the UK’s Sale of Goods Act, which said “sellers give no warranty express or implied”, couldn’t be construed to exclude the supplier’s liability for breaching a condition.

The consequence of this was

the provision in the car dealer’s advert, which stated “no warranty implied or stated” and wasn’t effective to exclude conditions.

However, the trader also advertised it was being “as is” and the buyer’s father thought this term related to future faults that might have arisen.

The tribunal didn’t accept “as is” was capable of any meaning other than its usual meaning – a shortened form of “as is, where is”.

This is a well-known and understood phrase generally taken to mean goods are sold as existed when supplied with no recourse as to their condition.

The tribunal ruled exclusion of liability was inherent in those words. Without reading an exclusion of liability into the phrase, it had no meaning.

In this application, the vehicle was sold by auction before the Consumer Guarantees Amendment Act 2013 came into force and the tribunal could see no reason to modify the meaning of “as is”.

It was logical the dealer intended to accept no liability.

Order The application was dismissed. The tribunal ruled the auction’s conditions – accepted by the buyer by bidding for the car – excluded the SOGA.

Tribunal decides against modifying meaning of ‘as is’ for vehicles

disputes

The case: The buyer applied to

recover $5,175 for having her car’s

transmission reconditioned shortly

after it was supplied. The trader

said she bought it by auction so the

Consumer Guarantees Act (CGA)

didn’t apply to the sale at the time.

The decision: The claim was

dismissed after it was determined

the conditions of the $1 dollar

reserve auction on Trade Me were

also excluded from the Sales of

Goods Act.

At: The Motor Vehicle Disputes

Tribunal, Auckland.

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Page 23: Autofile 5 Sept

www.autofile.co.nz | 23

BackgroundSadeekah Kassim bought a 2005 Nissan Lafesta from Major Motors Ltd.

She applied to recover $1,159 under the Consumer Guarantees Act (CGA), which was paid to replace five engine mounts she claimed were faulty.

The trader said it wasn’t given reasonable time to replace the parts before Kassim had the work done.

It added it wasn’t responsible for wear-and-tear items on a vehicle sold seven months previously.

The caseKassim, through an interpreter, said she bought the car on July 15, 2013, for $8,400. It had 128,334km on its odometer and was sold with a new warrant of fitness (WOF).

In mid-October, she heard strange noises and was told they were probably from just the exhaust.

Kassim obtained a new WOF on January 4, but said the sound was getting louder.

She took her car to Ashfield Automotive and proprietor Tony Ryan told her the noise was probably caused by the right-hand engine mount, which he quoted $240 to replace.

Kassim didn’t have the vehicle repaired, but took it to several mechanics for estimates.

She went to JP Tyres. It sent her to Wairau Brake Services, which said the car had three broken engine mounts.

Its mechanic wrote what appeared to be an estimate of $555 and labour at $80 per hour on the back of a business card.

In mid-February, Kassim spoke to the trader’s director, Ms A Eliseeva, about the mounts.

Eliseeva didn’t appear to have English as her first language and

the tribunal thought it was hard to imagine how they communicated effectively.

Kassim understood Eliseeva refused to repair the parts because she considered them to be wear-and-tear items and, after seven months’ use, was unwilling to accept responsibility.

She added Eliseeva offered to arrange to import the parts from Japan, but refused to pay for them.

Eliseeva claimed she told Kassim to take the car to the trader’s mechanic, Tech Autoworks. It was unclear if that happened.

Kassim decided to take it back to Ashfield Automotive and said Ryan contacted the trader, spoke to Eliseeva and gave her a price for the work.

Eliseeva didn’t accept the quote and insisted the car be taken to Tech Autoworks for repairs.

The tribunal said Kassim “inexplicably” decided to take it to City Nissan, which gave a written estimate on February 19 of $1,159 to replace five engine mounts.

She said she sent the trader a copy of it with an email the same day asking it to pay for the cost of replacing the parts.

The next day, Kassim emailed the dealer saying the car had been repaired and asking it to pay the bill of $1,159.

The trader emailed back on February 21 to say that at the time of purchase it was in WOF condition, was fit for purpose and the dealer wasn’t responsible for wear and tear.

Both parties met before the hearing. The trader offered to pay $189 to Kassim for one transmission mount as quoted by Tech Autoworks, which was rejected.

The findingIn deciding if the car complied with the CGA’s guarantee of acceptable quality, the tribunal considered it was an eight-year-old Japanese import that had travelled 128,334km.

It accepted engine mounts were generally regarded as wear-and-tear items.

But in this application, it considered the gearbox mount was probably not as durable as a reasonable buyer would view as acceptable because such a consumer wouldn’t expect to have an issue with a noisy mount three months after the car was sold for $8,400.

Kassim failed to produce the damaged parts, even though she knew by February 21 the trader was unwilling to pay to replace them, so the tribunal was unprepared to accept all five mounts were faulty.

Furthermore, on the advice of its assessor, it thought it was highly unlikely that all five engine mounts would require replacing at the same time and thought City Nissan’s decision to replace all of them might have been preventive maintenance.

The tribunal ruled the car didn’t comply with the guarantee of acceptable quality when sold because its gearbox mount wasn’t durable.

Section 18 of the CGA provides that when a failure to comply with a guarantee can be remedied, the consumer must require the supplier to do so within a reasonable time.

If the seller refuses or neglects or fails to do so, the buyer may then have the failure remedied elsewhere

The case: The purchaser

wanted to be awarded $1,159 to

replace five engine mounts she

claimed were damaged. The dealer

said it was given insufficient time

before the repairs were completed

and wasn’t responsible for wear

and tear.

The decision: The tribunal

agreed the dealer wasn’t given

reasonable time to replace five

mounts and ruled that the buyer

should only receive the cost of

replacing one.

At: The Motor Vehicle Disputes

Tribunal, Auckland.

and obtain reasonable costs incurred in having the problem fixed or may reject the goods.

The tribunal accepted Kassim contacted the dealer in mid-February about the condition of the engine mounts.

The trader produced two written quotes dated February 14 to replace the left-lower transmission mount.

One was from Tech Autoworks for $189 and another from Ashfield Automotive Ltd of $279.

Therefore, the trader knew – on or about that date – that the mount required replacing but refused to pay to have this done until after Kassim filed her application.

The tribunal didn’t think Kassim gave the dealer a reasonable time to replace the other four mounts – even if they were broken or failing.

The facts showed she sent the trader an estimate from City Nissan on February 19, and asked the dealer to pay to replace five mounts and collected the repaired vehicle the next day.

The tribunal considered the reasonable cost of replacing the transmission mount was as quoted by Ashfield Automotive.

OrderThe trader had to immediately pay the purchaser $279 for reasonable repair costs.

Outcome means engine mounts issues generally classed as wear and tear

disputes

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Page 24: Autofile 5 Sept

Total New Cars 7066

2013: 6828  3.5%

Total Used Imported Cars 11,288

2013: 8648  30.5%

24 | www.autofile.co.nz

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August 2014 ThamesNEW: 52 2013: 61  14.8%USED: 94 2013: 54  74.1%

TaurangaNEW: 290 2013: 271  7.0%USED: 442 2013: 319  38.6%

GisborneNEW: 35 2013: 40  12.5%USED: 40 2013: 29  37.9%

MastertonNEW: 56 2013: 47  19.1%USED: 59 2013: 36  63.9%

BlenheimNEW: 55 2013: 58  5.2%USED: 51 2013: 45  13.3%

TimaruNEW: 53 2013: 60  11.7%USED: 119 2013: 66  80.3%

DunedinNEW: 217 2013: 200  8.5%USED: 299 2013: 247  21.1%

RotoruaNEW: 44 2013: 92  52.2%USED: 126 2013: 60  110.0%

NapierNEW: 166 2013: 158  5.1%USED: 218 2013: 158  38.0%

WellingtonNEW: 538 2013: 629  14.5%USED: 829 2013: 739  12.2%

ChristchurchNEW: 1049 2013: 923  13.7%USED: 1537 2013: 1182  30.0%

OamaruNEW: 17 2013: 18  5.6%USED: 38 2013: 22  72.7%

InvercargillNEW: 108 2013: 88  22.7%USED: 112 2013: 100  12.0%

WhangareiNEW: 157 2013: 136  15.4%

USED: 234 2013: 169  38.5%

WanganuiNEW: 59 2013: 55  7.3%

USED: 74 2013: 55  34.5%

HamiltonNEW: 492 2013: 429  14.7%

USED: 782 2013: 509  53.6%

NelsonNEW: 107 2013: 100  7.0%

USED: 198 2013: 108  83.3%

AucklandNEW: 3187 2013: 3113  2.4%

USED: 5483 2013: 4323  26.8%

Palmerston NorthNEW: 228 2013: 205  11.2%

USED: 304 2013: 213  42.7%

New PlymouthNEW: 139 2013: 134  3.7%

USED: 200 2013: 178  12.4%

WestportNEW: 5 2013: 5  0%

USED: 18 2013: 4  350.0%

GreymouthNEW: 12 2013: 6  100.0%

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Page 25: Autofile 5 Sept

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www.heiwa-auto.co.nz

Imported Passenger Vehicle Sales by Make - August 2014

MAke AUG '14 AUG '13 +/- % AUG '14 MkT shARe 2014 TOTAL 2014 MkT

shARe

Toyota 2667 2105 26.7 23.6% 19869 23.7%

Nissan 2208 1595 38.4 19.6% 15829 18.9%

Mazda 1780 1514 17.6 15.8% 13616 16.3%

Honda 1182 923 28.1 10.5% 8921 10.7%

Suzuki 688 442 55.7 6.1% 5080 6.1%

Subaru 488 354 37.9 4.3% 3385 4.0%

BMW 462 300 54.0 4.1% 3363 4.0%

Volkswagen 426 299 42.5 3.8% 2941 3.5%

Mitsubishi 398 346 15.0 3.5% 3117 3.7%

Audi 213 186 14.5 1.9% 1666 2.0%

Mercedes-Benz 186 149 24.8 1.6% 1383 1.7%

Ford 122 98 24.5 1.1% 949 1.1%

Volvo 72 48 50.0 0.6% 467 0.6%

Chevrolet 46 40 15.0 0.4% 418 0.5%

Hyundai 40 15 166.7 0.4% 274 0.3%

Mini 39 14 178.6 0.3% 298 0.4%

Lexus 37 20 85.0 0.3% 331 0.4%

Holden 30 15 100.0 0.3% 193 0.2%

Jaguar 29 27 7.4 0.3% 300 0.4%

Land Rover 29 32 -9.4 0.3% 231 0.3%

Daihatsu 20 15 33.3 0.2% 133 0.2%

Peugeot 19 12 58.3 0.2% 104 0.1%

Porsche 16 8 100.0 0.1% 99 0.1%

Dodge 15 7 114.3 0.1% 103 0.1%

Chrysler 9 7 28.6 0.1% 36 0.0%

Infiniti 7 0 700.0 0.1% 12 0.0%

Renault 7 6 16.7 0.1% 50 0.1%

Jeep 5 4 25.0 0.0% 49 0.1%

Alfa Romeo 4 3 33.3 0.0% 33 0.0%

Plymouth 4 2 100.0 0.0% 13 0.0%

Saab 4 3 33.3 0.0% 13 0.0%

Bentley 3 3 0.0 0.0% 16 0.0%

Fiat 3 5 -40.0 0.0% 27 0.0%

Kia 3 7 -57.1 0.0% 24 0.0%

Lincoln 3 0 300.0 0.0% 3 0.0%

Others 24 44 -45.5 0.2% 350 0.4%

Total 11288 8648 30.5 100.0% 83696 100.0%

Imported Passenger Vehicle Sales by Model - August 2014

MAke MODeL AUG '14 AUG '13 +/- % AUG '14 MkT shARe

2014 TOTAL

2014 MkT shARe

Nissan Tiida 617 396 55.8 5.5% 4605 5.5%

Suzuki Swift 575 354 62.4 5.1% 4224 5.0%

Mazda Axela 518 383 35.2 4.6% 3883 4.6%

Mazda Demio 430 401 7.2 3.8% 3520 4.2%

Honda Fit 328 289 13.5 2.9% 2871 3.4%

Toyota Wish 298 213 39.9 2.6% 2214 2.6%

Subaru Legacy 282 207 36.2 2.5% 1931 2.3%

Toyota Corolla 279 249 12.0 2.5% 2201 2.6%

Toyota Vitz 255 223 14.3 2.3% 1946 2.3%

Volkswagen Golf 251 178 41.0 2.2% 1774 2.1%

Mazda Atenza 241 248 -2.8 2.1% 1868 2.2%

Honda Odyssey 207 148 39.9 1.8% 1406 1.7%

Mitsubishi Outlander 189 135 40.0 1.7% 1219 1.5%

Mazda Premacy 183 128 43.0 1.6% 1086 1.3%

Mazda MPV 180 205 -12.2 1.6% 1579 1.9%

Nissan Note 171 143 19.6 1.5% 1451 1.7%

Toyota Estima 170 131 29.8 1.5% 1136 1.4%

Nissan Dualis 158 55 187.3 1.4% 723 0.9%

Honda Accord 145 116 25.0 1.3% 1022 1.2%

Nissan Skyline 144 48 200.0 1.3% 811 1.0%

Nissan Bluebird 141 138 2.2 1.2% 1040 1.2%

Toyota Blade 135 73 84.9 1.2% 815 1.0%

Toyota Ist 133 174 -23.6 1.2% 1187 1.4%

Toyota Auris 132 77 71.4 1.2% 979 1.2%

Nissan Murano 131 64 104.7 1.2% 857 1.0%

BMW 320I 120 69 73.9 1.1% 851 1.0%

Nissan March 120 176 -31.8 1.1% 1189 1.4%

Nissan Teana 118 109 8.3 1.0% 915 1.1%

Toyota Caldina 118 82 43.9 1.0% 758 0.9%

Toyota Avensis 114 106 7.5 1.0% 749 0.9%

Toyota Mark X 109 35 211.4 1.0% 720 0.9%

Honda CRV 100 57 75.4 0.9% 713 0.9%

Honda Stream 100 91 9.9 0.9% 806 1.0%

Honda Civic 98 74 32.4 0.9% 624 0.7%

Nissan Presage 98 92 6.5 0.9% 769 0.9%

Others 3900 2981 30.8 34.5% 29254 35.0%

Total 11288 8648 30.5 100.0% 83696 100.0%

PEACE OF MIND. Ramp inspection before shippingGreg Bardsley

Ph: 0279 363 595email: [email protected]

www.heiwa-auto.co.nz

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www.autofile.co.nz | 27

Used car sales get a boostAugust saw 11,288 used

imported passenger vehicles sold, with the

total representing a 30.5 per cent increase on 8,648 registrations during the same month in 2013.

Last month’s sales brought the year-to-date total to 83,696, with the top five models’ positions remaining unchanged when compared to July.

“August was consistent on the rest of the year and the overall growth on last year is now about 15 per cent,” says Mark Morrell, of Morrell Motors in Taupo.

He says the sale of vehicles across the range has seen growth and stock levels have been increased to meet the stronger demand in the market.

“It’s about adapting to the industry. With second-hand stock, margins need to be smaller and you have to adapt in that respect.”

Morrell says imported Subaru vehicles – such as the Legacy, Outback and Forester – are strong in the region, which is home to many people who enjoy outdoors lifestyles.

“It comes down to location why Subaru’s so strong here and we buy to suit our market,” he explains.

“The exchange rate doesn’t have too much of an effect, but it’s beneficial to us at the moment as an importer.”

There’s a lot of geothermal business in Taupo and that seems to be having a bearing on the market, says Morrell.

“It’s been consistent and there have been no real lulls in the market here,” he told Autofile. “From what I know, it’s going to remain that way.”

Marc Mitchell, sales manager of Marc’s Cars in Dunedin, says: “We focus on Fords, Holdens and American vehicles.

“The market has been pretty good for us. We are getting quite a few out-of-town buyers from Auckland and Christchurch because we don’t do anything boring – only exciting and fun cars.

“Our price range is between $15,000 and $60,000, and we are doing a lot of cars between $20,000 and $30,000.”

When Autofile called, his stock ranged from a 2013 Ford Mustang California Special CS/GT priced at $59,990 to a 2006 Suzuki Swift Sport at $13,990.

Mitchell is set to go to the US in a few months’ time on another purchasing trip.

“I tend to go over every four months, and buy between four and six vehicles from four different agents,” he says.

“The American vehicles are going to become more popular when Ford and Holden stop local manufacturing in Australia.”

Craig Retief, owner of Le Mans Cars in Papamoa, has about 10 vehicles on his yard at any one time with about 80 per cent of his stock being sold outside Tauranga.

PEACE OF MIND. Ramp inspection before shippingGreg Bardsley

Ph: 0279 363 595email: [email protected]

www.heiwa-auto.co.nz

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“I’m using Trade Me at this point in time and I’m always looking to increase our customer base,” he says. “It comes down to price because nobody wants to overpay for anything.”

Retief says buyers are now focusing on purchasing more fuel-efficient vehicles.

“Unless you need a seven-seater, everyone’s buying really small cars and economy vehicles,” he says.

“There are some people who want SUVs because they can afford

to run them, but the average New Zealander is buying something that’s the cheapest.”

Aaron Chatfield, managing director of Bay City Mitsubishi in Tauranga, says: “Trading has changed slightly and there has been a bit of cross-pollination going on.

“By this I mean some used car buyers are now purchasing new cars and the offshoot of that is we aren’t getting as many trade-ins that I can sell.

“We only sell New Zealand-new trades and stocking the used car lot is becoming harder because they are a lot more difficult to source. I’m considering importing for the first time.”

Gary Bates, of Gary Bates Ltd in Gisborne, says: “We still get a few imports, but usually we get enough trade-ins to fill the yard.”

Mark Peyper-Smith, of Winger Central, says used car inquiry has been much stronger in Queenstown and Cromwell recently.

He has relocated from Auckland for the job and is looking forward to continuing to develop his networks in the community.

“People down here are very friendly,” he says. “They aren’t as stressed and are a lot more relaxed. They tend to have a chat and tell you what’s going on, so it’s a really nice environment.”

Vern Walker, dealer principal of Nelson Bays Holden and Nissan, says: “We are finding the used car market challenging at the moment.

“Stock is hanging around for a while. We have got good stock and good clean cars, but have seen slower inquiry.

“Once again, we are incentivising and being really aggressive on our advertising and price points so people still choose used cars.”

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Used Imported Passenger Registrations - 2012-2014

Changes for the goodRobin Kidd, of Eurocar Suzuki in Palmerston North, believes not all of the recent changes in legislation that have an impact on the automotive industry are for the worse.

“One of the biggest issues facing dealers are changes to consumer legislation and the fact we can no longer sell outside the Consumer Guarantees Act through auctions,” he says.

“If you are a dealer, then you are going to have to stand by cars sold in this way.”

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New Passenger Vehicle Sales by Make - August 2014

MAke AUG '14 AUG '13 +/- % AUG '14 MkT shARe 2014 TOTAL 2014 MkT

shARe

Toyota 1168 1080 8.1 16.5% 8683 14.9%

Holden 836 860 -2.8 11.8% 6460 11.0%

Hyundai 598 502 19.1 8.5% 5266 9.0%

Ford 494 580 -14.8 7.0% 4765 8.2%

Mazda 487 451 8.0 6.9% 4242 7.3%

Mitsubishi 377 389 -3.1 5.3% 3484 6.0%

Honda 371 454 -18.3 5.3% 2310 4.0%

Suzuki 344 365 -5.8 4.9% 3383 5.8%

Nissan 338 212 59.4 4.8% 3142 5.4%

Volkswagen 289 432 -33.1 4.1% 2774 4.7%

Kia 216 212 1.9 3.1% 1995 3.4%

Audi 161 166 -3.0 2.3% 1418 2.4%

Mercedes-Benz 158 163 -3.1 2.2% 1256 2.1%

BMW 147 177 -16.9 2.1% 1421 2.4%

Jeep 133 67 98.5 1.9% 853 1.5%

Subaru 130 118 10.2 1.8% 1172 2.0%

Peugeot 111 110 0.9 1.6% 729 1.2%

Ssangyong 84 73 15.1 1.2% 643 1.1%

Land Rover 81 36 125.0 1.1% 619 1.1%

Skoda 70 50 40.0 1.0% 582 1.0%

Dodge 61 52 17.3 0.9% 340 0.6%

Fiat 57 22 159.1 0.8% 286 0.5%

Mini 47 45 4.4 0.7% 359 0.6%

Volvo 45 13 246.2 0.6% 310 0.5%

Lexus 40 50 -20.0 0.6% 353 0.6%

Renault 35 4 775.0 0.5% 147 0.3%

Chery 34 12 183.3 0.5% 219 0.4%

Citroen 33 34 -2.9 0.5% 291 0.5%

Alfa Romeo 31 23 34.8 0.4% 189 0.3%

Porsche 27 12 125.0 0.4% 200 0.3%

Jaguar 15 9 66.7 0.2% 87 0.1%

Isuzu 8 0 800.0 0.1% 60 0.1%

Maserati 8 1 700.0 0.1% 50 0.1%

Great Wall 7 21 -66.7 0.1% 98 0.2%

Chrysler 6 15 -60.0 0.1% 55 0.1%

Mahindra 5 0 500.0 0.1% 36 0.1%

MG 4 0 400.0 0.1% 34 0.1%

Bentley 3 2 50.0 0.0% 24 0.0%

Can-Am 3 1 200.0 0.0% 40 0.1%

Ferrari 3 0 300.0 0.0% 9 0.0%

Others 1 15 -93.3 0.0% 78 0.1%

Total 7066 6828 3.5 100.0% 58462 100.0%

New Passenger Vehicle Sales by Model - August 2014

MAke MODeL AUG '14 AUG '13 +/- % AUG '14 MkT shARe

2014 TOTAL

2014 MkT shARe

Toyota Corolla 468 328 42.7 6.6% 3209 6.2%

Holden Commodore 280 247 13.4 4.0% 1982 3.9%

Honda Jazz 264 190 38.9 3.7% 1033 2.0%

Holden Captiva 211 207 1.9 3.0% 1559 3.0%

Hyundai ix35 205 116 76.7 2.9% 1250 2.4%

Toyota Highlander 189 37 410.8 2.7% 1172 2.3%

Suzuki Swift 177 214 -17.3 2.5% 1808 3.5%

Toyota RAV4 176 176 0.0 2.5% 1447 2.8%

Toyota yaris 174 208 -16.3 2.5% 1155 2.2%

Mazda CX-5 164 199 -17.6 2.3% 1626 3.2%

Mazda Mazda3 152 121 25.6 2.2% 1522 3.0%

Holden Cruze 143 271 -47.2 2.0% 1108 2.2%

Hyundai Santa Fe 133 80 66.3 1.9% 1271 2.5%

Nissan Qashqai 132 74 78.4 1.9% 893 1.7%

Mitsubishi Lancer 128 76 68.4 1.8% 1126 2.2%

Ford Kuga 106 75 41.3 1.5% 948 1.8%

Ford Focus 100 121 -17.4 1.4% 1186 2.3%

Mitsubishi Outlander 99 103 -3.9 1.4% 1017 2.0%

Mitsubishi ASX 96 33 190.9 1.4% 611 1.2%

Suzuki SX4 S-Cross 92 - - 1.3% 623 1.2%

Nissan X-Trail 89 54 64.8 1.3% 969 1.9%

Volkswagen Golf 85 234 -63.7 1.2% 1253 2.4%

Holden Barina 82 26 215.4 1.2% 549 1.1%

Mazda Mazda2 81 57 42.1 1.1% 437 0.9%

Volkswagen Polo 81 26 211.5 1.1% 431 0.8%

Ford Fiesta 76 88 -13.6 1.1% 673 1.3%

Kia Sportage 74 52 42.3 1.0% 638 1.2%

Hyundai i30 71 115 -38.3 1.0% 986 1.9%

Jeep Grand Cherokee 70 6 1066.7 1.0% 553 1.1%

Mazda Mazda6 69 60 15.0 1.0% 480 0.9%

Ford Territory 65 114 -43.0 0.9% 745 1.4%

Honda CRV 65 79 -17.7 0.9% 568 1.1%

Hyundai Accent 62 42 47.6 0.9% 453 0.9%

Dodge Journey 61 52 17.3 0.9% 338 0.7%

Mercedes-Benz C-Class 61 32 90.6 0.9% 352 0.7%

Peugeot 308 58 70 -17.1 0.8% 271 0.5%

Toyota Camry 58 126 -54.0 0.8% 518 1.0%

Ssangyong Korando 56 40 40.0 0.8% 403 0.8%

Ford Falcon 55 68 -19.1 0.8% 495 1.0%

Volkswagen Tiguan 54 95 -43.2 0.8% 530 1.0%

Others 2204 2516 -12.4 31.2% 13209 25.7%

Total 7066 6828 3.5 100.0% 51397 100.0%

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young person will buy one because it has changed so dramatically.”

Blythen, who has been with Honda for more than 30 years in Auckland, says the biggest change in the market – apart from the growth of the internet – is the size of the cars people are looking to purchase.

“The whole market is driven by smaller cars,” he told Autofile. “Overall, four-door sedans are smaller sellers. The growth seems to be in SUV types of vehicles, such as Honda’s CRV and Holden’s Captiva.

“Honda doesn’t have a small

SUV at the moment, but that’s likely to change next year. It will compete with the Nissan’s Qashqai and Mitsubishi’s ASX.”

Bay City Mitsubishi scooped a raft of honours at this year’s annual company awards.

After nine months of owning the Tauranga business, Aaron and Angela Chatfield won the diamond dealer trophy, and awards for market share and excellence in customer service among others.

Their awards result from achieving the network’s best market, highest percentage of

“completely satisfied” customers, and leading the way in terms of finance growth and service levels.

“Customer satisfaction is such an important aspect of the business and it does have some bearing,” says Aaron Chatfield.

“You have to take the business while it’s there and look after your customers because they will keep you in business when the economy isn’t going so well.

“That’s when you get the rewards from a good service operation.”

The managing director says it’s always a challenge to get people to join the motor industry these days.

“The problem with hiring a university graduate is looking for someone who wants to turn this into a career because a lot of them see it as more of a stop gap.”

As for sales, Chatfield says August was a little bit harder than what he was expecting.

“The consensus is people have become distracted by the election, although it’s generally September when we expect that distraction to start.

“Overall though, the market has been excellent and it looked like the month would finish off okay. But it’s still clear it has quietened down.”

Chatfield says the dealership’s two big sellers are the Lancer GSR at $25,990 and in front of it is the Mitsubishi ASX at $29,990.

“Buyers want features at the price these vehicles offer,” he says. “We are enjoying a buoyant period and people are taking the opportunity to upgrade their vehicles.”

Toyota’s Corolla was last month’s top-selling model with a 6.6 per cent market share on 468 units.

It was followed by Holden’s Commodore on 280 sales and Honda’s Jazz on 264.

Last month’s new vehicle sales total came to 7,066 – just five less than in July.

The number of units sold was also up on August 2013’s total of 6,828 by 3.5 per cent, while year-to-date registrations now stand at 51,397.

Toyota was the country’s top marque on 1,168 units. Holden’s sales dropped by 2.8 per cent compared to August 2013, but it was still the second most popular marque last month on 836 units.

Hyundai was up by 19.1 per cent on the same month last year on 598 units, while Ford’s share dropped by 14.8 per cent to 494.

Gary Bates, of Gary Bates Ltd in Gisborne, says: “Kia and Suzuki are going well without being spectacular.

“The Swift does well everywhere and we sell the little Jimny to farmers, particularly now people must wear helmets while riding all-terrain vehicles [ATVs].

“The Jimny can be driven wherever ATVs go and you don’t need a helmet because it has a roof.

“The big advantage is it can be driven on-road as well, and it’s no more expensive than an ATV with the manual starting at about $20,000.”

Bates says that utes are always strong because Gisborne is a four-wheel-drive region.

He adds: “Our mechanical side is pretty stable and we have fairly stable staff too because people in the city want to be here. It’s a nice place to bring up kids.”

Bates says finance is a mixed bag with some customers arriving with pre-approved lending and others signing up on the yard.

“I don’t see why the market won’t continue going okay. The guts of this place are in pastoral farming and that seems to be doing well.”

sales five shy of dead heatHe predicts Kia will be in a

strong position to end the year on a high with Peter Schreyer, who brings experience in German design to the table, at the helm of the company.

Grant Blythen, general manager of Honda Cars North Shore in Auckland, says the marque has seen strong sales figures on the back of the new Jazz, which was launched at the start of July.

“It hasn’t changed much in five years, but it’s now a completely new model – the price has gone down and the spec has gone up,”

he says. “This car has completely blown me away.

“As always with the internet, you have a group of people waiting for the Jazz. We are also getting conquest sales from other brands because the sales process becomes a bit redundant with this vehicle.”

Blythen is hoping the Jazz will reach a younger demographic with Honda being a programme partner for The Block, TV3’s top-rating series.

“Most people we used to sell the Jazz to were in the upper age groups,” he comments. “Now a

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New Passenger Registrations - 2012-2014

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Navara and Toyota’s Hilux. “We’ve also seen it used as a

retention tool,” he says. “For people who have been good workers, some companies put them into Amaroks as a reward. It drives and handles like a car, and does everything a ute should.

“There are some large contracts in Christchurch at the moment, and

people are not going to buy utes and vans until they’ve had projects signed off.”

Aaron Chatfield, of Bay City Mitsubishi in Tauranga, has yet to see Chinese marques Foton and Great Wall impacting on sales.

“They are there and the names are getting mentioned, but it’s still a very easy job to convince people to buy a renowned product for the service and safety for a few extra dollars,” he says.

“Those marques have it on price at the moment, but still don’t have much history on reliability and safety ratings – and that’s what most companies need to have.

“In time, those features will get fitted and their prices will increase. But how much of a bite they take out of the main market is yet to be seen.”

There were 3,002 new commercial vehicles sold last month, with year-to-

date sales now standing at 24,131.August’s total was up by 400 units

– or 15.4 per cent – when compared to the same month last year.

Ford’s Ranger was top-selling model with 548 units for a year-to-date total of 3,850.

By comparison, there have been 3,740 Toyota Hiluxes sold so far in 2014 after the ute notched up 413 sales last month.

Stephen Kelly, Volkswagen’s general manager at Miles Continental in Christchurch, says: “Our commercial market has been driven by the Amarok, which is making up about 80 per cent of our sales.”

He says a wide range of buyers in the city have been interested in the European ute.

“We have traditional project managers or engineers, those working on building sites and we have some families, while the other half of our sales tend to be inter-rural and include stock agents and farm real-estate agents.”

Kelly believes buyers are moving to the German marque from other utes, such as Nissan’s

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New Commercial sales - 2012-2014

August sales jump by 400

New Commercial Sales by Make - August 2014

MAke AUG '14 AUG '13 +/- % AUG '14 MkT shARe

2014 FULL YeAR

2014 MkT shARe

Toyota 688 603 14.1 22.9% 5701 23.6%

Ford 635 461 37.7 21.2% 4327 17.9%

Holden 273 207 31.9 9.1% 2086 8.6%

Mitsubishi 194 152 27.6 6.5% 1600 6.6%

Isuzu 176 152 15.8 5.9% 1419 5.9%

Mazda 143 115 24.3 4.8% 1056 4.4%

Volkswagen 110 114 -3.5 3.7% 857 3.6%

Nissan 107 290 -63.1 3.6% 1826 7.6%

Mitsubishi Fuso 77 51 51.0 2.6% 428 1.8%

Ssangyong 69 44 56.8 2.3% 599 2.5%

Hino 62 46 34.8 2.1% 474 2.0%

Great Wall 56 85 -34.1 1.9% 589 2.4%

Foton 53 7 657.1 1.8% 278 1.2%

Hyundai 49 43 14.0 1.6% 513 2.1%

Mercedes-Benz 45 52 -13.5 1.5% 359 1.5%

LDV 38 - - 1.3% 266 1.1%

MAN 37 10 270.0 1.2% 217 0.9%

UD Trucks 23 25 -8.0 0.8% 162 0.7%

Scania 22 9 144.4 0.7% 122 0.5%

Freightliner 19 7 171.4 0.6% 81 0.3%

Others 126 129 -2.3 4.2% 1171 4.9%

Total 3002 2602 15.4 100.0% 24131 100.0%

New Commercial Sales by Model - August 2014

MAke MODeL AUG '14 AUG '13 +/- % AUG '14 MkT shARe

2014 FULL YeAR

2014 MkT shARe

Ford Ranger 548 392 39.8 18.3% 3850 16.0%

Toyota Hilux 413 376 9.8 13.8% 3740 15.5%

Toyota Hiace 254 210 21.0 8.5% 1808 7.5%

Holden Colorado 237 187 26.7 7.9% 1913 7.9%

Mazda BT-50 143 115 24.3 4.8% 1913 7.9%

Nissan Navara 107 290 -63.1 3.6% 1826 7.6%

Mitsubishi Triton 105 102 2.9 3.5% 1073 4.4%

Mitsubishi L300 89 49 81.6 3.0% 526 2.2%

Ford Transit 83 67 23.9 2.8% 438 1.8%

Isuzu D-Max 80 78 2.6 2.7% 835 3.5%

Ssangyong Actyon Sport 69 44 56.8 2.3% 599 2.5%

Volkswagen Amarok 60 82 -26.8 2.0% 525 2.2%

Hyundai iLoad 46 38 21.1 1.5% 500 2.1%

Great Wall V240 44 69 -36.2 1.5% 455 1.9%

Isuzu F Series 42 22 90.9 1.4% 248 1.0%

Foton Tunland 41 7 485.7 1.4% 243 1.0%

Isuzu N Series 38 35 8.6 1.3% 236 1.0%

LDV V80 38 - - 1.3% 266 1.1%

Holden Commodore 34 19 78.9 1.1% 162 0.7%

Hino 500 31 20 55.0 1.0% 223 0.9%

Others 500 400 25.0 16.7% 2752 11.4%

Total 3002 2602 15.4 100.0% 24131 100.0%

new commercial sales

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August sales jump by 400 Some owners selling privatelyThere were 651 used

commercial vehicles sold across New Zealand last

month, which was a decrease of 25 units when compared to July’s total.

But sales in August represented a 19.2 per cent increase on the same month of last year, when 546 units were registered. The year-to-date total now sits at 4,994 units.

Vern Walker, dealer principal of Nelson Bays Holden and Nissan, believes a lot of used commercial vehicles are now being sold privately.

“We are trading and buying in stock, but we are trading the majority of stock,” he told Autofile.

“I have some very good commercials at the moment and while inquiry is not super strong, people are still buying.

“At the moment, the Navara is available on 3.9 per cent finance and it has just come off a one per

cent rate, so that’s a pretty good incentive to buy new.”

Martin Harcourt, of Value Cars Warehouse in Christchurch, says: “We are always pretty strong with used commercials.

“We don’t have a lot of vans or utes and we’re just doing our same old stuff.

“We are selling a few vans, but

nothing out of the ordinary.”“We didn’t have a market for our

two and three-tonne trucks during the global financial crisis, but we’re back into trying to source a range,” says Bill Julian, of August Autos in Takanini, South Auckland.

“The big work is in Christchurch’s rebuild, but contracts were handed to Fletchers

rather than smaller operations.“We’re selling quite well into

the South Island and Wellington. It’s very easy for buyers to filter and decipher where the best unit is and the price of freight is often less than the extra cost of the vehicle.”

During August, Toyota recorded 350 sales to bring its year-to-date used commercial market share to 49.6 per cent.

Its closest rival was Nissan, which came in with 123 registrations and a market share for 2014 of 20.8 per cent.

Mazda sold 37 units and Isuzu 34 for year-to-date market shares of 4.7 and 5.3 per cent respectively.

Toyota’s Hiace dominated the market with 255 units registered last month.

Nissan’s Caravan came second with 54 registrations with the Toyota Regius was third on 32.

200 250 300 350 400 450 500 550 600 650 700 750

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

2012 2013 2014

Used Commercial sales - 2012-2014

Used Commercial Sales by Make - August 2014

MAke AUG '14 AUG '13 +/- % AUG '14 MkT shARe

2014 FULL YeAR

2014 MkT shARe

Toyota 350 262 33.6 53.8% 2478 49.6%

Nissan 123 110 11.8 18.9% 1037 20.8%

Mazda 37 29 27.6 5.7% 236 4.7%

Isuzu 34 33 3.0 5.2% 263 5.3%

Ford 24 25 -4.0 3.7% 199 4.0%

Mitsubishi 18 12 50.0 2.8% 153 3.1%

Chevrolet 14 11 27.3 2.2% 113 2.3%

Hino 12 20 -40.0 1.8% 95 1.9%

Holden 11 6 83.3 1.7% 78 1.6%

GMC 4 1 300.0 0.6% 24 0.5%

Dodge 2 3 -33.3 0.3% 23 0.5%

Fiat 2 6 -66.7 0.3% 39 0.8%

MAN 2 1 100.0 0.3% 24 0.5%

Mercedes-Benz 2 5 -60.0 0.3% 36 0.7%

Renault 2 3 -33.3 0.3% 11 0.2%

Suzuki 2 2 0.0 0.3% 24 0.5%

Volkswagen 2 5 -60.0 0.3% 25 0.5%

Volvo 2 2 0.0 0.3% 15 0.3%

Alexander Dennis 1 0 100.0 0.2% 4 0.1%

DAF 1 2 -50.0 0.2% 13 0.3%

Others 6 8 -25.0 0.9% 104 2.1%

Total 651 546 19.2 100.0% 4994 100.0%

Used Commercial Sales by Model - August 2014

MAke MODeL AUG '14 AUG '13 +/- % AUG '14 MkT shARe

2014 FULL YeAR

2014 MkT shARe

Toyota Hiace 255 207 23.2 39.2% 1844 36.9%

Nissan Caravan 54 44 22.7 8.3% 498 10.0%

Toyota Regius 32 11 190.9 4.9% 196 3.9%

Nissan Vanette 31 37 -16.2 4.8% 277 5.5%

Toyota Toyoace 24 9 166.7 3.7% 74 1.5%

Mazda Bongo 22 25 -12.0 3.4% 185 3.7%

Isuzu Elf 18 18 0.0 2.8% 134 2.7%

Toyota Dyna 16 23 -30.4 2.5% 165 3.3%

Nissan Atlas 13 13 0.0 2.0% 92 1.8%

Nissan Navara 13 11 18.2 2.0% 30 0.6%

Toyota Hilux 11 10 10.0 1.7% 80 1.6%

Mitsubishi Canter 9 2 350.0 1.4% 53 1.1%

Isuzu Forward 8 9 -11.1 1.2% 50 1.0%

Mazda Titan 8 0 800.0 1.2% 32 0.6%

Ford Ranger 7 8 -12.5 1.1% 52 1.0%

Mazda BT-50 7 0 700.0 1.1% 17 0.3%

Nissan NV200 7 0 700.0 1.1% 21 0.4%

Chevrolet Silverado 6 6 0.0 0.9% 46 0.9%

Holden Commodore 6 1 500.0 0.9% 25 0.5%

Ford F150 5 3 66.7 0.8% 25 0.5%

Others 99 109 -9.2 15.2% 1098 22.0%

Total 651 546 19.2 100.0% 4994 100.0%

used commercial sales

Page 32: Autofile 5 Sept

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