15 May 2002
Surging used car imports take new safety rules in their stride
Fears that used car importers would be forced out of business by new frontal impact rules have proved to be completely
groundless, based on a near-record 11,929 used cars imported in April, the first month that the new standard came into
operation.
When the requirement for imported used cars to meet the crash safety regulations which were phased in for new cars in
Japan during 1994-96 was first mooted, there was an immediate outcry from used car importers, which continued throughout
the implementation process. Claims ranged from the ‘impossibility’ of sourcing compliant cars in Japan which could be
profitably sold in New Zealand to the ‘intransigence’ of the new car distributors in providing a database on compliant
cars. ‘In actual fact,’ said Perry Kerr, CEO of the Motor Industry Association (MIA), which represents new car
distributors. ‘I want to praise the used importers for their ability to successfully work with the LTSA’s website to
identify compliant vehicles, despite the IMVDA’s howls of concern.’
‘The negative claims of some who purport to represent the used importers have been comprehensively rebuffed by the
ability of the importers to clear such a huge number of cars across the wharves in April, despite the new rules,’ said
Mr. Kerr.
‘This is a clear endorsement of Transport Minister Gosche’s safety initiative,’ Mr. Kerr added. ‘It proves that the
importers have been able to source safety-compliant vehicles with no impact on their overall volume, and clearly
demonstrates that they have been able to more than successfully adapt to the new safety regime.’
The MIA has long held the view that the new safety initiative would be a major step towards reducing deaths on the
roads. ‘The April import data confirms our view that we can reap the safety benefit without affecting the viability of
the used import trade,’
said Mr. Kerr. ‘The figures also contradict the LTSA’s economic analysis that used imports would reduce by 53,200 in
2002. In contrast, it looks as if the used importers are gearing up for another record year.’
Ends