Autofile - 12 December 13

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

Issue 22-2013 12 December 2013

Joining forces on car safety recalls T

wo industry organisations have teamed up to work with the government to change how safety recalls are implemented.

The Motor Industry Association (MIA) and Motor Trade Association (MTA) are working on a system to pick up more non-compliant vehicles.

It’s felt applying to the Ministry of Transport (MoT) for a rule change is the best way forward in tandem with the industry improving how the current system works.

The MIA had a meeting

earlier this year with Michael Woodhouse, the Associate Minister for Transport, and the NZTA subsequently suggested a working party should look at ways to improve managing recalls and flagging issues in general.

David Crawford, chief executive officer of the MIA, says this includes written-off vehicles from countries such as Australia registered as flood damaged.

“A lot of this stock needs to be repaired and recertified before being allowed back on our roads,” he told Autofile.

“There have also been issues with certification processes not always being followed, so the idea is to flag vehicles until they are recertified.”

The MIA doesn’t believe a land transport rule is needed to flag vehicles with outstanding safety recalls because the existing law is broad enough, while bans are seen as the last straw.

However, there appears to be NZTA concerns current legislation may be too ambiguous to implement the proposals.

“We’ve accepted the best

[continued on page 8]

In this issue p 10 All change at the MTA p 12 Repocars rort exposed p 15 Vintage cars test blow p 17 Autohub backs IMVIA p 22 Spotlight on Tauranga p 25 Close-run race for Golf

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Finance opportunity knocks

L

oan-to-value ratio (LVR) rules on residential mortgages are good news for finance companies and dealerships.

That’s the view of Don Atkinson, head of intermediaries at UDC Finance Ltd, which has returned net after-tax profits of $43 million for the year ending September 30, 2013.

The company’s car loans

increased by 18 per cent during that time and it joined forces with Suzuki New Zealand to provide Suzuki Finance-branded products across its dealer network.

UDC’s profits were up 13 per cent on 2012’s figures driven by continued growth in new lending and revenue – as well as the tight management of costs.

The annual profit of $43m follows $23.8m for the six months to March 31, which in turn was up by 24 per cent on the previous six months.

Atkinson says UDC is happy with its good year and how its dealer network has performed.

“Dealership finance is now seen as a good option, especially with

[continued on page 6]

p4

Malcolm Yorston visits Tokyo Motor Show

editor’s note

Happy Christmas from Beehive I

t has taken two governments and gone through the fingers and thumbs of far too many ministers.

But the Consumer Law Reform (CLR) Bill has finally passed its third parliamentary reading, perhaps with some help from Santa, Donner, Blitzen and hard-working elves.

Seriously though, Craig Foss, the Minister for Consumer Affairs, is heralding the bill as a way to “strengthen consumer rights, simplify compliance and ensure consumer protections are clear.”

The CLR is, apparently, this country’s most significant change to consumer law in more than 20 years – but just how important can it be if it has taken about two decades to get onto the statute books? Well, there has been the advent on the internet.

Best of all, the updated laws “align more closely with Australian law – a step in further progressing the government’s single economic market agenda”.

So what, many will shout, especially as the mighty Aotearoa has yet to be towed across the ditch.

Much of the CLR that will affect the automotive sector will be introduced in six months’ time, so set your watches and calendars to roughly June 10, 2014.

There will be new criteria for businesses contracting out of the Consumer Guarantees Act (CGA) and Fair Trading Act (FTA).

The CGA will apply to all transactions – including cars sold by physical or online auctions, or by competitive tender.

Industry concerns have focused on how dealers will sell cheap trade-ins, with more vehicles in this market falling foul of grey traders.

In regards to extended warranties, dealers will need to

explain extra guarantees over and above the CGA when selling them – with customers having the right to cancel within five working days.

Businesses will be banned from making claims about products or services they can’t prove, and dealers will have to identify themselves when selling online.

Some changes are in place now.

If you organise finance for goods or services the buyer rejects as faulty under the CGA, you could also be liable for the credit agreement.

The Commerce Commission has compulsory interview powers and management banning orders in its armoury – and fines will also increase substantially for FTA breaches.

The new powers for the commission should be welcomed. If they promote a more efficient way to reel in the dodgy dealers and unregistered traders, it can only be a good thing for the vast majority of the law-abiding and professional motor vehicle industry.

The commission seems to have stepped up enforcement action lately, as has the Ministry for Business, Innovation and Employment.

The industry probably hasn’t seen the last of the shill bidders.

The weeding out unregistered traders – who are selling online, at car shows or on the sides of the roads – is a seemingly endless task.

But the authorities are taking some action and that can only benefit the honest and hardworking members of the industry.

Visit www.autofile.co.nz for more on the CLR and how it will affect car dealers – and don’t forget to sign up for Insight, our wrap-up of what’s happening in the trade.

Editor

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

Journalist & Online producer

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tokyo motor show

Future arrives at auto show T

he boarding time for the Yamanote line train at Ueno was 8am to get to Shimbashi and catch the Yurikamome – the driverless train – to the Tokyo Big Sight.

If the word “sardines” comes to mind, you’re correct, writes Malcolm Yorston. There was no standing room and commuters were backing onto the train using the door frames to get leverage to pack themselves in.

I wasn’t concerned because, although it was a crush, I was a head taller than most of the commuters so it wasn’t claustrophobic.

Arriving at Kokusai-Tenjijo station on November 21, the

venue for the 43rd Tokyo Motor Show was only a short walk away and after registering it was onto the exhibition halls.

It was obvious alternative energy sources were big on the agenda, with many mainstream vehicles being offered with hybrid technology, including most Lexus and Toyota models.

The “bread and butter” Alphard, Camry, Fielder, Corolla and so on were among the hybrids, as were the biggest sellers in Japan at the moment – the “traditional” Prius and top-selling Aqua.

Many other manufacturers were offering hybrids. Some pure electric vehicles (EVs) were

MotorSale to return MotorWeb’s wholesale service MotorSale was returned to the shop for an update and a refresh over winter, and our goal is to have the new offering rereleased before the end of January.

One of the reasons for removing MotorSale was the introduction of Dealer Dashboard, which gives us the ability to integrate the functionality of both services.

With Dealer Dashboard giving direct access to trader network stock, this will be the platform to list vehicles you wish to wholesale within MotorSale.

Dealers who have registered for MotorSale in the past and set up a profile will see the new service first and receive communications over the coming months outlining its new functionality.

The service has been simplified by removing the complexities of bidding timeframes and text alerts.

MotorWeb now also displays safety and service

4 | www.autofile.co.nz

recall information from participating manufacturers.

This means if the specific vehicle you check has an outstanding safety or service campaign, the VIR report will notify you with the issue and contact information.

Current manufacturers taking part include Kia, Great Wall, Chery, Nissan, Hyundai and Ford.

Customers who use MotorWeb’s service for paperless MR13B change of ownership transactions during December will receive “free VIR re-checks” if rechecking a vehicle within 30 days.

It’s easy to know if there are no charges for rechecks because the button will display the word “free”.

Anyone who signs up for the MR13B service this month will also receive the promotional offer, which ends on December 31.

From all the team at MotorWeb, we wish our customers a very Merry Christmas and prosperous New Year.

David Boshier

Nissan’s IDx Freeflow concept

Blast from the past – a Datsun 14 Roadster

displayed, with Tesla making its event debut.

The show’s focus was “smart mobility” with large interactive displays highlighting intelligent vehicle technology – and driverless cars are very much on the agenda over the next few years.

Small personal transport electric-powered solutions were also showcased, including Toyota’s i-Road three-wheeler and Winglet, as well as Honda’s electric mini-car and Uni-Cub. As the Japanese government has tasked marques to cater for the ageing population, many assistedmobility vehicles were on show.

They ranged from standard cars with swing-out seats, such as

the Honda Odyssey, to vehicles equipped with rear-entry ramps ranging from large vehicles – for example, Alphards – right down to kei-class units.

One focus was to survey the fitment of electronic stability control (ESC) into mainstream vehicles.

Many of the “engineers” spoken to weren’t aware it was to become mandatory in Japan in October 2014, saying ESC was an optional extra on many – but not all – of their models.

Looking at the illuminated dashboard displays of many cars just reinforced this optional fitting – only about 45-50 per cent of Japanese domestic models displayed had ESC tell-tale lamps. 

Assisted-mobility vehicles were under the spotight

tokyo motor show

Attendance at the 43rd Tokyo Motor Show exceeded the previous event by attracting 902,800 visitors – up by seven per cent over 2011 when 842,600 people attended.

Passenger cars on display included 76 world premiere models and 81 Japanese premieres, with 178 companies and 181 brands from 12 countries taking part.

The number of media came to 10,300, up by 10 per cent on 2011’s total of 9,400. For the first time, there was a preview night for 8,600 guests.

The event returned a visitor satisfaction level of 90.1 per cent – the previous show came in at 86.3 per cent – with 86.6 per cent being inclined to visit the next one in autumn 2015.

Visit www.autofile.co.nz for more reports from Tokyo.



The impression gained from the show was that the Kiwi vehicle fleet was going to change.

At the moment, the biggest users of hybrids in New Zealand are taxi fleets, green corporates and people who have greyer hair than mine – and that’s pretty grey.

But this will differ when hybrids become more mainstream.

Toyota proudly presented its concept Jpn Taxi, which is an LPG hybrid. This is the car to replace the ubiquitous crown comfort?

Interesting livery, courtesy of Mitsubishi and model

Toyota’s electric-powered i-Road

Toyota’s FCV hydrogenfueled concept

My overall impression was the show was smaller than Beijing’s, but the quality of presentation was ahead of the Chinese – and the build quality of vehicles in Tokyo seemed better than Chinese-badged units in Beijing.

The 44th Tokyo Motor Show is scheduled for autumn 2015 at the same venue.

Earthquake memorial Mobilityscape Tokyo made its debut on November 19 in the lead-up to the main event.

Its theme was the recovery of the country’s automobile industry after the Great East Japan Earthquake and its power of innovation.

Technical specialists from each Japan Automobile Manufacturers’ Association member company

unveiled the Last Pine Tree – a Symbol of Hope, which is made from sheet steel as a reminder of recovery from the disaster.

Malcolm Yorston is membership and technical services manager of the Imported Motor Vehicle Industry Association

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news [continued from page 1]

Upsides to new lending rules changes in the market due to the LVR rules,” he told Autofile.

“There is an opportunity for dealership finance to expand when consumers cannot borrow against their homes or have to conserve their cash for house deposits.”

Consumer and business confidence “increased considerably” and there’s more stock available on the vehicle market, while this year’s relatively low interest rates have assisted businesses.

“We increased lending on the previous year, so we’re happy with 2013’s figures,” says Atkinson.

“While lending margins have been squeezed for the past six months, volumes really accelerated towards the end of the year with UDC probably picking up more market share.

“We have great relationships with Ford and Mazda, and we also teamed up with Suzuki this year.

We’re always keen to do more with all of our partners.”

Atkinson is optimistic about next year. From UDC’s perspective, confidence is strong and demographic trends are favourable while more old cars are being scrapped with newer

replacements now being bought.

“A rise in Reserve Bank base rates is being suggested for early next year, so it appears the benign interest rate market may be coming to an end.”

Chief executive officer Tessa Price says UDC has played to its strengths over the past year by building on consistent overall growth.

“When we’re growing, New Zealand is growing,” she says.

“With rising confidence, firms are ready to invest in vehicles, plant and equipment.

“Our focus remains on our core business of financing these requirements and understanding customers’ needs. This will ensure

home loans, which could result in more finance for motor vehicles being sought at dealerships.

The restrictions essentially form a speed limit to keep a lid on banks’ high-LVR lending.

The Reserve Bank also wants to tighten rules on property valuations to ensure they meet

“Dealership finance is a good option, especially due to the LVR rules.” – Don Atkinson, UDC Finance

“Revenue has increased by nine per cent as we have delivered more growth in quality lending with a seven per cent lift in new year-on-year lending,” she says.

This continued into the current financial year with a record month for new loans in October.

In addition to streamlining the business, Price says the results reflect economic growth and that’s now extending to all major sectors.

UDC recorded strong loan expansion in forestry – up by 35 per cent, transport and storage – up 28 per cent, and construction – up by 16 per cent.

we’re in the best position to help them tackle growth.”

LIMITS ON MORTGAGES Loan-to-value ratio (LVR) is a measure of how much a bank lends against residential property compared to how much it’s worth.

Borrowers with LVRs of more than 80 per cent are often seen as stretching their budgets and more vulnerable to an economic or financial shock, such as a recession or rise in interest rates.

The rules only apply to mortgages taken out after October 1 and also apply to extensions on

minimum standards because different banks have different policies. It’s also reviewing how loans are defined.

The central bank believes the housing market is a risk to financial stability, and has the potential to undermine the banking system and wider economy.

It’s hoped the LVR rules will stabilise the market and reduce the risk of a “disorderly correction” in prices.

The Reserve Bank points out these measures are temporary and will be lifted when risks to financial stability decrease.

Company supports V8s

U

DC Finance will be the V8 utes’ title sponsor over the next three seasons in a deal that extends its arrangement as principal partner – as first reported online at www.autofile.co.nz.

The company sponsored the series for three years with hospitality for clients and hot-lap experiences.

This will continue along

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6 | www.autofile.co.nz

with branding on series Ford and Holden racers, and on championship event signage.

“The new deal is great news for the category and shareholders,” says Paul Isaac, managing director.

“It underpins our philosophy as a series of great racing that provides a high-quality marketing platform for corporate partners.

“We have initiatives in the

Action from this year’s UDC V8 Ute series

pipeline to make the series even more appealing and – with additional drivers and utes confirmed for 2014 – we can look forward to action-packed fields.”

The UDC V8 Ute series is the main support category for the BNT V8 SuperTourers and has also run at the annual V8 Supercars meeting for the past three years.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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news [continued from page 1]

On-road car bans ‘last straw’ strategy is to seek for a rule change around recalls,” says Crawford. “In the meantime, there are other things our members can do to better manage the process.”

The MIA and MTA are concerned some vehicles are never taken back to dealers after recalls are issued under the current process, which has developed over time with marques contacting registered owners.

The idea is to ensure the final 10 or 15 per cent are returned to franchises to be checked and, if needed, fixed at no cost to owners.

Most people act quickly, but there are problems with vehicles that cannot be traced and people who fail to respond to recall notices.

The proposal is for unreturned vehicles to be black flagged at the warrant of fitness (WOF) stage with owners given time to take them to dealers. They wouldn’t receive WOFs

Trans Future 7

“The best strategy is to seek for a rule change around safety recalls.”

– David Crawford, MIA

until recall inspections are passed.

Tony Everett, the MTA’s dealer services and mediation manager, says: “We agree with the idea to do something to capture up to 20 per cent of people who don’t come forward.

“If a safety risk is known on

Voyage 67

osaka 2 Dec, Nagoya 3 Dec, kawasaki 7 Dec, auckland 27 Dec, Lyttelton 29 Dec, Wellington 31 Dec

Trans Future 5

Voyage 71

osaka 16 Dec, Nagoya 17 Dec, kawasaki 21 Dec, auckland 10 Jan, Lyttelton 12 Jan, Wellington 14 Jan, Nelson 24 Jan

Trans Future 6

Voyage 68

osaka 10 Jan, Nagoya 14 Jan, kawasaki 18 Jan, auckland 5 Feb, Lyttelton 7 Feb, Wellington 9 Feb, Nelson 10 Feb

8 | www.autofile.co.nz

cars, it seems logical to encourage compliance. Flagging is last ditch.

But we need to think what a WOF’s about and that’s safety, so this is the right move.

“If a wheel nut falls off, it’s logical for that to be rectified.

Recalls are usually issued for quite serious matters.”

Everett says the MTA shares notes with the MIA on whatever impacts the industry. “This matter is being driven by the MIA and we’re pretty supportive of its notions.

“It isn’t something that’s a great issue with our members yet and it’s still a concept the government has to fully consider.

Then it will go through the normal consultation process.”

A meeting between the MIA, industry advisers from Mitsubishi and Toyota, and officials at the NZTA’s Palmerston North office last month covered improving processes and better managing recall data.

“We have to make certain we have the right data and information, and manage recalls consistently with all MIA members,” says Crawford.

“Recalls are normally initiated by manufacturers and require significant logistical support to implement, including planning to get parts into all countries where the vehicles are sold.

“The distributor here is normally aware of a pending recall, so it could be made easier to lodge that on the NZTA’s website before launching the

actual recall – and making it ready to go when logistics and supplies are in place.

“What happens now is some safety recalls may be issued six weeks or two months before parts arrive, which isn’t good for anyone – the consumer or manufacturer.

“It would be easier if the process with the NZTA is more clearly developed in two stages – a pending recall when information is gathered and prepared, and then a public launch.

“At the moment, all recalls notified become public when the NZTA accepts them, which is a concern if parts are weeks away.”

RECALL CODE OF CONDUCT MIA members should adhere to procedures for safety defects.

How vehicles are to be fixed should take into account urgency, what’s required for repairs and parts availability.

Measures required for recalls include formal dealer advice, press releases, public notices, online updates, freephone numbers, dealer bulletins, notices to owners and advice to the government or its agencies.

Volkswagen recently issued recalls for some models and its direct-shift gearbox (DSG).

In isolated cases with Tiguans built from 2008-11, a fuse may blow with one of two light circuits failing causing light functions to fail.

Some lights remain on and the driver is informed of this on the instrument cluster. The recall involves replacing the fuse with one with a tougher surface coating.

Defects have been found in some Amarok utes’ fuel pipes. To avoid fuel lines being affected, a chafe protector is being installed.

Vehicles with VW’s sevenspeed DSG will get transmission oil changes because electric malfunctions could occur by using synthetic lubricant. Using mineral oil will fix the problem.

Visit www.mia.org.nz for more information on safety recalls.

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news

New opportunities beckon

S

tephen Matthews has witnessed many changes in the industry during his decade-and-a-half with the Motor Trade Association (MTA) and he’s predicting there will be plenty more over the next five to 10 years.

The 58-year-old stepped down as chief executive officer at the end of November with Rob MacGregor now at the reins.

“The organisation and I need new opportunities,” explains Matthews.

“I would have been with the MTA for 15 years come January and that’s a significant period of time.

“With the MTA divesting itself of 60 per cent of VTNZ recently, it was time for the association to refresh itself and go down a new path. It’s all a timing thing. It was time for me to move on.”

CHALLENGES FACING INDUSTRY The Vehicle Licensing Reform

Matthews says the vehicle inspection industry has an “uncertain” future

(VLR) has had a massive impact on warrants and certificates of fitness (WOFs and COFs) – and the MTA selling a majority share of VTNZ to Stuttgart-based DEKRA. Matthews supported the deal with the Germans and points out that it was in February he pushed for the MTA boards to move forward.

“It was initially hard to convince them, especially given the MTA was 100 per cent owner,” he reflects.

“I set up a working team to – along with our advisers – get the deal to happen, which VTNZ’s board and management supported.”

Matthews describes the inspection industry’s future as uncertain but DEKRA was one of several organisations identified as a trade buyer to add value to VTNZ. “Some of the reasons for the deal were to do with future returns from investments and for the MTA to remain stable and in liquidity.

DEKRA has great resources and VTNZ will continue to evolve.”

Matthews stands by the Hands Off Our WOF campaign – to retain six-monthly inspections on the light passenger fleet – as the right thing to do.

“When an organisation is under pressure, it must represent its members – in our case those selling and servicing cars – and do the right thing for the public.

“The MTA’s campaign was instrumental in getting the

government to change its mind otherwise there would be no sixmonthly inspections for vehicles first registered before January 1, 2000.

“If there had been no campaign, there would have been no political will to soften the move away from annual WOFs. That decision was worth about $66 million to our members.

“You can always learn from mistakes but the MTA galvanised the industry, which now needs to move forward.”

Matthews is predicting the automotive sector will dramatically change over the next decade. He can see it rationalising with the VLR acting as an accelerator.

“Cars are getting better all the time as is the public’s attitude to maintenance with our ageing fleet, which will have a bearing.

“We’ll need to see how the collision repair industry is supported by the insurance sector and how much return small businesses get on their capital.

“Sometimes I wonder if our industry does too good a job. I can’t think of many others so great at looking after their customers.”

LOOKING BACK ON CAREER Under Matthews’ watch, the MTA has built up its brand and worked to ensure it stands by its values.

“The MTA didn’t have a profile 15 years ago and it’s stronger



Time for change

R

ob MacGregor, the MTA’s new chief executive officer, pictured, says he has taken the job to guide the business through changes and strengthen its membership.

“We need to ensure we have a good quality service and products for members,” he told Autofile.

The MTA’s board recently commissioned an external

10 | www.autofile.co.nz

review to assess its structure. Over the coming months, it will make improvements to meet short, medium and long-term goals.

The change provides impetus to strategically review operations “to create sustainable business advantage to members” for the next decade.

“We’re fortunate to have secured 

news  financially. It had a budget of $4m a year when I joined. It now has a turnover of $10m.

“Our membership has dramatically changed over the years, but the MTA must keep the brand going.

“I remember when we introduced a $12 monthly levy to build it up at a conference. It wasn’t acrimonious but it was a hard fight. We won the members over and it’s just as well we did.”

Change has been one constant during Matthews’ time with the MTA, but he highlights seeing petrol stations’ margins go up as a major achievement.

“We spent nearly a decade fighting to help them and petrol stations now do relatively okay. It’s a changing landscape with the likes of Z and the industry reforming.”

Matthews stresses it’s essential for small businesses to get returns on capital. Pickings can be thin, but he believes they will get better with good guys at the top and by investing in systems and infrastructure.

“Diversity is required in running a successful and significant business, and the MTA Group has about 1,000 staff turning over about $100m a year.

“It has quality, professional staff with experts in their own right.

They add enormous value to the membership.

“Initiatives have built members’ profiles and it has got to the stage where the public actively seeks them out. More than 50 per cent say they would pay a premium to go to MTA members.”

Matthews graduated from the

 MacGregor, who brings considerable experience in business transition, change management and process improvement,” says MTA president David Storey.

MacGregor says: “We’re in the early stages and there’s a lot more work to do. So far a snapshot has been taken.

“We have to get down to hard work, and understand and align ourselves with members.

We should have some more information about this by late January or February.”

MacGregor has taken on the

“It’s all a timing thing and it was time for me to move on.”

– Stephen Matthews, former CEO of the MTA

University of Otago in 1978 and spent 20 years in the oil industry.

He then worked for himself for four years before joining the MTA. He recalls the reason for taking up the role as trying to do something positive for New Zealand.

“As an example, I had an issue with a vehicle and thought I deserved better service. After starting with the MTA, I decided to do something about it and formed the mediation service.

“It now has two professionals talking to the public and supporting our brand.

“This service also helps the industry to recognise its legal responsibility and has a huge bearing on professionalism.”

Matthews says he will miss his staff. It’s obvious from his tone that’s he’s already missing them.

“I’m keen at delegating and have relied on them a lot. The credit for what the MTA has achieved in my time doesn’t rest at my feet but their feet.

“I’ve felt more of a conductor than a driver at times. I’ve always thought so highly of my colleagues.”

role after contracting for McConnell Dowell for about four months, and he was with McKechnie Aluminium Solutions Ltd as group business development manager – Australasia from June 2011 until February.

Before that he was CEO and change manager at Kitchen Things Holdings and United Travel Ltd. MacGregor was CEO of Office Products Depot for just over five years and held the same role at Budget Rent a Car from 2003-05.

He was with Burmah Castrol from 1997 to 2001, before which he was at Firth Industries for 13 years.

WHAT’S BECKONING AHEAD Matthews is now planning to take a big break. He has a few ideas but none are concrete.

“I don’t know if I will be in the industry or not. There are some personal interests I would like to pursue and I’ve done nothing with my vintage vehicles since January.

“I’ve got a 1928 Chrysler sedan and 1926 Chrysler Tourer, while I’m building a 1926 Chrysler Tourer from scratch.”

Another of Matthews’ passions is electric vehicles (EVs). He concedes they will be on the fringe for a while,

but notes what some MTA members are doing in this field is incredible.

For instance, there’s someone working in his backyard building the technology from scratch.

“In this country, we don’t have the big budgets available they have overseas, but our guys have got tremendous knowledge and thrive on innovation,” enthuses Matthews.

“We have abundant supplies of energy for EVs, so we should embrace this technology especially with pollution and the health issues created by emissions. This is an opportunity to create a solution.”

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w w w.d o l p h i n s h i p p i n g .co. n z www.autofile.co.nz | 11

news

Shill bidding was ‘premeditated’ T

he manager of a secondhand car business convicted of shill bidding logged onto different Trade Me memberships – including one belonging to his ex-wife – to bump up auction prices.

Craig James Rutherford was fined $12,100 after pleading guilty to 11 representative charges of breaching the Fair Trading Act (FTA).

The value of illegal auctions from January 1, 2009, to October 13, 2011, came to $1,232,597.

Rutherford – then manager of Auckland-based Cheapcars NZ Ltd, trading as Repocars – used seven memberships to place bids on 405 auctions run by Repocars from its premises in Leonard Road, Penrose.

Two of them – Trifectacars and Footynum6 – were registered to the defendant, Auckland District Court was told.

A membership called NWalker13 belonged to his partner Nikki Walker, Mel-bell was registered to his Melanie Rutherford, his former wife, and Prekash was Sabin Prekash Lakhan’s, a car dealer known to Rutherford.

motor vehicle trader during the charge period but has allowed this status to lapse.

The court heard Rutherford’s shill bidding ensured minimum prices were met in accordance with Repocars’ policy to maximise

“The defendant undermined fair competition and disadvantaged other traders.”

– Commerce Commission court documents

The defendant also used memberships of two ex-business associates – Motoroman64 was Andrew Griffin’s while Pbman2 was registered to Philip Morris.

Rutherford was a registered

profits or minimise losses.

“Repocars often sold vehicles on behalf of other dealers, who would demand a certain minimum price,” the court heard.

Rutherford occasionally bought

vehicles for his own second-hand cars business from Repocars – listed on Trade Me as Trifectacars – but he also used this account for illegal bidding.

The case’s summary of facts states some of the 4,567 shill bids were “auto bids” through an account he opened to automatically outbid others, while 25 auctions used more than one of the memberships.

HOW DEALER WAS CAUGHT Trade Me carried out an investigation in late 2001, which resulted in Repocars’ and Rutherford’s accounts being suspended.

Its analysis of the Footynum6, MotorMan64, Prekash and Trifectacars memberships showed they were accessed from common web browsers also used to list and monitor Repocars’ auctions.

The same four accounts 

The team at Autofile would like to thank readers, clients and contributors for their tremendous support during 2013 Everyone at Autofile wishes you all the best for the festive season and looks forward to working with you again in the new year The next issue of Autofile will be published on January 16, 2014

12 | www.autofile.co.nz

news  were used to access Trade Me from common internet-protocol addresses used by Repocars as well.

In January 2012, Trade Me complained to the Commerce Commission, which interviewed people involved.

They included Rutherford, Trevor Rooderkerk, the director and owner of Cheapcars, and Sabin Lakhan, the holder of the Prekash membership.

Rutherford admitted to ghost bidding using his memberships and others he accessed. Some memberships were used without the account holder knowing.

“Evidence gathered suggests Rooderkerk wasn’t involved in the day-to-day running of Repocars’ auctions.

“He was often overseas and entrusted Rutherford with the listing and running them.

Rooderkerk was in regular contact with Rutherford in respect to running Repocars.”

During the investigation, Rooderkerk denied knowledge of company involvement in shill bidding and said he discouraged it.

In interviews, Rutherford refused to comment or gave few details about his boss’ involvement or knowledge of the law-breaking.

He later provided statements that suggested Rooderkerk was – in fact – aware of the common practice of the shilling bidding and “did nothing to discourage it”.

The court was told: “The statements now provided suggest Rooderkerk instructed Rutherford to achieve a minimum sales price for vehicles, but not that he specifically encouraged shill bidding.

“They further suggest Rooderkerk would have been aware when a vehicle wasn’t sold as a result of shill bidding.”

LOOKING AT PREVIOUS CASES

Examples of shill bidding in 2011 Start date End date

Car

Last shill bid

Sale price Shill bids placed

May 4

May 12

1999 Mitsubishi Carisma LS

$1,840

$2,840

51

July 7

July 14

1998 BMW 318i

$3,080

$4,750

35

March 4

March 15

2006 VW Passat 4Motion

$7,050

$11,900

35

June 30

June 30

1994 Mazda Titan 3.0D

$2,540

$3,620

30

This is a representative sample of the 406 affected auctions. They relate to ghost bidding on Repocars’ auctions during the charge period.

A 2006 Volkswagen Passat 4Motion

EXTENT OF OFFENDERS’ ACTION “The defendant undermined fair competition and disadvantaged other traders,” stated the Commerce Commission.

“In some cases a genuine buyer won the auction, but by the end was only bidding against the shill bidder.

“In other cases consumers paid more than they would have or lost the right to buy because the shill bidder won.

“Representing the reserve at $1, but having an undisclosed reserve price much greater, will have attracted consumers to participate in Repocars’ auctions.”

Rutherford entered guilty pleas on August 8, 2013, with the maximum fine for each of the 11 representative charges being $60,000. A starting point of $18,000 to $23,000 was appropriate with a 25 per cent pleas discount.

“Around 18,000 vehicle auctions are listed on Trade Me at any time,”

said the commission. “Fraudulent activity undermines the trust consumers have in auction processes.

“The shill bidding was premeditated and systematic.

The defendant used it as a commercial tactic for the gain of Repocars and himself.”

The commission “anticipated Rutherford would argue he was following instructions, or at least if directions weren’t so explicit shill bidding was ‘how auctions were run’ at Repocars”.

But “following instructions” isn’t a defence to criminal charges and isn’t a defence under the FTA. “It must have been obvious shill bidding involved breaching Trade Me’s rules and distorted the process,” the court was told.

“Whether or not Rutherford was acting on instructions from Rooderkerk, he was the manager.

He was personally involved in shill bidding.”

The commission considered previous cases involving shill bidding on vehicles – the Morrison Car Company Ltd and the Auto Company (Millennium) Ltd. Morrison’s pleaded guilty to 39 specific charges of shill bidding over 15 months. It also pleaded guilty to 16 charges of failing to display consumer information notices. During the charge period, it sold 167 cars on Trade Me. There was no information to quantify buyers’ losses, nor any direct effects on them. The $45,000 fine took into account guilty pleas.

The Auto Co pleaded guilty to 13 representative charges over 13 months. It laid more than 7,500 shill bids on at least 530 auctions.

Trade Me identified 141 victims and calculated the loss to those left up against a shill bidder alone as $89,810.

Before being charged, The Auto Co paid $122,174 to Trade Me in reparations for buyers. The end sentence was $42,000.

The commission felt Rutherford’s conduct fell closer to The Auto Co’s scale of offending.

It affected some 400 auctions – more than 10 times Morrison’s and about 25 per cent fewer than 530 in The Auto Co case.

The commission submitted if the defendant was a company rather than an individual, an appropriate starting point for the fine would have been between $60,000 and $75,000.

But since Rutherford was an individual, it submitted a lower starting point.

He had no relevant previous convictions and admitted to the offending to Trade Me and the Commerce Commission.

[continued on page 14]

a fresh approach to dealer finance www.myfinance.co.nz 0800 385 385 www.autofile.co.nz | 13

news [continued from page 13]

Extent of offending exposed In sentencing Rutherford on November 21, Judge Field told him: “While I accept there was pressure on you to obtain a minimum price that didn’t include an ability to act in the way you did, which was illegal and immoral.

“Your activities have impacted on Trade Me’s good reputation.”

Ritchie Hutton, the Commerce Commission’s head of investigations, says: “Shill bidding causes genuine bidders to re-evaluate initial valuations and bid more as it appears they have undervalued goods.

was placed into liquidation soon after Trade Me made its allegations.

“Due to the hasty liquidation, it’s unlikely victims will get compensation for the money they were misled into paying unless the

“It’s unlikely victims will get compensation for the money they were misled into paying.” – James Ryan, Trade Me

Reaction to case Repocars’ primary business was selling cars through auctions on Trade Me with $1 reserves. To avoid cars being sold too cheaply, Rutherford used Trade Me accounts to make shill bids.

The detriment was the difference between winning bids and the last legitimate bid placed by another Trade Me member. In each case, the buyer was bidding against a shill bidder for the last part of the auction.

“If tolerated, consumer confidence in Trade Me auctions as a reflection of the true offer and demand for goods could be compromised.”

Trade Me has reminded its members shill bidding is illegal and breaches its terms and conditions.

“We presented the commission with a full picture of the offending,

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including a detailed analysis of bidding on Repocars’ auctions,” says James Ryan, of its trust and safety team.

“While noting the contradictory nature of his evidence,

the statement of facts also references Rutherford maintains that Repocars’ owner, Trevor Rooderkerk, ‘was aware of a common practice of shill bidding and did nothing to discourage it’.

“Unfortunately, the company

former directors do the right thing and voluntarily refund the money.”

Ryan says about $40,000 has been stolen from Trade Me members and he’s unaware of any former Repocars staff making attempts to refund any of that.

Visit www.autofile.co.nz for more on how the offending was detected and Trade Me’s victim impact statement.

Law reform concerns

T

he Consumer Law Reform (CLR) Bill has passed its final reading, with the government saying it’s the biggest overhaul in such legislation for more than two decades.

One key amendment to the Consumer Guarantees Act (CGA) will apply to purchases via online sites such as Trade Me and at physical auctions, which is where many dealers on-sell lower-end trade-ins.

That’s something industry members have made representations about because they fear business models will be hit, public-to-public transactions with no CGA protection will boom and more cheapies will get onto the grey market.

New disclosure rules will affect extended warranties and a provision will require traders to substantiate claims made as opposed to the Commerce Commission testing them.

Tony Everett, dealer services and mediation manager at the Motor Trade Association (MTA), believes most of the CLR provisions

have been well-defined and clear.

“Industry will need to establish processes and controls to ensure compliance with new provisions,” he says.

But he feels some areas need clarifying. One example is the requirement for disclosure when selling extended warranties, which are common products in the used vehicle industry.

Under the CLR, dealers must define extra protections over and above those provided under the CGA. “The difficulty with this is the CGA’s terms of coverage aren’t defined in absolute terms,” says Everett.

Another issue is the need for traders to only identify themselves when selling online via an auction when the consumer can push a button and buy the goods – but not if selling via other means, such as through listings.

“It would seem logical traders declare their positions irrespective of the selling mechanism.”

news

Classic cars change canned

T

Cars built between January 1, 1919, he government has and December 31, 1931, such as ignored requests to change the 1929 Alfa Romeo 6C 1750 SS, are classed as “vintage” by the the frequency of Vintage Car Club of NZ inspections on vintage and veteran vehicles.

Industry organisations while a VCC identity card could have called for less be used to show what a vintage frequent warrants of fitness or veteran vehicle is for WOF (WOFs) during Vehicle purposes.

Licensing Reform (VLR) talks.

But the government says Annual inspections have economic benefits generated The LVVTA and BRONZ been proposed by the Motor by specific arrangements or wanted annual WOFs for VINZ has suggested using the Vintage Car Trade Association (MTA), the increased safety risks would vehicles over 30 years old, Club’s categories when considering extended Bikers Rights’ Organisation be small and would increase with BRONZ suggesting no inspection durations.

NZ (BRONZ), Federation implementation costs. inspection for over-60s.

These categories include “veteran” for vehicles made before December 31, 1918, and “vintage” for those constructed of Motoring Clubs (FOMC) “To change the WOF frequency Similarly, the FOMC felt between January 1, 1919, and December 31, 1931. and Low Volume Vehicle those made before January 1, would constitute a significant “Post-vintage” applies to vehicles built between Technical Association (LVVTA). change in current policy,” state 1919, should be exempt from January 1, 1932, and December 31, 1945.

BRONZ says vintage transport officials.

12-monthly WOFs. The AA felt Those built between January 1, 1946, and and veteran cars are well“Major issues include certification vehicles more than 40 years old December 31, 1960, are “post-war”. From January 1, 1961, to December 31, looked after and in the UK and identification of these vehicles. should be classed as “heritage”.

1980, vehicles are classed as pre-1960s vehicles aren’t subject to Further work is needed to ensure Commonly, submitters “post-60”. inspections. there would be no unintended suggested they could be defined as It suggests the WOF is too consequences from change.” over-30s or over-40s for inspections, more analysis and the AA could stringent and the only reason support a different regime if a case vehicles pass is because inspectors was made.” use their common sense.

“Vintage cars in the UK are The AA has suggested annual treated differently,” says Mike inspections or a distance-based Walsh, chief executive of VTNZ. option, while VINZ has put forward “But I’m not sure the MoT and NZTA two options to reduce frequencies.

SPECIALISED DOOR TO DOOR want to go down that path.”

One is concessions for vehicles David Vinsen, chief executive more than 40 years old by aligning of the Imported Motor Vehicle WOFs with vehicle licensing.

Industry Association, says owners The other is using Vintage Car We can provide: of classics are generally more “au Club (VCC) of NZ categories of UK Inland VAT fait with their idiosyncrasies” than veteran, vintage, post-vintage and Transport returns any testing regime. post-war vehicles for extended

Vehicle categories

UK to NZ VEHICLE SHIPPING SERVICE

inspection durations.

Frank Willett, chief executive officer of VINZ, says vintage cars have relatively low mileages with most maintained by enthusiasts.

“They know their vehicles intimately,” he told Autofile.

“They also make up a very small percentage of the fleet.

“Going from six to 12 months will not affect safety and I can see some benefits for the sector.”

Mark Stockdale, senior policy analyst at the AA, says: “We are asking for consideration to be given to annual WOFs for heritage vehicles and for the Ministry of Transport [MoT] to do more work on that.

“There’s a case to be made for

His only concern is with performance-vehicle owners who make backyard modifications and push the boundaries without knowing what’s safe.

“A vintage vehicle may travel 1,000km a year and its owner will intimately know it. Perhaps an annual or two-year WOF for classic cars will realise owners take responsibility for them.”

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The MoT says submitters noted when these cars travel large distances they’re often on trailers or carried by other vehicles, and annual inspections were most commonly suggested for them. www.autofile.co.nz | 15

news

Brakes slammed on levy cuts M

otor vehicle account (MVA) levies, which are included in registration and petrol prices, will remain unchanged because the system isn’t yet fully funded.

However, the government expects to bring in reductions from July 1, 2015, says ACC Minister Judith Collins.

The decision goes against a recommendation by ACC for MVA levy cuts for 2014/15.

It was proposed to drop levies for light passenger vehicles by more than $92 a year for those with the best safety ratings.

The idea was put forward earlier this year after ACC received feedback that all motorists should benefit from its improved financial position.

The reductions were also backed by the Motor Industry Association and Motor Trade Association.

The cabinet has, however,

agreed in principle Meanwhile, the to introduce ratings goods service vehicles based on crash safety levy reduction split results, so levies for commercial vans, more closely reflect utes and light trucks risks associated with came into effect on different cars.

December 2.

This would mean The levy for charges paid by vehicles of less than owners being aligned 3,500kg has been with vehicle safety to cut from $383.02 to Judith Collins, ACC Minister reinforce the message $355.59 for petrolthat it’s better to own a safer car. driven units and from $467.08 to Passenger vehicles will be split $355.59 for diesels. into four groups, and there would The government believes this will be an unrated group that would put money into the pockets of small pay the average levy because some to medium-sized business owners. of the newest vehicles will not yet It will be welcome news for those have safety ratings. involved in the rebuild of Canterbury, This will not be implemented where there were nearly 2,200 new until July 1, 2015, to align with utes registered last year. any MVA changes for 2015/16 Companies with fleets of five or with decisions made next year more heavy trucks can now apply to after more consultation. join ACC’s Fleet Saver programme,

Avoid locking up cash in transit from Japan and UK

The service avoids money being tied up during transit, which can be about 30 days from Japan or 60 days from the UK. Dealers who sign up need only pay 20 per cent up front to secure stock with the other 80 per cent payable after the vehicle is complied.

After signing up – and you don’t have to sign away your house, right arm or first born because Autoport requires no personal or asset security – you’re covered for current and future purchases with some conditions applying.

0800 7000 44

MAKING BUSINESS EASY IN the UK

It isn’t easy buying vehicles from the UK when you have to deal with VAT and pay suppliers in advance you’ve never done business with before. What happens if anything goes wrong? Autoport removes the hassles.

Like Japan, dealers want to get vehicles from source.

While some cars on Autoport are from UK dealers, most are from large franchise groups such as Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Audi, and lease and rental car companies.

They supply auction houses, such as BCA, where most UK dealers buy stock. There’s usually no way to access these cars because suppliers aren’t set up to export, aren’t interested in discussing terms and don’t want to fund the VAT.

Autoport is calling for dealers to get in touch to try out a new product for improving cash flow when buying cars from the UK and Japan.

The deferred payment service is being soft launched this month with Autoport keen for a few importers looking to buy three or four units each to trial it before it’s fully launched in the new year.

To apply, please email cash@autoport.net and tell us the types of vehicles you’re looking to import including make, model, year and FOB value. We’ll contact you with more information, the process and what to do next.

which offers lower levies to reward good road-safety practices.

Collins’ announcements also covered other ACC accounts. Workers and employers will pay $387 million less in levies in 2014/15.

Average households can expect to keep about $200 each year. Small businesses will be around $180 better off and larger employers will receive, on average, a $6,000 reduction.

Collins says the government is ontrack for further levy cuts in 2015/16 as signalled in this year’s budget.

“It’s important New Zealand maintains fiscal credibility by reducing pressure on the exchange rate and interest rates to ensure private sector growth and investment are supported,” she says.

The new rates will be in place for the ACC year that starts on April 1, 2014.

That’s where Autoport comes in with its straightforward process.

RAutoport displays an FOB price exclusive of VAT. RAutoport offers a delayed payment service.

RIndependent inspectors verify the vehicle is as described.

RAutoport container ships each Monday, door to door.

RCustoms clearance is completed.

RThe vehicle is sent for compliance.

All vehicles are valeted in the UK meaning they should be close to yard-ready – apart from a quick clean – after compliance. And Autoport UK Ltd pays the VAT on vehicles, so there’s no delay and no problem getting them from sellers.

If you want to get some UK or Japanese vehicles or need advice, call Lachlan Wilkinson on 027 266 3030 or Autoport’s office on 0800 7000 44.

www.

autoport.net

news

Spreading some seasonal cheer

A

UTOHUB will continue to financially support the Imported Motor Vehicle Industry Association (IMVIA).

The logistics company is donating $5 for every vehicle it imports and it will handle about 40,000 units this year, while its clients are also behind the funding initiative.

The results of a survey show most of AUTOHUB’s customers either strongly support or very strongly support the contribution, with only one customer out of 70 disagreeing.

Managing director John Davies highlighted the IMVIA’s importance during the company’s Christmas party tour of the country, which started at Sorrento in the Park, Auckland, on November 22, before taking in Dunedin, Christchurch, Palmerston North and Napier.

Danny Knight, Blair Howard and Keisuke Nagashima at AUTOHUB’s festive function in Dunedin

“We’ve taken on a lot of responsibility for car dealers, such as dealing with agents, shipping and so on,” Davies told Autofile.

“They now don’t see many of the issues and problems because, to a large extent, AUTOHUB and other service providers have conspired to take IMVIA custom.

“But the industry and dealers still need the IMVIA, so it’s essential that we all support its important work. After all, dealers no longer have to deal with government

departments and other bodies.

“Our customers really understand this and will continue to have access to important IMVIA data, and its highly valued assistance and services.”

While numbers were down a little this year at this year’s festive functions, Davies says clients’ enthusiasm remains strong.

“The parties went well and everyone had a good time,” he says. “All of the dealers, except one, reported a good year.”

Meanwhile, the IMVIA has thanked its sponsors for their continued support.

“The association has finished this year in a strong position, both financially and organisationally,” says chief executive David Vinsen.

“We have a strong team and executive members. The association enjoys a high level of support from all of its sponsors, which are providers of services to the industry.

“We’re particularly thankful to AUTOHUB, which surveyed its customers about its $5 donation per car. They replied this should continue and overwhelmingly support it.

“This all sets the IMVIA up in a good position to start next year.

The support we’ve received this year has been humbling, gratifying and satisfying.”

Timescale undecided

C

hanges will be made to consumer information notices (CINs) – it’s just a matter of what shape they will take but no timescales have be put in place.

As first reported by Autofile on November 7, three options to tackle issues for vehicles “imported as damaged” have been tabled by government officials.

They have been prepared by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) for Craig Foss, the Minister of Consumer Affairs.

A reported obtained by Autofile says options include removing details about imported-damaged vehicles from CINs, making information on imports more meaningful and expanding CINs to include structural damage – whether it happened here or overseas.

The report was compiled at Foss’ request following media claims of loopholes being exploited to avoid used imports being flagged.

Any changes are likely to be

hastened by about 500 write-offs being imported from Australia under the NZTA’s radar – as revealed by Autofile on October 19.

A government spokesman says progress is being made, options are being investigated and more consultation is taking place.

The Imported Motor Vehicle Industry Association (IMVIA), Commerce Commission and NZTA are among those taking part in discussions.

When any changes to CINs will be made is undecided. “We don’t have any timescales, we’re looking at more consultation and expect more information from officials,” the spokesman says.

Foss has made no decisions on what the changes might be. It’s also unknown when any changes might be made but they appear to be some time off.

“This review will probably take two years to make any changes,” David Vinsen, chief executive of the IMVIA, said in September.

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Industry movers PHIL SAUNDERS was appointed to the position of national sales manager for Nissan New Zealand effective on December 1 after joining the company in July as business development manager.

His appointment recognises his past achievements in the UK where he was general manager for the Marshall Motor Group and general/brand manager for Vindis Skoda.

Saunders replaces Brett Aspden, who has left the business to pursue other interests.

DAVID SMITH has secured a general manager’s role with Andrew Simms Newmarket in Auckland – the site retails Mitsubishi, Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Fiat, Alfa Romeo, Great Wall and Chery.

Smith is well-known in the network for his role as general manager of DaimlerChrysler New Zealand and Continental Cars – Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge.

DAVID LINKLATER has been re-elected as president of the New Zealand Motoring Writers’ Guild.

Damien O’Carroll has been re-elected as vicepresident, with Robert Barry remaining as secretary for an eighth consecutive term.

TOMMY BENADIE has been appointed as branch service manager for Truck Stops in Manukau.

He was previously commercial vehicle operations manager at Fleet Partners.

KELLY ALLEN has moved to the BMW Group’s marketing team in the role of integrated marketing executive.

She was previously a member of the marque’s corporate communications team.

LINDSEY BIRNIE has taken over the media liaison role for Toyota NZ and Lexus, with Vanessa Millard moving to Melbourne on secondment.

Birnie has an extensive background in journalism including newspapers and has experience in public relations.

PHILIP FOX has joined Cable Price as team leader of its product distribution centre. He was previously employed at VTNZ. CablePrice is the only authorised dealer for Hitachi construction machinery, Scania trucks and buses, and John Deere construction and forestry equipment in the country.

GRAEME HAWKINS, director, has been appointed acting chairman of Ports of Auckland Ltd (POAL) after Richard Pearson announced he intended stepping down when his term expires this month.

Rodger Fisher has been appointed as a new director and the reappointment of incumbent director Wayne Walden has been reappointed.

TO FEATURE IN INDUSTRY MOVERS EMAIL EDITOR@AUTOFILE.CO.NZ

18 | www.autofile.co.nz

NZ labour market report DEC 2013 in association with Automotive Employment NZ Ltd

Strong increases in new vehicle – and light and heavy commercial – registrations this year have been a welcome outcome of our improving economy.

Heavy equipment and farm machinery sales have also started to rise, with reports showing 2013 could be biggest year for vehicle sales since records began 32 years ago.

Dealers are now reporting more after-sales activity. More sales translates into more pre-deliveries, warranty and service work.

The recent Vehicle Licensing Reform was tipped by some to produce mass redundancies for automotive technicians involved in inspection work. This hasn’t happened.

The removal of these technicians from the essential skills lists was going to occur in December 2013.

We understand this will now occur in March, ironically the biggest month of the year for technical automotive job listings and more than 500 technical automotive vacancies are advertised on job boards monthly.

When Automotive Employment NZ challenged the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment as to why automotive technicians will be removed from the essential skills lists, the answer reflected a desire to increase the number of apprentices.

While this is desirable, many employers have been working on strategies to do exactly this for the past few years.

A call to the Motor Industry Training Organisation (MITO) identified the following as aiming for a level-four automotive engineering qualification – 1,245 students in 2009, 1,161 in 2010 and 1,463 in 2011.

While figures for 2012 and 2013 weren’t requested, we’re

advised the industry has stepped up further to show a real thirst for training. This occurred before threats to remove technicians from the shortages lists.

The government’s “reboot package”, which provides incentives for employers to train apprentices, has contributed and – for any three-year period – there are some 4,000 students taking level-four qualifications. Next year will see another lift in the numbers.

As an industry, we’re still growing faster than we can train the skills, and shortages are a problem even given work being done by MITO and the government with apprenticeships.

For those who don’t understand why removing technicians from the skills lists will significantly impact the industry, less supply will fuel an all-out war to secure skills encouraging massive increases in pay rates.

This is great for technicians but companies will need to review strategies on how to pass on costs and potential impacts.

Immigration advisers tell us residency and work visas will be more difficult to achieve for migrants. It may not be impossible to import these technical skills, but it will prove taxing for immigration case officers and hiring managers.

Even if the essential skills lists removal can be overturned in the face of evidence of shortages, it could take a year for this to occur according to advisers.

Our recommendation for 2014 is to once again step up and increase the rate of training apprentices.

Automotive Employment NZ will further invest in attracting local talent and supplementing this activity, and four new immigration advisers have been appointed.

Russell Phillips

Are car listings working out for your business?

I

f the answer’s “no”, then it’s probably time to explore the reasons why.

How much time do you spend creating listings? Do you take the same time and care with them as you would if you were speaking with a buyer on the yard?

Or do you rush through thinking, “I don’t have time for this”.

If it’s the latter, you could try thinking of Trade Me Motors as a sales tool or “digital sales person” rather than a website.

Believe it or not, I’ve seen listings come through with one word in the comments field, such as “sedan”.

If you were showing the vehicle to a potential buyer in person, would you point at it and say nothing more than “sedan”, or would you talk through its features from top to bottom?

Online it’s sometimes easy to forget that behind the computer screen is the same person looking to buy – and wanting the personal touch and to be told why the car is worth considering.

Our data shows that listings with more than 50 words in the description stay on the site for 15 days on average. Those with less than 50 words remain for an average of 35 days.

This is a significant difference and highlights why descriptions “sell” listings.

Buyers are internet savvy these days. Most do research, compare

vehicles and create shortlists of options before contacting sellers.

This means it’s vital to include as much information as possible in listings so cars make the shortlist.

Gone are the days when buyers phoned around multiple people for basic information.

If you’re selling specialised vehicles or machinery, don’t fall into the trap of assuming people looking at these items are experts and know what they’re looking for.

Take the guesswork out for them – list if it has a tow bar, weight capability and so on. With most Kiwis visiting Trade Me, you never know who’s looking for what or why.

Good photographs are essential. Just like us, vehicles have bad sides so move them away from others – and to somewhere with a nice or plain background.

Try to park each vehicle in the same area for consistency and use all 20 image spots in listings so

buyers feel they’ve seen it from every angle, inside and out.

Listings with three or more photos generate double the page visits than those with less.

Pay attention to the little things when taking photos – straighten up the wheels and shut the bonnet because nobody wants to buy a car that has to be jump-started.

It’s also important to strike while the iron’s hot, and there are several factors that can slow or stop your listing getting through to Trade Me Motors.

When creating a listing, it pays to fill in as many relevant fields as possible.

If one comes through missing key or mandatory information, we may not have enough information to push it through to the website and it will sit in limbo until those details are added.

Listings with information in breach of terms and conditions

by Natalie Beckham dealer support manager natalie.beckham@trademe.co.nz

also face a delay in getting online.

We now have someone onboard who’s policing listings to help ensure we keep our promise of treating all users fairly and keeping them on a level playing field, with listing comments and photos checked.

We’re actively policing keyword spamming, which is when the seller lists keywords that have nothing to do with the item or items for sale.

This interferes with search results and potential buyers get frustrated – they have searched for something specific, yet screeds of unrelated results come up.

We’ll be looking at contact details, which should be in the “dealer’s details” box – and not the comments section.

Comments should include as much information as possible about the item for sale to keep browsers engaged and boost inquiry levels.

We will also be taking action against $0 listings and much more.

Users breaching of our terms and conditions will be contacted and repeated failure to comply will result in listings being removed until they are corrected.

Trade Me Motors has rules in place to keep potential buyers engaged and coming back. This is important to dealers and businesses because the more eyes that are on listings, the more inquiries will come. *in November on Trade Me Motors

Most popular car makes searched*

November

statistics

1 Toyota 2 Nissan 3 Ford 4 Holden 5 Mazda

Most popular car models searched*

1 Corolla 2 Hilux 3 Falcon 4 Skyline 5 Commodore

Most popular body styles searched*

1 RV/SUV 2 Ute 3 Sedan 4 Station wagon 5 Hatchback

Most popular makes of motorbike searched*

1 Honda 2 Harley-Davidson 3 Suzuki 4 Yamaha 5 Triumph

A black, five-door 2005 6L V8 Hummer H2 was listed with an asking price of $75,000. The seller says: “I used it for my real estate business and have purchased a truck for my building interests. I simply do not use the vehicle.” www.autofile.co.nz | 19

tech report The iMvia Technical report is proudly brought to you by leading certification service provider, viNZ

from the trade and for the trade

Follow procedures at hearings A

decision reached by the Motor Vehicle Disputes Tribunal shows how important it is to get everything right, how to set your case down and how imperative it is to follow the correct procedures.

The matter of Candice Linderboom and Crystal Car Wholesalers Ltd, of Otahuhu, South Auckland, shows that if something has been overlooked, the situation can often be rectified.

At the hearing on October 21, at which I represented the Imported Motor Vehicle Industry Association (IMVIA) as a witness for the dealer, the buyer said her 2006 Suzuki Swift was imported damaged and the flag was still on it when she purchased it.

Linderboom contacted the dealer, who explained all repairs had been completed but the flag must have been accidentally left in place, an oversight that was then rectified on the NZTA’s database.

APPLICATION IN DETAIL The tribunal considered if the dealer misrepresented the car and if so what remedy was appropriate.

The trader was aware the Swift was damaged when it bought it in Japan. Prior to being shipped, it was inspected by JEVIC NZ Ltd on November 28, 2012. The vehicle was flagged for damage to its left-front door, sill/rocker panel and dogleg.

Repair certifier Duncan Morrison oversaw work done by OM Panel & Paint on March 7 for $700, and issued a repair certificate

 Full Border Inspections  Biosecurity Inspections New Zealand

20 | www.autofile.co.nz

ALWAYS TALK TO CUSTOMERS

Linderboom was misled by the CIN into thinking the car hadn’t been imported damaged, even though repairs were minor and properly repaired at relatively little cost before supply.

The tribunal can vary or declare void contracts in respect to section 43(2) of the Fair Trading Act (FTA), order a refund or for losses to be paid.

But this only applies when “the person in whose favour the order is contemplated must have suffered, or be likely to suffer, loss or damage as a result of misleading conduct”.

Linderboom’s report from Car Valuations NZ Ltd valued the Swift “imported-damaged flagged” when sold with an odometer reading of 108,754km as $8,750 – or $4,250 less than she paid. But no value with the flag removed was given.

The buyer obtained two valuations which, although she didn’t produce them at the hearing, were produced by the trader.

Wheels on Wairau Sales Ltd valued the car “undamaged with 108,000km” on the clock at $13,000.

Autostation reported the odometer as 114,102km and a $13,000 market price “in good condition”.

These valuations showed with the flag removed the consumer suffered no loss. The tribunal ruled the buyer had no remedy under the FTA and her application to declare the sale contract void was dismissed.

Specialists in Pre Shipment Inspections

Japan

Singapore in ng

“However, the on March 19 because extent of the damage the repairs were minor isn’t recorded. Damage and complied with flagthat may have occurred lifting criteria. in New Zealand is also Morrison approved not recorded. flag removal on the “You may wish to repair certification MALCOLM YORSTON have a vehicle checked document, but through IMVIA Membership and an oversight it didn’t Technical Services Manager by a person with mechanical knowledge come off at the time. before you buy.”

Linderboom bought the Swift for On September 2, Linderboom $13,000 on April 26, 2013 and the decided to trade in the Swift. She consumer information notice (CIN) showed it wasn’t imported damaged. took it to Enterprise Motors and was distressed when told it was Its reverse side contained flagged. She contacted the dealer “important information” for for a refund. consumers and one item that The trader contacted Morrison must appear is an explanation of a who arranged for the flag to be damaged vehicle. removed from the NZTA’s system, The CIN stated: “Land Transport but Linderboom insisted it was NZ records whether or not irrelevant that the damage had imported used vehicles had any been inspected and repaired with obvious structural damage or the flag removed. deterioration identified at time of She was concerned the car might importation. have had other faults that could manifest in the future and said she wouldn’t have bought it had she known it was imported damaged.

The tribunal was satisfied The IMVIA advises dealers to always try to negotiate A 2006 Suzuki Swift similar to the one flagged with the buyers and organise meetings with them to explain everything openly.

It seems this buyer was advised to go all the way by a “valuation expert” and she took that as gospel. In this case, the dealer acted properly and in good faith at all times.

JEVIC NZ

 Structural Inspections  Odometer Verification 09 966 1779

 Pre Export Appraisal  Vehicle History Reports www.jevic.co.nz

JEV

Auth IC NZTA orised B Inspec order t Agencion y

f & i stats

November 2013 Finance

17%

Payment protection

41% 12% 14% New Used

GAP

13% 22% 9%

Insurance

here have Even Andrew been some Shearer, our assistant big changes claims manager, is a in the insurance member of The Charity industry over the past Pirates, a charity that year – especially for does a magnificent companies that deliver job raising money products to the motor for in-need and vehicle sector. disadvantaged children.

Ray Meharg Purchases, mergers, We commend and National sales manager new entrants and exits thank him and all our seemed to be constant staff for the dedication during 2013, while this year was a they show to Protecta and helping period of large growth for Protecta. the wider Kiwi community.

With more than 100 new motor This year, along with NZV8 vehicle and motorcycle dealers and Classic Car magazines, we signing up, and being chosen as launched Caffeine & Classics. the provider for Nissan Insurance, it This brunch-style event is held has been a busy year. in Takapuna on Auckland’s North After 26 years of supplying Shore on the last Sunday of each insurance products to the motor month and is open to all types of vehicle industry in this country, classic vehicles. we’re very proud of this result.

Owners of motorcycles, hot Employing new staff and investing rods, muscle, vintage and classic heavily in IT systems has also meant cars, in fact everyone with a vehicle we’ve been able to maintain high they’re passionate about, are standards of service while preparing welcome to come along. for whatever the future brings.

It has now grown to probably Our focus on providing be the largest monthly car event in competitive and innovative products New Zealand.

– alongside our track record and Now the public are getting commitment to training customers involved and going along to to achieve higher profitability – the venue at Columbus Coffee remain our cornerstones and these to check out the wide variety of will continue into 2014. vehicles that turn up each month.

Next year, we expect more As a motor insurance specialist, significant growth and we have we’re proud of our employees and developed plans to ensure this their motoring interests, which are happens. wide and varied.

Apart from the insurance They include Walter Randsbusiness, Protecta and our fantastic Trevor. He’s returning to the staff have been actively involved Bonneville Salt Flats to mount in raising money for some great another challenge on the causes and charities. motorcycle speed record in August.

These include the Women’s Walter looks after our International Motorcycling motorcycle insurance product Association’s Pink Ribbon Ride for and there’s no better person for Breast Cancer Research, Westpac knowledge and passion to do this.

Rescue Helicopter, Canteen, We wish him the best of luck.

Oxfam, Auckland City Mission, From all of the team at Protecta, Daffodil Day and Dry July. have a very Merry Christmas and We have dressed up, raffled, prosperous New Year. Travel safe, attended, supported and sponsored enjoy the festive season and see these and other great causes this year. you all in 2014.

PROTECTA Nationwide F & I results

Best result $1,455 Worst result $370

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What a year and another beckons T

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Committed to Adding Value to Your Business Freephone: 0800 435 7868 contact@protecta.co.nz • www.protecta.co.nz

www.autofile.co.nz | 21

regional report

More than sunshine and beaches A

few years ago, Bryce Campbell had a “cars wanted” sign on the gate to his dealership to attract people who needed to sell up before crossing the ditch.

But the tide has turned, with the director of Bryce Campbell Car Sales saying many are returning and need some wheels.

Tauranga is now one of the fastest-growing cities in New Zealand with a population of 115,700.

Beautiful beaches and a warm climate make it a popular spot for over-60s, who represent 22 per cent of the region’s population, but the

grey-hair demographics are changing.

Andrew Coker – the chief executive of Priority One, Tauranga’s economic development organisation – says many people return from overseas and choose the area as a place to live and start a family.

After holding down an electorate seat in Tauranga since 1984, Winston Peters, of New Zealand First, was ousted in 2005.

And Mark Mills, chief executive officer of Pacific Toyota, points to that as a sign of the area’s changing demographics. He has also seen them change at the dealership.

“There’s a swing from having just

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MTA MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION Interests of motor vehicle dealers a priority Na ti ona l Subs cri pti on $700 Excl GST & Bra nch fee Yes No Cost

Brand

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The Port of Tauranga

the older retired folk buying a Yaris supreme award for best overall or Corolla,” he told Autofile. “There business in Tauranga last year. are more families, 40 to 50-year-olds FACTORS BOOSTING GROWTH with kids and a successful business A strong export sector driven or career buying SUVs. by forestry products, dairy and “We’ve seen phenomenal kiwifruit are fuelling the city’s growth and Tauranga has grown economy and helping to make the considerably. Our turnover has Port of Tauranga increased by five New Zealand’s times since we largest for exports. brought the franchise.”

In the past It’s now Toyota’s financial year, trade seventh largest increased by three dealership for new per cent with strong vehicle sales and growth in log and Mills puts this down dairy product to a combination of volumes boosting population growth and export growth to six a change in the way it per cent. was run when it was – Mark Mills, There’s also been taken over from Right Pacific Toyota an emphasis on Cars Group. bringing more businesses to the “Pacific Toyota was one of the city, which is part of Coker’s role at Miles Group’s first ventures out of Priority One. Christchurch with aspirations of Japanese electronics company growth, new training policies and Brother is the latest addition and the uncompromising standards.” company will relocate 40 staff, while The dealership was given a large Auckland software company  the Motor Trade Association’s

“We’ve seen phenomenal growth and Tauranga has grown.”

MTA is NZ’s largest dealer representative group: Franchise dealers, used dealers, motorcycle dealers, and truck dealers

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22 | www.autofile.co.nz

Used Car sales FOR Tauranga

Market analysis - regular,

Trader to Public to Public to Public Public Trader

Nov ‘12

934

1834

661

- Nov 2012 to Nov 2013 Total

3429

Trader to Public to Public to Public % Public % Trader %

27.2%

53.5%

19.3%

Dec ‘12

741

1636

494

2871

25.8%

57.0%

17.2%

Jan ‘13

778

1724

570

3072

25.3%

56.1%

18.6%

Feb ‘13

774

1734

602

3110

24.9%

55.8%

19.4%

Mar ‘13

768

1750

574

3092

24.8%

56.6%

18.6%

Apr ‘13

782

1985

581

3348

23.4%

59.3%

17.4%

May ‘13

953

1994

669

3616

26.4%

55.1%

18.5%

Jun ‘13

820

1762

563

3145

26.1%

56.0%

17.9%

Jul ‘13

939

1998

679

3616

26.0%

55.3%

18.8%

Aug ‘13

864

1931

670

3465

24.9%

55.7%

19.3%

Sept ‘13

797

1707

537

3041

26.2%

56.1%

17.7%

Oct ‘13

853

1897

538

3288

25.9%

57.7%

16.4%

Nov ‘13

928

1790

579

3297

28.1%

54.3%

17.6%

10,003

21,952

7,138

39,093

25.6%

56.2%

18.3%

Annual total Increase on Nov 2012

National YTD average

-0.6%

-2.4%

-12.4%

-3.8%

24.6%

56.6%

18.8%

regional report

Sand, sur f and history Mike Sheaff, owner of Sheaff Vehicles

 is also interested in relocating.

Coker says Priority One is fielding one inquiry a week from businesses looking to make the move to the city.

“The key aspect is that we have New Zealand’s largest and most efficient port, plus lots of industrial land,” he says. “We’re also the first city to get ultra-fast broadband and there’s a great lifestyle here.”

Business growth in the region is illustrated by job statistics on Trade Me. Between June and September, the number of vacancies increased by 13 per cent compared to the same time last year.

Building consents in the region have been on the rise too. The total number of consents rose to 191, again up on last month’s 147 and the 138 recorded in October 2012.

Developments – such as a $9 million warehouse, rest home and 12 serviced apartments – are driving the surge in consents, which is also benefiting the commercial vehicle market.

Mike Sheaff, managing director

VEHICLE SALES IN CITY Used cars

Nov ‘12

267

New Cars

248

Used New Comms Comms

18

63

Dec ‘12

284

180

12

53

Jan ‘13

305

243

19

76

Feb ‘13

228

257

11

78

Mar ‘13

301

257

20

91

Apr ‘13

306

284

19

94

May ‘13

350

257

10

101

Jun ‘13

300

266

16

135

Jul ‘13

356

304

15

89

Aug ‘13

319

271

28

104

Sept ‘13

308

265

20

126

Oct ‘13

290

270

31

120

Nov ‘13

364

206

25

128

Annual total

3711

3060

226

1195

Increase on 36.3% -16.9% 38.9% 103.2% Nov 2012

of Sheaff Vehicles, which sells used cars and holds the franchise for SsangYong, says: “Over the past couple of months our ute sales have picked up again with some builders out there.

“They are more confident and spending a bit more money. We’re averaging 50-50 between new and used, whereas two years ago 25 per cent of our stock sold would be new.”

There are plans to build an inner-city campus with the council joining forces with Waikato University, Bay of Plenty Polytechnic and Te Whare Wananga o Awanuiarangi to extend the range of degree programmes on offer in the city by 2018. They currently focus on marine sciences.

“Twenty-five years ago, most of the young people left town and it was a lot harder to get them back,” says Campbell. “The university brings out-of-towners in too.”

Tauranga means “safe anchorage”.

It’s the landing place of Takitimu, Tainui and Mataatua – some of the earliest canoes from Polynesia.

The Bay of Plenty was named

by James Cook after he noticed abundant food supplies at several Māori villages.

AC/DC’s drummer Phil Rudd lives in the city where he runs a seafood restaurant called Phil’s Place.

Tauranga has 68 car dealerships listed in the Yellow Pages.

in building and not so much to farmers, showing the effects of PSA are lingering.

Nevertheless it’s an industry on the rebound according to Coker, of Priority One.

Zespri’s launched its Gold3 strand last year, which has shown a good level of resistance to the virus. But PSA is still set to cost the kiwifruit industry several hundred million dollars over the next five to 15 years.

Bryce Campbell’s dealership has been in Tauranga for more than 11 years and he has seen some traders fail.

“Tread very carefully, a lot of out-of-towners have failed because Tauranga is a unique and hard market,” he warns.

“There’s a really large number of dealers for the public to choose from.”

Reliable fortnightly vehicle logistics service JAPAN to NZ

DIRE TIMES DURING CRISIS Tauranga’s current growth comes after the region was hit hard by the global financial crisis (GFC).

“The whole economy is stronger than it has been since the GFC,” says Campbell. “In 2009, car sales were hurt really badly.

“During some months in 2008, the market was down by 40 per cent. It has gradually improved and more people have needed to change cars.”

The dire times were amplified when the PSA virus hit the kiwifruit industry in 2010.

The fruit makes up 20 per cent of the region’s GDP and the PSA outbreak caused tremors across the wider economy. This year exports of kiwifruit dropped by 16 per cent.

Pacific Toyota’s Mark Mills says most commercial vehicles are now being sold to those working

Bryce Campbell Car Sales’ vehicle yard

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News in brief Crash-avoidance system scoops top safety rating

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Subaru’s driver-assist system has been rated highly for front crash prevention by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), with the Legacy sedan and Sport version of the Outback the only cars to receive the top score of six points.

They were among seven out of 74 vehicles in the US to receive the “superior” rating for models with auto-braking systems, such as Subaru’s EyeSight. It’s available here on Legacy six-cylinder models, three Outback models and the Forester Premium and XT variants.

Windscreen cameras process images to identify vehicles travelling in front, traffic lanes or obstacles. Information is relayed to the computer, which is networked to the braking system and electronic throttle control.

Below about 30kph, EyeSight can detect pedestrians ahead and activates to mitigate or avoid collisions. Visit www.autofile.co.nz to find out more.

Aluminium used in body shell to bolster protection The all-new Maserati Ghibli, which arrives in Australasia in the second quarter of 2014, has secured the IIHS’ top safety pick.

The rating is based on a frontal test, side impact with a large SUV or 1.5-tonne pick-up, front moderate overlap impact at 64kph, roof-crush similar to a rollover and a rear collision capable of inducing whiplash.

The car’s front and rear crumple zones are made of extruded aluminum.

A third load path to the front distributes forces to bolster the body structure’s stability in frontal impacts, while the doors and engine and luggage compartments are built from aluminum.

The Ghibli, pictured, recorded the highest rating of “good” and also has five Euro NCAP stars. Visit www.autofile.co.nz for a video of its wind-tunnel test and a round-up of new vehicles’ safety ratings.

Skyline takes on new identity to rival European cars

www.inghamdriven.com

Karl Briggs 0274 721 551 karl.briggs@inghamgroup.co.nz

Mitsubishi • Mercedes Benz • Honda Hyundai • Isuzu Utes SsangYong • Great Wall We purchase NZ new cars & commercials.

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Buying: Vans, Utes, Light Trucks. Nationwide.

Contact Gareth 021660180

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To advertise here, contact:

Ph 021 455 775 advertising@autofile.co.nz

Infiniti-badged vehicles are making their Japanese debut for Nissan, with the marque wanting to compete with European manufacturers.

The redesigned Skyline sedan will sport the badge. It’s a hybrid with new safety features, such as emergency braking and a collision-warning system.

Infiniti accounts for about 3.5 per cent of Nissan’s global sales. The US is its biggest market with about 70 per cent of 172,615 units sold in the past financial year.

John Manley, Nissan NZ’s managing director, says: “Nissan Australia has launched Infiniti, so we’re seeing how it performs. It would have to be set up as a separate entity in New Zealand. I wouldn’t rate that happening in the next two years as high.”

Stay informed online at www.autofile.co.nz The Commerce Commission has released guidelines for “overseas “requests for compulsorily acquired information and investigative assistance”.

Co-operation between countries increases the likelihood of illegal conduct being dealt with, such as Fair Trading Act breaches.

Mini is moving across the road from its current site in Newmarket, Auckland. Expected to open in May, the new dealership will have a showroom, used-car facility, service centre, lifestyle boutique and café.

A Japanese team is claiming a world record for the distance driven on a single charge by an electric vehicle (EV). The converted Suzuki Every travelled 1,300km on a 25km course – or 300km more than Japan EV Club’s 1,003.2km in 2010.

news

Close-run race to claim title

T

he Volkswagen Golf saw off stiff competition to drive off with the title of New Zealand Car of the Year at a ceremony hosted by the AA and the NZ Motoring Writers’ Guild.

The Golf beat nine other finalists to claim the coveted Peter Greenslade Trophy at Auckland’s Viaduct Events Centre.

“It’s fantastic to win this award,” said Michael Cope, marketing manager of Volkswagen NZ. “This goes back to our colleagues in the factory. Thanks for a great night.”

“The NZ Car of the Year committee, of guild members and the AA, selected the top 10 finalists,” explained MC Mark Sainsbury.

“Congratulations to the Golf and to the VW team and big congratulations to the best-in-class winners because it was a close race.”

Stella Stocks, the AA’s general manager of motoring services, said the awards enable it to provide buyers with relevant and useful information, including the judges’ picks for all vehicle categories.

“It’s important consumers have clear guidance on what motoring experts believe is the best offering in each class,” she said.

Great online analysis

Visit www.autofile.co.nz for indepth coverage of the NZ Car of the Year Awards.

One article covers the big announcement and another the best-in-class winners – both were posted online from the Viaduct Events Centre live on the night.

You can also get the lowdown on the final top 10, while there are plenty of smiling faces in our online gallery.

Mark Sainsbury announces the winner with the VW Golf on the big screen

OTHER AWARD WINNERS Small car – Ford Fiesta: Chris Knight, of MotorWeb, presented the award to Chris Masterson.

Medium car – Mazda6: Andrew Clearwater received the award from Mitch Booth, of Custom Fleet.

Large car – Holden Commodore: John Boyle, of Rainbow Print, presented the award to Neil Waka.

Sports / performance car – Ford Fiesta ST: Chris Masterson received the award from Greg Bond, of Castrol.

Small / medium SUV – Mazda CX-5: Trade Me’s Stephanie Welch handed over the award to Andrew Clearwater.

Vote for your winner

Everyone’s got a view on the vehicle that should be car of the year. Now is the chance for YOU to have your say.

Visit www.autofile.co.nz to choose your winner from the 10 finalists on the night – you can also select “none of them”.

They are the Ford Kuga, Holden’s Volt and Commodore, the Hyundai Santa Fe, the Lexus IS, the Mazda 6, Subaru’s BRZ and Forester, the VW Golf and Volvo’s V40.

Scott Kelsey and Michael Cope, of Volkswagen, with the car of the year trophy

Utility – Ford Ranger: David Holt, of ANZ, presented the award to Chris Masterson.

Large SUV – Range Rover: Helen Sunley received the award from Euan Philpot, of JEVIC NZ. Compact car – Volkswagen Golf: Thrifty’s Emma Gardiner handed the award to Michael Cope.

Luxury car – BMW 5 series: Terry Williams-King, of Autotrader, presented the award to Nina Englert.

Safest car – Volvo V40: David O’Kane, of MITO, presented the award to Steve Kenchington.

For pictures of every award being presented on December 5, log onto www.autofile.co.nz.

Vehicles wanted Mercedes Benz

Volkswagen BMW Audi Lexus

Toyota Nissan Chrysler Jeep Dodge

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0274 333 303

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miles motor group www.autofile.co.nz | 25

disputes

Sales manager told tribunal on day of hearing dealer wasn’t attending

tribunal ruled unacceptable. The trader had to pay for repairs and costs. r Vehicle Disputes At: The Motoland .

Tribunal, Auck

The ruling

of costs is to be made refused In deciding if the BMW was of – without reasonable excuse – acceptable quality when supplied, to take part in the discussions the tribunal considered it was or acted contemptuously or a seven-year-old car that had improperly during them. travelled 74,500km.

Finally, costs can be awarded It ruled the front brake pads against a party who, after receiving and discs were worn at the time notice of a hearing, fails to attend of sale, there were faults with the without good cause. transmission fluid and engine oil The tribunal may order a party to levels, rear shock-absorber sensor pay to the Crown all, or any part of:  The reasonable costs of the and an ashtray. tribunal hearing.

The tribunal said a reasonable  Fees and expenses of any consumer wouldn’t consider witness paid or payable by those faults as acceptable. the Crown.

Young produced texts that  Any part of reasonable costs of appeared to confirm he notified the other party in connection the dealer about the brakes with the proceedings. shuddering and it promised to pay to have them repaired.

The tribunal considered this Young told the trader about matter should have been settled the engine oil and suspension before a hearing. lights, transmission fluid level and But the trader refused “without ashtray, but didn’t ask for new tyres reasonable excuse” to take part in before buying two replacements. the discussions and after receiving The dealer hadn’t reimbursed notice of the hearing failed to Young for the items it was asked attend it without good cause. to fix, so the buyer was entitled to It ordered the trader to pay the recover reasonable costs of $3,375. buyer’s reasonable costs in travelling The Motor Vehicle Sales Act The TRUSTED online wholesale trading site. allows the tribunal to award costs autoport.netfrom Wellington to Auckland to attend the hearing of $405. in certain circumstances, such as for h e cThames Whangarei tAuckland Hamilton proceedings being frivolous or those TaurangadRotorua Gisborne Napier NewoPlymouth Biggest increases/Decreases Wanganui Palmerston North Masterton Wellington By town year-on-year that shouldn’t have been brought. Nelson Blenheim Greymouth Whangarei Auckland (OctOber 2013 vs OctOber 2012) Hamilton Thames Tauranga Rotorua Gisborne The This also applies when the Napier New Plymouth Wanganuitrader Palmerston Northwas ordered to pay to Masterton Wellington Nelson Blenheim Greymouth Westport Christchurch Timbuyer aru Oamaru Dunedi$3,375 n theAuckland within 10 days to matter ought reasonably to haveInvercargi ll Whangarei Hamilton Thames Rotorua Gisborne Napier New Plymouth cover repairs of $2,970 and costs been settled before a hearing butTauranga Wanganui Palmerston North Masterton Wellington Nelson Blenheim Greymouth Whangarei ltonofThames Tauranga Rotorua $405. the party against whom an awardAucklandoHami c

Order

try

7500

n: The The decisio the faults were

2013

6500

2012

westport thames napier

wanganui gisborne timaru

t o b e r 2 0 13

7000

 100.0%  51.2%  34.1%

m am 1, th 1

e

Used

Blenheim nelson rotorua

 27.7%  26.8%  23.7%

  

westport Masterton timaru

Used

  

Used Vehicle RegistRatiOns

New versus used

North IslaNd versus south IslaNd

7000

6000

5000

JuL ‘13

JuN ‘13

MAy ‘13

FEb ‘13

South Island

Nov ‘12

Oct ‘13

JuL ‘13

SEP ‘13

JuN ‘13

AuG ‘13

MAy ‘13

1000

FEb ‘13

2000

APr ‘13

5000

4000

MAr ‘13

3000

JAN ‘13

6000

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

North Island

4000

APr ‘13

7962

MAr ‘13

8545

New

DEC ‘12

Used

7000

JAN ‘13

9000

8000

Nov ‘12

O hi

Biggest decreases

new

PassengeR Vehicle RegistRatiOns

10000

DEC ‘12

5500

S

Biggest increases

new

EXTENDED INDUSTRY ANALYSIS ONLINE 6000

I

un

Young didn’t test drive the car or have it mechanically inspected before buying it on August 12, 2013, for $44,995, along with purchasing mechanical breakdown insurance for $2,500.

The trader didn’t display a CIN or provide one to the buyer at the time of sale in breach of the Consumer Information Standards (Used Motor Vehicle) Regulations.

The trader promised to supply a disc for the sat-nav system in the UK import that had travelled 74,500km.

Young noticed the ashtray cover didn’t close and the trader agreed to a BMW dealer fixing that.

A warning light on the dash indicated a problem with the shock absorbers, which the trader also agreed to repair.

As soon as Young started

buying two replacements and having them fitted.

The purchaser said the trader hadn’t fulfilled its promise to provide him with a sat-nav disc, but the tribunal didn’t have jurisdiction to determine contract-based claims so the buyer had to claim the disc’s cost in the Disputes Tribunal.

SEP ‘13

The case

to drive the vehicle home, the brakes shuddered.

He called the trader’s salesman, Mr Meno, who told him to have the brakes checked by BMW if they weren’t satisfactory when he got to Wellington.

Young said the electronic oil-level warning light was on low.

When he got to Mana near the capital, he added one litre of oil.

On August 13, Young took the car to Jeff Gray BMW in Wellington, which suspected the front brake discs weren’t running true and after-market components had been installed.

It recommended replacing the front brake pads and disc rotors with genuine parts and to clean slight hub rust for $2,433.

Jeff Gray BMW charged $252 for assessing the brakes, adding oil and repairing the ashtray.

Young was quoted $2,000 to replace the front brake pads, rotors and disc wear sensors from Mag & Turbo Warehouse, Lower Hutt.

He produced text messages with the dealer on August 13, in which it agreed to pay $1,900 for the brakes.

Young had them rectified for $2,050 and texted the trader asking for payment into his account but he wasn’t reimbursed.

He also incurred $761 on August 28 for work done by Jeff Gray BMW on the rear shock-absorber sensor fitted upside down, to check why the 10000 transmission fluid level was low and to replace a tyre.

9500 Young said the shock-absorber 0 900and light transmission were discussed with the trader before 0 850 work was done, but he didn’t 8000 require it to replace the tyre before

AuG ‘13

Benjamin Young, of Wellington, bought a 2006 BMW M5 from Auckland-based Euro Vehicles Ltd for $44,995 in August 2013.

He wanted to recover repair costs of $2,761 because it was faulty when sold and didn’t comply with the guarantee of acceptable quality in the Consumer Guarantees Act. The tribunal wrote to the dealer and asked for copies of the consumer information notice (CIN) and warrant of fitness (WOF) check sheet, and its defence.

The tribunal received no documents from the trader, which was also sent notice of the hearing and was reminded by phone of the date and time.

On the morning of the hearing, the tribunal called the dealer but its sales manager said it didn’t intend to attend.

the seller of BMW M5 to pay to repair various mechanical problems. The dealer failed to do this, attend the hearing, present documents as it was required to and submitted no defence.

Aroun

Background

buyer asked The case:a The second-hand

Used imPORt PassengeR Vehicle RegistRatiOns by city

aucklaNd, wellINgtoN, chrIstchurch

26 | www.autofile.co.nz

4500

600

3500 3000

hamIltoN, tauraNga, duNedIN, PalmerstoN North

4320

4000 Auckland

500

Hamilton

disputes

Dealer tried to avoid legal liability by claiming car was sold privately Background

salesman who sold him the car. the repair and the car had The buyer said Li ignored him been returned. and played with his cellphone.

Also, while being Vaeagi apparently tapped Li on questioned by the tribunal, he the head to get his attention and said that when he sent the letter was immediately asked to leave the dealer had called him to tell the dealer’s premises. him the car had been repaired Vaeagi made further visits to the and he should collect it. premises – on August 23 with his son and on August 24 with Ms McKenzieThe tribunal was satisfied the Vaafusaga – to try to persuade the car sold by the trader wasn’t of dealer to fix the car. Li refused to talk acceptable quality when it was to him on both occasions. supplied because it broke down The buyer filed an application after two days use and was with the tribunal on August 28, clearly not durable. but his application didn’t say It was also satisfied from what remedy he was seeking. evidence given by the buyer that The dealer, represented by the trader was required to remedy director Mr Q Ding, said the the fault and refused to do so. vehicle had been repaired by the The purchaser, had he acted previous owner Kevin Yu. promptly, could have rejected Ding produced an invoice the vehicle at that time on the dated August 25 from Complete basis of the trader’s refusal to Auto Repairs Ltd for a crank repair the faults. pulley, starter motor and pulley He didn’t do so but sought key which, with labour and GST, to try to persuade the trader to totalled $1,127. It wasn’t a GST change its mind. invoice and didn’t show the For whatever reason, the customer’s name. dealer appeared to have Yu, who gave evidence for the reconsidered its position and trader, claimed he was the car’s arranged to uplift the vehicle previous owner and the dealer xxxxxxxxx from Kelston Auto Repair Ltd had sold it for him.

– probably in early September When asked if he paid for the after the buyer had filed his repairs, Yu said he paid in cash application – and had the car but was unable to produce a GST repaired at its cost by Complete receipted account to prove this.

Auto Repairs Ltd. The tribunal called Complete The purchaser’s rejection letter Auto Repairs Ltd and took of September 25 was too late to sworn evidence via telephone be effective because by the time Oct 2013 conference from Mr B Liu, the Dealer stock of used car imports in New Zealand he posted2012it to the trader he was business’ owner.

– as he admitted – already aware Liu said the vehicle had been the car had been fixed. brought in by the trader about The tribunal dismissed the three weeks ago when he replaced application for rejection because the crank shaft pulley and key.

New Passenger Vehicle Sales

by Make - November 2013 the faulty crankshaft He said he invoiced the trader, New Passe nger Vehicle Sales pulley,

by Model - November 2013 while breaching section six of believed the trader had paid for

Samuela Vaeagi bought a 1995 Subaru Impreza from Anqin Investment Ltd, trading as Great Motors, in August 2013.

The buyer rejected the vehicle under the CGA after claiming it had a serious fault the trader refused to repair.

Vaeagi sought the tribunal’s order to uphold his rejection and for the trader to refund his purchase price.

The dealer denied it was the seller of the Impreza. It claimed it was a private sale, but had repaired the vehicle at its cost.

After it had done so, the dealer called the Vaeagi to collect the car but he hadn’t done this.

Annual high for stockpile

NeW CArS SoLd

Imported

dAyS AVerAge SALeS per StoCk dAy - ytd At hANd

StoCk

VArIANCe

12,984

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

5,026

7,499

(2,473)

10,511

242

43

Feb ‘12

7,368

5,633

1,735

12,246

223

55

Mar ‘12

7,228

6,499

729

12,975

218

59

Apr ‘12

6,285

5,430

855

13,830

209

66

76

May ‘12

7,742

5,942

1,800

15,630

205

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

8,870

7,142

1,728

17,358

211

7,894

6,208

1,686

19,044

209

91

8,589

5,959

2,630

21,674

207

105

Sep ‘12

6,828

191

21,865

209

105

Oct ‘12

8,155

7,336

819

22,684

211

107

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

8,953

6,484

2,469

25,153

212

119

6,102

1,714

26,867

211

128

76,871

13,883

StoCk

VArIANCe

26,867

20 Oct

30 Oct

30,322

220

130 21 Oct 80 138

31 Oct

34,559

220

34,293

222

1,654

4,237 Yokohama 6,828

Imported

USed ImportS VArIANCe SoLd

Mitsubishi

15 Nov

Honda

16 Nov

2012

Volkswagen

-

-

-

13- Nov

16 Nov

0

4 Dec

23 Nov

11 Dec

29 Nov

Kia

17 Nov

17 Nov

11 Dec

BMw

Subaru

Audi Mercedes-Benz

Peugeot Jeep

ISING ED ADVERT TARGET PORT TO DOOR SERVICE

SPACE

Ssangyong

Dodge GENEROUS REWAR DS

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



MPI Border inspection

Lexus

Land Rover Ship your motor vehicles on

Dec

20

oct

40

-

7 Nov

nov

158

-

8,826

1 Nov

154

226

-

sep

Lyttelton 82,380

157 22 Oct 60

35,693

-

JUL

(266)

Wellington 68,612

2013

StoCk

dAyS AVerAge SALeS per StoCk dAy - ytd At hANd

8,579

Total stock at the end of December 2011 Jan ‘12

3,191

6,375

(3,184)

5,395

206

26

Feb ‘12

4,920

6,000

(1,080)

4,315

210

21

Mar ‘12

6,504

6,429

75

4,390

209

21

Register now at www.autofile.co.nz for INSIGHT

Auckland 1,400 7,962 -

100

aUG

7,272

120

JUn

6,769

125

apr

77,438

132

220

may

-

214

28,668

Feb

9,362

Nov ‘13

216

28,159

509

Jan

7,006

Oct ‘13

Oct ‘13

says Macdonald.

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

always been the way.

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

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

25 206 5,126 736 match demand.

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

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

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

11,065

Sep ‘13

495

with 30 to 40 cars.

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

Days of stock

Aug ‘13

h

has gone up.

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

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

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

AUTOFILE.CO.NZ - made for dealers

7,542 Nagoya

Dec

8,423

27,077

1,082

6,347

Hyundai Mazda

oct

Jul ‘13

1,483

5,908 Osaka

Make

Toyota

Holden

Ford

nov

8,051

2013 predicted sales

normally does.

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

Nissan Morning Miracle Suzuki V5

sep

7,429

Jun ‘13

25,594

26,065

JUL

7,391

May ‘13

(471)

Sepang Express V9

aUG

Apr ‘13

Port 1,228 5,799Calls 6,800

January to 131 in October.

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

LATEST SCHEDULE

160 104 Hoegh Xiamen 117 223 140 115V20 222

238

apr

6,329

180

24,837

(2,030)

7,385

may

7,027

Mar ‘13

ytd total

Christchurch.

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

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

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

Days stock in nZ - new cars

Feb

Feb ‘13

dAyS AVerAge SALeS per StoCk dAy - ytd At hANd

Jan

Imported

5,355

Dec ‘13

7,494 in September.

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

other centres.

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

JUn

NeW CArS SoLd

mar

90,754

Jan ‘13

1805

hot, SUVs are.

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

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

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

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

TWO SAILINGS PER MONTH JAPAN TO NZ

7,816

Total stock at the end of December 2012

6740

82

Days of stock

2013

6,637

during 2012.

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

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

Business confidence being high and strong regional economies in Auckland and

T

1996, it has ebbed and flowed.”

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

Conditions there have improved recently and the exchange rate

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

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

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

Finance

stock for too long.

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

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

ruled there was rejection to be upheld under the Consumer Guarantees Act (CGA). r Vehicle Disputes At: The Motoland .

Tribunal, Auck

the CGA, wasn’t a serious fault and didn’t amount to a failure of substantial character.

The dealer was required by the buyer to repair the vehicle.

After initially refusing to do so, it apparently changed its mind and repaired the car at its own cost.

The buyer, therefore, now had no basis to reject the car. His letter to the trader September 25 was sent after he became aware it had been repaired.

Order The buyer’s application was dismissed and he was told to uplift the vehicle from the trader’s premises.

Notes on case The registered motor vehicle trader – not for the first time – sought to avoid liability under the CGA by claiming that it had sold the car privately.

The dealer was told it should be aware that whenever it becomes involved in the sale of a vehicle it becomes a “supplier” under the extended definition of that word as defined in the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993.

The tribunal, in its addendum, expects Anqin Investment Ltd, trading as Great Motors in Glen 17% Eden, to discharge its obligations under that act.

850 wds

Payment protection

ighest of 2013.

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

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

The tribunal The decisionon:basis to for the

41

12% 14% 13%

GAP

S

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Christchurch are boosting sales.

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

“Although passenger cars aren’t so

surance

Industry manages levels well

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

second-hand claim a refund of the vehicle’s purchase price because of a major fault. But he was aware the dealer had repaired the car at its own cost by the time he submitted a rejection letter.

The finding

The case When the trader supplied the vehicle on August 17 for $6,900 it had travelled 126,000km.

Vaeagi wasn’t supplied with a consumer information notice (CIN) nor a vehicle offer and sale agreement. The car’s warrant of fitness (WOF) hadn’t been issued within one month prior to sale.

The Impreza broke down on August xxxxxxxxxxx 19. When Vaeagi called the trader, he was told the dealer had no money and he would have to fix it himself.

The trader did, however, agree to repair the glove box, obtain a WOF and repair a bumper dent.

On August 21, Vaeagi towed the car to Kelston Auto Repair - Oct 2013 New Zealanddiagnosed cars inwhich Dealer stock of new Ltd, a faulty 2012 crankshaft pulley.

It recommended he should take the car back to the dealer to be fixed.

Vaeagi took it back on the same day and met Mr T Li, the

The buyer of a The case: Impr eza tried to

22% 9% 8500

New Passenger registration

s-2

The TRUSTED online wholesale trading site.

179

Used:

Total Used Cars 9360 2012: 7183

ve m b er 2 0 1

Whangarei  17.4% 2012: 123  45.5%

Thames NEW: 57 USED:

40

Used:

NEW: 206

NEW: 113

146

NEW: 60 Used:

NEW: 160

234

USED:

364

51

 39.0%  16.7%

2012: 248 2012: 267

Rotorua NEW: 39

2012: 371

546

Used:

2012: 48

Hamilton  18.9% 2012: 415  31.6%

NEW: 441

 30.3%

2012: 41

Tauranga

Auckland  24.1% 2012: 3588  29.5%

2012: 2733

4646

Used:

Nelson Blenheim Greymouth Whangarei Auckland Hamilton Thames Tauranga Rotorua Gisborne Napie r New Plymouth Wanganui Palmerston North Masterton Wellington Nelson Blenheim Greymouth Westport Christchurch Tim aru Oamaru Dunedin In vercargil l Whangarei Auckland Hamilton Thames Tauranga Rotorua Gisborne Napie r New Plymouth Wanganui Palmerston North Masterton Wellington Nelson Blenheim Greymouth Whangarei N o Hamilton Thames Tauranga Rotorua Auckland 3

2012: 109

NEW: 3393 Used:

Aroun

 14.9%

NEW: 128

co

try

Total New Cars 7453

d

un

autoport.net 2012: 6484

he

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

USED:

87

Gisborne

New Plymouth  0.9% 2012: 116  25.9%

NEW: 43

2012: 114

USED:

Wanganui  53.8% 2012: 43  18.6%

34

Napier

NEW: 190

2012: 39

USED:

Palmerston North  35.0% 2012: 171  36.8%

158

NEW: 43

35

USED:

NEW: 584

Used:

148

USED:

Used:

30

2012: 48 2012: 40

2012: 128

2012: 52 2012: 33

Nelson  15.8% 2012: 84  76.2%

749

2012: 558 2012: 584

 66.1%  64.2%  10.4%  15.0%

 9.8%  23.4%

 17.3%  6.1%

 4.7%  28.3%

2012: 76

Blenheim NEW: 53

Westport NEW: 3 2012: 2  50.0% Used: 13 2012: 4  225.0% NEW: 18

2012: 53

2012: 173

Wellington

NEW: 88

2012: 115

Masterton

2012: 246

 16.9%  36.3%

USED:

38

2012: 31 2012: 36

Christchurch NEW: 1439

Greymouth 2012: 12  50.0% 2012: 20  50.0%

USED:

Timaru

NEW: 57 USED:

Oamaru NEW: 18 USED:

Dunedin

NEW: 215 USED:

251

Invercargill NEW: 105 USED:

78

2012: 127

2012: 62

25

70

2012: 19

2012: 178 2012: 181

2012: 14

1438

2012: 57 2012: 54

2012: 1135 2012: 1119

 71.0%  5.6%

 26.8%  28.5%

 0%  29.6%

 5.3%  78.6%

 20.8%  38.7%

 17.3%  25.8%

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Imported Passenger Vehicle Sales by Make - November 2013 Nov '13 Mkt Share

2013 Total

2013 Mkt share

17.4

23.9%

22189

1545

33.2

22.0%

1621

1210

34.0

Honda

874

691

Suzuki

470

Subaru

Make

Nov '13

Nov '12

Toyota

2237

1906

Nissan

2058

Mazda

+/- %

Imported Passenger Vehicle Sales by Model - November 2013 Make

Model

24.8%

Nissan

15998

17.9%

17.3%

15278

26.5

9.3%

297

58.2

377

292

Mitsubishi

347

Volkswagen

2013 2013 Mkt Total share

Nov '12

Tiida

638

565

12.9

6.8%

4105

4.6%

Mazda

Demio

480

306

56.9

5.1%

4252

4.8%

17.1%

Suzuki

Swift

385

238

61.8

4.1%

4069

4.5%

9251

10.3%

Mazda

Axela

340

333

2.1

3.6%

3905

4.4%

5.0%

4861

5.4%

Honda

Fit

324

172

88.4

3.5%

2970

3.3%

29.1

4.0%

3975

4.4%

Mazda

Atenza

274

181

51.4

2.9%

2487

2.8%

273

27.1

3.7%

4013

4.5%

Toyota

Corolla

273

298

-8.4

2.9%

2997

3.4%

290

183

58.5

3.1%

3021

3.4%

Toyota

Wish

247

161

53.4

2.6%

2175

2.4%

Bmw

278

171

62.6

3.0%

2827

3.2%

Mazda

Mpv

234

164

42.7

2.5%

2055

2.3%

Audi

177

123

43.9

1.9%

1757

2.0%

Toyota

Vitz

227

216

5.1

2.4%

2259

2.5%

Mercedes-Benz

152

77

97.4

1.6%

1379

1.5%

Subaru

Legacy

209

188

11.2

2.2%

2407

2.7%

Ford

113

106

6.6

1.2%

1120

1.3%

Toyota

Estima

200

155

29.0

2.1%

1367

1.5%

Volvo

49

30

63.3

0.5%

486

0.5%

Nissan

Note

192

154

24.7

2.1%

1390

1.6%

Chevrolet

45

47

-4.3

0.5%

614

0.7%

Nissan

March

189

123

53.7

2.0%

1568

1.8%

Jaguar

35

26

34.6

0.4%

301

0.3%

Volkswagen

Golf

168

108

55.6

1.8%

1729

1.9%

Land Rover

28

23

21.7

0.3%

317

0.4%

Nissan

Bluebird

165

121

36.4

1.8%

1563

1.7%

Lexus

25

10

150.0

0.3%

170

0.2%

Nissan

Wingroad

137

92

48.9

1.5%

994

1.1%

Daihatsu

23

11

109.1

0.2%

170

0.2%

Honda

Odyssey

126

116

8.6

1.3%

1442

1.6%

Hyundai

16

22

-27.3

0.2%

156

0.2%

Toyota

Ist

123

165

-25.5

1.3%

1703

1.9%

Holden

15

15

0.0

0.2%

181

0.2%

Mazda

Premacy

121

109

11.0

1.3%

1089

1.2%

Dodge

13

10

30.0

0.1%

109

0.1%

Mitsubishi

Outlander

120

76

57.9

1.3%

1513

1.7%

Porsche

13

11

18.2

0.1%

128

0.1%

Mitsubishi

Colt

110

87

26.4

1.2%

1153

1.3%

Mini

12

14

-14.3

0.1%

162

0.2%

Nissan

Teana

109

57

91.2

1.2%

997

1.1%

Peugeot

12

11

9.1

0.1%

120

0.1%

Nissan

Presage

108

87

24.1

1.2%

951

1.1%

Chrysler

9

3

200.0

0.1%

74

0.1%

Toyota

Auris

103

69

49.3

1.1%

946

1.1%

Smart

8

2

300.0

0.1%

19

0.0%

Toyota

Avensis

103

85

21.2

1.1%

993

1.1%

Renault

6

5

20.0

0.1%

76

0.1%

Honda

Stream

100

77

29.9

1.1%

960

1.1%

Cadillac

5

4

25.0

0.1%

31

0.0%

Toyota

Passo

91

38

139.5

1.0%

533

0.6%

Ferrari

5

2

150.0

0.1%

24

0.0%

Honda

Accord

85

98

-13.3

0.9%

1135

1.3%

Pontiac

5

6

-16.7

0.1%

34

0.0%

Toyota

Ipsum

79

82

-3.7

0.8%

895

1.0%

Alfa Romeo

4

7

-42.9

0.0%

32

0.0%

Toyota

Blade

71

48

47.9

0.8%

646

0.7%

Kia

4

4

0.0

0.0%

35

0.0%

Nissan

Murano

70

28

150.0

0.7%

580

0.6%

Jeep

3

9

-66.7

0.0%

59

0.1%

Nissan

Serena

70

38

84.2

0.7%

548

0.6%

Plymouth

3

0

300.0

0.0%

24

0.0%

Mazda

Verisa

68

43

58.1

0.7%

578

0.6%

Citroen

2

2

0.0

0.0%

23

0.0%

Toyota

Caldina

68

76

-10.5

0.7%

862

1.0%

Others

26

35

-25.7

0.3%

423

0.5%

Others

2953

2229

32.5

31.5%

29621

33.1%

9360

7183

30.3

100.0%

89437

100.0%

Total

9360

7183

30.3

100.0%

89437

100.0%

Total

+/- %

Nov Mkt Share

Nov '13

STRICTLY DEALER ONLY 30 | www.autofile.co.nz

www.heiwa-auto.co.nz

Sales steer to smaller cars A

total of 9,360 used imported cars were sold in November to make it the second best month of the year.

Registrations were ahead of the same month last year by 2,177 units and up by 30 per cent.

Year-to-date sales are up 18,245 units, or 26 per cent, with 2013 set to be the strongest year for used imported car sales since 2007.

Kiwis seem to be favouring smaller four-cylindered cars in this part of the market.

The most popular individual model last month was Nissan’s Tiida with 638 sales, followed by the Mazda Demio on 480 units and Suzuki’s Swift on 385.

Used imported commercial vehicles followed suit to also record their second best month for the year.

Sales of 621 were 287 – or 86 per cent – ahead of November 2012. So far this year, they are up by 2,344 units, or 74 per cent, meaning 2013 will be the strongest year for the sector since 2008.

Many industry segments are on-track to reach levels not seen for some time. While the winners are shifting around a bit each month, there are overall gains across virtually every sector.

New and used imports are recording solid improvements, which gives reason to be optimistic about the months ahead.

Bryce Campbell, director of Bryce Campbell Car Sales in Tauranga, says “cold walk-ins” are down. Buyers are researching online first and his website is attracting customers from across the country.

“In the past fortnight, we’ve had two buyers from Whangarei, two from Auckland and one from Hamilton,” he says. “Everyone in

those areas has a wide choice and they’re more prepared to travel.”

Campbell adds the local market is constantly changing and “there’s no easy street” for vehicle sales – they just have to be top quality – while many of the trade-ins at dealerships are coming from Tauranga’s older community.

“They are trading top-quality vehicles that have been serviced and looked after, but utes are hard to import and quite pricey. My market is less than $20,000.”

Shaun Jarvis, managing director of Dunedin Car Company,

higher in the market and harder to get.”

Jarvis says it’s difficult picking a pattern about where the market is heading because October and November have been some of his busiest months in the past.

“We had a very good September and it was one of the best months in four years. We’ve gone from a booming month to a quiet period.”

Jarvis believes many dealers have been sacrificing margins for turnover.

“At the end of the day, no one makes any money when this happens and a lot of deals are

Used Import Passenger Registrations - 2012-2013 10000 9500 9000 8500 8000 7500 7000 2013

6500

2012

6000 5500

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

told Autofile it was the worst November he has seen since 1999.

His business specialises in New Zealand-new priced from $6,000 to $25,000 and his stock ranges from small cars to large SUVs. Jarvis feels last month’s disappointing figures were probably because the stock bought for November was $12,000-plus.

“Most buyers were looking for cars in that $8,000 bracket so the higher end dried up,” he says. “Up until now, I haven’t had a problem buying stock. It’s there but it’s just

done for the sake of cash turnover.

To me, you can’t run of business if you’re not making a dollar.”

On the bright side, he says genuine inquiry is picking up.

Would-be buyers don’t seem like tyre-kickers and finance take-up has generally improved as well.

“When buying in the past, there used to be ports of call, such as yards and franchises and going down to Auckland once a week,” says Bryan Lambert, of Allkars Sales Ltd in Whangarei.

“We now do business all over

AND TRUE WHOLESALE

the country. That’s one of the good things with Trade Me – we have a countrywide audience instead of just a local one.

“People are fussy when it comes to buying because purchases are often decided before they come onto the yard and they’ve decided what they are willing to pay.”

With the likes of Nissan selling new cars with low-rate deals on finance, “you know margins are being cut but someone sees it and thinks, ‘I’ll have some of that’.

“Buyers are probably just paying for such deals on the cost of cars. That can only be done with new cars because they have set prices.”

Lambert describes selling second-hand cars as “all different” so it’s hard to compare the two.

“If I sell finance, the minimum I can get away with is about 12 per cent, while one thing that has helped to keep us going over the past 25 years is being open to buying everything.”

Overall though, the business is “doing alright” and “year to date we’re doing the same numbers this year as last year”.

Graeme Macdonald, chairman of the North Island branch of the Imported Motor Vehicle Industry Association, says auction houses changing the way they operate to become more retail focused has had a bearing on the industry.

He feels this has been especially the case since Turners introduced its “buy now” system.

“Everyone’s working in the same marketplace,” says Macdonald. “The auction model is just one of the tools we have towards finding an end user.

“It sits among car warehouses, the internet, direct selling and the bricks-and-mortar approach.”

Reece McKerrow Ph: 021 988 727

Greg Bardsley Ph: 0279 363 595

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100k barrier to be breached

T

he number of used passenger vehicles crossing the border this year will probably be about 30 per cent more than in 2012.

November was the biggest month of 2013, with 11,184 units imported beating the previous high of 10,967 in May. The running total for arrivals this year now stands at 97,469, with the annual figure set to break the 100,000 barrier.

This year will return the highest annual total since 2007 when 125,757 used passenger vehicles were imported, while 2013 will end about one-third ahead of 2012’s total of 72,239.

Out of five source nations monitored, only the UK failed to return its best monthly total of the year – 283 units arrived last

month compared to 297 in May. Australia wasn’t far behind with 205 imports, or eight more than in October, while the US on 132 and Singapore with 22 also posted annual highs.

Imports from Japan made five figures – 10,516 – for the third time, ahead of 10,402 in May and 10,006 in April.

The year-to-date total from Japan is now 91,621 units compared to 2012’s full-year aggregate of 67,442.

However, trade in used imports has been mixed according to some dealers contacted by Autofile.

Antoni Mcdermott, of Universal Imports in Grey Lynn, Auckland, describes November as “pretty average”.

He says: “The Warehouse got a boost from people’s money or

people were saving for Christmas.”

That said, the market has been picking up in December. The strong dollar is helping bolster the yard’s stock, with the face-lifted Subaru Legacy of 2006-07 and 2006 BMWs some of the cars imported.

Mcdermott doesn’t feel the high cross-rate between the Kiwi dollar and the yen is pushing up prices in Japan. “If you’re shopping well, you won’t notice them.”

Bryan Lambert, of Allkars Sales Ltd in Whangarei, says: “We haven’t gone to Japan to buy, but we do that through an agent and that’s a good system for us.

“Lately, the stock hasn’t been quite right. The 2004/05 stuff is hard to buy cheaply enough to sell and you have to watch deals on new cars for sale here.”

Mike Sheaff, of Sheaff Vehicles

in Tauranga, says his business has seen a swing towards new cars.

“Prices in Japan are a bit higher and the emissions standards on imports have made it harder too.”

Despite the issues with importing from Japan, its monthly market share is currently standing at 94 per cent, which is up by 1.4 per cent over 2012.

Used imports from the UK have dropped from a market share of 3.7 per cent in 2012 to 2.5 per cent so far in 2013. This year’s total stands at 2,651 units compared to 2,730 in 2012.

Vehicles coming across the ditch amounted to 1,199 last year and stand at 1,761 for this year.

Australia’s current share of the market is 1.8 per cent, up by 0.2 per cent from 2012.

Used import passenger vehicles arrivals 11000 10000 9000 8000 7000 6000 5000 4000 3000 2000

2010

2013

2011

2012 2009

JAN

FEB

MAR

APR

MAY

JUN

JUL

Aug

Sept

Oct

Nov

Dec

Used Import Passenger Vehicles By Country Of Export Country of Export

Australia

2013

2012

JAN ’13

Feb ’13

Mar ’13

APr ’13

May ’13

Jun ’13

Jul ’13

Aug ’13

Sep ’13

Oct ’13

NOV ’13

2013 TOTAL

Monthly Mrkt Share

2012 TOTAL

Market Share

110

122

157

176

171

118

196

167

148

197

205

1761

1.8%

1199

1.6%

281

191

194

221

297

206

240

263

237

238

283

2651

2.5%

2730

3.7%

3939

7810

8401

10006

10402

7654

8048

8074

6974

9801

10516

91621

94.0%

67442

92.6%

Singapore

11

14

6

8

9

9

17

14

10

9

22

129

0.2%

154

0.2%

Usa

94

89

83

106

63

81

96

99

113

115

132

1071

1.2%

976

1.3%

Great Britain Japan

Other countries Total

33

21

11

22

25

21

26

18

19

14

26

236

0.2%

336

0.5%

4468

8247

8852

10539

10967

8089

8623

8635

7501

10374

11184

97469

100.0%

72837

100.0%

CHOICE.

100,000 vehicles per month 32 | www.autofile.co.nz

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Greg Bardsley

Ph: 0279 363 595 www.heiwa-auto.co.nz

Proud to sponsor the SecondHand Car Sales Statistics

Stock shortage affects NZ-new D

ealer-to-public transactions recovered slightly in November after dropping in October, with just 21 more vehicles sold last month.

There were 17,448 dealer-topublic sales, up by 3.8 per cent compared to November 2012, while trade-ins increased by 2.7 per cent to 12,618 units.

Some car dealers contacted by Autofile are still recovering from that drop in custom a few months ago.

John Paddy, of Mainly Cars in Palmerston North, describes October as “incredibly quiet” – sentiments that coincided with a six per cent drop in the city’s sales when compared to the same month in 2012.

But the region picked up in November, with registrations up by 30 on the previous month.

“Over the past year, we’ve been strong and our past quarters have been pretty consistent,” says Paddy.

“We haven’t had a big or low month.”

He believes dealers have been increasing stock before Christmas, which may be causing price increases and shortages.

“Stock is hard to find across the board and auction prices have gone ballistic,” says Paddy.

“It’s that time of year when dealers are looking for extra stock.

There’s such a big shortage of cars for our end of the market, which is less than $8,000.

“There are less and less cars on the road, and vehicles get damaged or wear themselves out.”

Despite sales drops in some regions, Invercargill continues to return strong figures.

Dealer-to-public sales saw an 8.5

per cent increase in October and a 7.4 per cent rise last month, with the latter amounting to 437 sales.

Michael Mason, dealer principal of Southern Automobiles, has recently returned to the industry after a stint in real estate.

He says the good weather around Invercargill has helped farmers get extra work done and boost yard sales.

“There’s always demand for good late-model used vehicles.

We’re doing probably 40 per cent used balanced with new.”

Mason points out that the number of trades has failed to keep up with demand for used vehicles, so he has been buying New Zealand-new stock from around the country.

Auckland’s used vehicle market remained buoyant – up by 8.5 per

cent, compared to November 2012.

This was an increase on October’s sales by 35 units.

Antoni Mcdermott, of Universal Vehicles in Grey Lynn, hopes next year will remain strong. “But I don’t have a crystal ball. With this industry you never know what you’re going to get.”

Job losses in mining are continuing to take their toll on the used vehicle market in Greymouth.

Dealer-to-public sales were down by 30.5 per cent, the country’s biggest percentage drop.

November 2012’s total of 118 compared to 82 last month.

Oamaru gained most last month – up from 71 to 97 for a 36.6 per cent increase. Wanganui came second on 20.9 per cent and 197 trader-to-public sales, up by 163 units.

Secondhand car sales - November 2013 Nov '13

Dealer-To-Public Nov '12 +/- %

MARKET SHARE

Nov '13

Public-To-Public Nov '12

+/- %

Nov '13

Public-To-Dealer Nov '12

+/- %

Whangarei

566

583

-2.9

3.24

1626

1611

0.9

279

284

Auckland

5772

5319

8.5

33.08

13413

13260

1.2

4283

4201

-1.8 2.0

Hamilton

1378

1371

0.5

7.90

3088

2844

8.6

1091

1139

-4.2

Thames

213

210

1.4

1.22

467

448

4.2

92

98

-6.1

Tauranga

928

934

-0.6

5.32

1790

1834

-2.4

579

661

-12.4

Rotorua

284

253

12.3

1.63

612

676

-9.5

141

134

5.2

Gisborne

182

154

18.2

1.04

362

368

-1.6

100

99

1.0

Napier

544

537

1.3

3.12

1319

1314

0.4

426

375

13.6

New Plymouth

466

440

5.9

2.67

953

941

1.3

287

244

17.6

Wanganui

197

163

20.9

1.13

423

401

5.5

116

113

2.7

Palmerston North

818

811

0.9

4.69

1468

1555

-5.6

767

671

14.3

Masterton

156

163

-4.3

0.89

343

311

10.3

100

101

-1.0

Wellington

1454

1463

-0.6

8.33

2605

2717

-4.1

1173

1217

-3.6

Nelson

272

317

-14.2

1.56

895

917

-2.4

221

205

7.8

Blenheim

196

164

19.5

1.12

366

331

10.6

116

96

20.8

Greymouth

82

118

-30.5

0.47

227

212

7.1

48

64

-25.0

Westport

23

24

-4.2

0.13

89

115

-22.6

1

-

-

2440

2360

3.4

13.98

4865

4708

3.3

1784

1671

6.8

Timaru

280

283

-1.1

1.60

494

522

-5.4

176

149

18.1

Oamaru

97

71

36.6

0.56

202

172

17.4

25

34

-26.5

Christchurch

Dunedin

663

668

-0.7

3.80

1582

1574

0.5

485

435

11.5

Invercargill

437

407

7.4

2.50

951

941

1.1

328

298

10.1

17448

16813

3.8

100.00

38140

37772

1.0

12618

12289

2.7

NZ total

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www.autofile.co.nz | 33

New Passenger Vehicle Sales by Make - November 2013 Make

Nov '13

Nov '12

Toyota

1746

1190

Holden

685

673

Nov '13 Mkt Share

2013 Total

46.7

23.4%

14670

1.8

9.2%

8102

+/- %

2013 Mkt share

New Passenger Vehicle Sales by Model - November 2013 +/- %

Nov Mkt Share

2013 2013 Mkt Total share

Make

Model

Nov '13

Nov '12

19.3%

Toyota

Corolla

626

462

35.5

8.4%

5283

6.9%

10.7%

Toyota

Rav4

289

80

261.3

3.9%

2521

3.3%

Ford

618

596

3.7

8.3%

6519

8.6%

Holden

Commodore

260

171

52.0

3.5%

2399

3.2%

Hyundai

572

624

-8.3

7.7%

6695

8.8%

Mazda

Cx-5

239

141

69.5

3.2%

1989

2.6%

Mazda

512

485

5.6

6.9%

5447

7.2%

Toyota

Yaris

227

267

-15.0

3.0%

2235

2.9%

Nissan

382

281

35.9

5.1%

3342

4.4%

Suzuki

Swift

218

254

-14.2

2.9%

2750

3.6%

Suzuki

376

405

-7.2

5.0%

4436

5.8%

Ford

Mondeo

184

98

87.8

2.5%

1201

1.6%

Mitsubishi

351

272

29.0

4.7%

3661

4.8%

Hyundai

ix35

168

81

107.4

2.3%

1338

1.8%

Honda

310

312

-0.6

4.2%

2994

3.9%

Mitsubishi

Lancer

168

84

100.0

2.3%

894

1.2%

Volkswagen

288

261

10.3

3.9%

3527

4.6%

Toyota

Camry

168

131

28.2

2.3%

1270

1.7%

Kia

202

240

-15.8

2.7%

2563

3.4%

Holden

Captiva

135

319

-57.7

1.8%

2039

2.7%

Bmw

172

178

-3.4

2.3%

1861

2.4%

Volkswagen

Golf

134

103

30.1

1.8%

1469

1.9%

Subaru

165

153

7.8

2.2%

1645

2.2%

Toyota

Highlander

118

79

49.4

1.6%

1092

1.4%

Audi

163

150

8.7

2.2%

1748

2.3%

Ford

Focus

114

212

-46.2

1.5%

1429

1.9%

Mercedes-Benz

128

82

56.1

1.7%

1398

1.8%

Honda

Jazz

113

76

48.7

1.5%

922

1.2%

Peugeot

108

60

80.0

1.4%

1001

1.3%

Ford

Kuga

112

18

522.2

1.5%

952

1.3%

Jeep

92

65

41.5

1.2%

775

1.0%

Ssangyong

86

49

75.5

1.2%

724

1.0%

Mazda

Mazda3

109

151

-27.8

1.5%

1537

2.0%

Dodge

64

46

39.1

0.9%

478

0.6%

Toyota

Aurion

107

23

365.2

1.4%

447

0.6%

Skoda

63

56

12.5

0.8%

654

0.9%

Holden

Cruze

106

80

32.5

1.4%

1925

2.5%

Lexus

54

44

22.7

0.7%

508

0.7%

Hyundai

Santa Fe

103

261

-60.5

1.4%

1847

2.4%

Land Rover

51

22

131.8

0.7%

443

0.6%

Honda

Civic

100

115

-13.0

1.3%

852

1.1%

Mini

44

43

2.3

0.6%

474

0.6%

Mitsubishi

Outlander

97

118

-17.8

1.3%

1258

1.7%

Chery

34

21

61.9

0.5%

351

0.5%

Hyundai

i30

95

103

-7.8

1.3%

1255

1.6%

Alfa Romeo

24

31

-22.6

0.3%

182

0.2%

Nissan

Qashqai

93

106

-12.3

1.2%

884

1.2%

Great Wall

23

38

-39.5

0.3%

211

0.3%

Toyota

Land Cruiser Prado

87

38

128.9

1.2%

557

0.7%

Nissan

X-Trail

86

52

65.4

1.2%

779

1.0%

Ford

Territory

83

137

-39.4

1.1%

1188

1.6%

Volkswagen

Tiguan

78

53

47.2

1.0%

689

0.9%

Hyundai

Accent

77

29

165.5

1.0%

572

0.8%

Honda

Cr-v

71

82

-13.4

1.0%

793

1.0%

Fiat

21

2

950.0

0.3%

142

0.2%

Renault

21

8

162.5

0.3%

98

0.1%

Volvo

18

19

-5.3

0.2%

229

0.3%

Porsche

13

11

18.2

0.2%

182

0.2%

Citroen

12

16

-25.0

0.2%

286

0.4%

Jaguar

12

5

140.0

0.2%

128

0.2%

Mazda

Mazda6

70

82

-14.6

0.9%

960

1.3%

Chrysler

10

13

-23.1

0.1%

120

0.2%

Mazda

Mazda2

66

77

-14.3

0.9%

712

0.9%

Falcon

65

45

44.4

0.9%

835

1.1%

Can-Am

9

6

50.0

0.1%

75

0.1%

Ford

Daihatsu

6

19

-68.4

0.1%

258

0.3%

Nissan

Pathfinder

65

7

828.6

0.9%

191

0.3%

Journey

64

46

39.1

0.9%

476

0.6%

64.1

0.9%

502

0.7%

Aston Martin

4

1

300.0

0.1%

25

0.0%

Dodge

Maserati

4

2

100.0

0.1%

14

0.0%

Jeep

Grand Cherokee

64

39

Mahindra

3

-

-

0.0%

6

0.0%

Ssangyong

Korando

63

36

75.0

0.8%

480

0.6%

Mg

2

0

200.0

0.0%

12

0.0%

Ford

Fiesta

60

85

-29.4

0.8%

892

1.2%

Chrysler Jeep

1

-

-

0.0%

1

0.0%

Bmw

116i

59

13

353.8

0.8%

378

0.5%

Mclaren

1

0

100.0

0.0%

6

0.0%

Holden

Malibu

58

-

-

0.8%

334

0.4%

3

5

-40.0

0.0%

71

0.1%

Others

2254

2130

5.8

30.2% 25936

34.1%

7453

6484

14.9

100.0%

76062

100.0%

Total

7453

6484

14.9

100.0% 76062

100.0%

Others Total

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Record sales year on cards N

ovember was huge for new vehicle registrations, with 10,388 sales compared to 8,581 in the same month of last year.

More new vehicles have now been sold than for all of 2012 – 104,408 so far in 2013 compared to 100,795 last year.

Toyota remained as the overall market leader in November with 24.4 per cent market share and 2,535 units. Ford was second on 11 per cent with 1,146 sales and Holden came third with 9.2 per cent and 952 units.

Year-to-date passenger car sales were up 7.5 per cent on the same period of last year with 7,453 units sold last month, which was the highest November total since 1984.

The Motor Industry Association is predicting that if strong sales of commercial vehicles continue this month, it’s likely the market will see its biggest sales year since 1981 when the statistics started to be collated.

Last month, Toyota secured the largest market share of passenger car registrations at 23.4 per cent and 1,746 units, as reported first on www.autofile.co.nz.

Holden came second with a 9.2 per cent share, or 685 units, while Ford was third with 8.3 per cent and 618 units.

The Corolla was the top-selling passenger model with eight per cent market share and 626 units.

It was followed by Toyota’s RAV4 on four per cent with Holden’s Commodore third and just one percentage point behind.

Andrew Mackenzie, chief executive officer of Albany Toyota, reports a good November with 142 sales overall – predominately passenger cars and SUVs. The Hilux’s facelift and run-

out prices meant commercial sales remained strong throughout last month.

Sales of the marque’s signature class vehicles are heading for a record year, while Mackenzie says more used units were sold compared to new at the Albanybased franchise.

He says the business, which has twice won Toyota’s dealership of the year award, has a key point of difference from Auckland’s other franchises in “being out in the country, outside the concrete jungle”.

Mackenzie is also excited about growth in areas north of Auckland, especially Orewa and Silverdale.

sales going along like a rocket, but I wonder what the figures show,” he says. “Perhaps there are a lot of pre-registrations and rentals, but we don’t get involved in them.

“With Nissan we’re towards the bottom of wheel with the Navara because there are so many new models it’s up against, but the pricing on it is still good.”

Southey says the marque has some exciting new stock coming in, with the Qashqai and Pulsar being “very good” as has inquiry on the new Pathfinder and its automatic.

“The Qashqai, as a two-wheeldrive SUV, is performing quite surprisingly and older folk are

New Passenger Registrations - 2012-2013 8500 8000 7500 7000 6500 6000 2012

5500

2013

5000 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

“Staffing is still hard, particularly getting technicians,” he says.

“Staffing in general isn’t easy and we’re looking long term in bringing in apprentice sales people.”

Despite the national statistics, not all franchises contacted by Autofile this year have reported trade mirroring the headline figures.

Roger Southey, dealer principal of Southey’s Auto World in Masterton, says business has been “a bit patchy” with Nissan and Honda.

“We’re reading about new car

heading to it,” he told Autofile.

“SUV sales have been very good over the past couple of years, so the Qashqai has come at the right time.”

A lot of old Pulsar owners are coming back for the new model, which Southey is pleased to have instead of relying on the old Tiida.

“The Pulsar has been going well, both the sedan and hatchback, but it’s the Navara that’s been a bit slower than you need in a rural area.”

Honda has been “bossing along” with sales reaching targets due to the marque benefiting from a good, loyal customer base.

“The Jazz is our biggest seller while the CR-V is in a segment we used to have pretty much to ourselves, so we have to work hard on that,” explains Southey. “That said, the current model’s a nice unit.

“The sedans are paying for it a bit, but the Civic hatch is having good sales and the Accord is up there with everything else.

“Overall, we would always like to be selling more but as long as we’re getting our market, that’s pretty much where we’re at. At the moment, I would say the market isn’t as buoyant at it was.”

Meanwhile, Tony Alexander, the BNZ’s chief economist, says it’s “hard to imagine a more mixed set of comments” in the automotive sector, with companies reporting business as going one way or the other.

In his latest monthly confidence survey, he says 69 per cent of 577 respondents are expecting the economy to be in a better condition in a year’s time, which is up by 37 per cent compared to 12 months ago.

One car dealer says “new utes and SUVs continue to sell well with used vehicles at best steady”, while another describes trade as “fantastic”.

“We’re having the best year since 2007 with solid levels of inquiry on new and used,” adds a Bay of Plenty franchise.

Another says business is “terrible and we’ve never had it this bad”, and when interest rates rise “this will increase cost of doing deals”.

Log onto www.autofile.co.nz for the full story on BNZ’s survey

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Passenger Car Sales by Private/Business split (INCLUDES SUVs) Make

Private

% Private

Alfa Romeo

9

37.5

15

62.5

24

Aston Martin

2

66.7

1

33.3

3

Audi

70

43.2

92

56.8

162

BMW

81

47.4

90

52.6

171

Chery

15

44.1

19

55.9

34

Chrysler

5

50.0

5

50.0

10

Citroen

5

41.7

7

58.3

12

Daihatsu

4

66.7

2

33.3

6

Dodge

38

59.4

26

40.6

64

Fiat

12

57.1

9

42.9

21

Ford

148

23.9

470

76.1

618

18

78.3

5

21.7

23

Great Wall

Business % Business

Total

Holden

202

29.3

487

70.7

689

Honda

214

69.5

94

30.5

308

Hyundai

155

27.1

417

72.9

572

7

70.0

3

30.0

10

39

42.4

53

57.6

92

Jaguar Jeep Kia

66

32.7

136

67.3

202

Land Rover

19

37.3

32

62.7

51

Lexus

27

50.0

27

50.0

54

Lotus

1

100.0

0

0.0

1

Maserati

3

75.0

1

25.0

4

159

31.1

353

68.9

512

Mercedes-Benz

Mazda

56

45.5

67

54.5

123

Mini

14

31.8

30

68.2

44

Mitsubishi

228

65.0

123

35.0

351

Nissan

194

50.9

187

49.1

381

Peugeot

70

64.8

38

35.2

108

Porsche

5

38.5

8

61.5

13

Renault

7

33.3

14

66.7

21

Skoda

20

31.7

43

68.3

63

SsangYong

29

34.1

56

65.9

85

Subaru

62

37.6

103

62.4

165

Suzuki

205

54.5

171

45.5

376

Toyota

274

15.7

1471

84.3

1745

Volkswagen

136

48.4

145

51.6

281

Volvo

13

72.2

5

27.8

18

Other

0

0.0

3

100.0

3

Total

2612

35.2

4808

64.8

7420

*Business sales include rental and government sales, and the totals include passenger cars and SUVs. SOURCE: MIA

BMW extends its lead at the top T

he sales figures for November show BMW New Zealand has further extended its lead at the top of the ladder in the premium automotive segment.

The marque achieved 171 registrations for the month and, compared with the same time last year, sales of its new models are up 18.5 per cent.

Nina Englert, managing director of BMW NZ, says the statistics show that Kiwis’ appetites for “attractive, highly specified and dynamically superior new models have never been stronger”.

She says: “Our line-up is without peer and model for model can’t be matched. I’m proud there’s such a strong product variety available ranging from the sub-$50,000 1 Series through to the xDrives and our M cars.”

Englert says the advertised price of all new BMW models for sale locally is the final transaction price – and this is finding traction in both the business and private markets.

Out of BMW’s 171 passenger cars and SUVs sold last month, the marque had the closet split of private-business registrations.

Private registrations came in at 81 units or 47.4 per cent of its total.

“All on-road costs, including 10,000km of road-user charges in the case of our diesel-powered models, are included in the list price,” Englert explains.

“This drive-away price promise provides greater transparency for our customers and means there aren’t any financial surprises when they drive their new vehicle for the first time.”

BMW’s November sales figures

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were buoyed by the launch of the all-new X5, which is the world’s most popular premium sport activity vehicle.

“The X5 is the quintessential Swiss army knife of the automotive world and Kiwis love the possibilities it’s able to provide,” says Englert.

“Thanks to strong forward orders, I anticipate it will continue to be an unparalleled sales success.”

Audi pushed Mercedes-Benz into third place in the sector last month. Audi sold 162 cars, of which 92 – or 56.8 per cent – were business transactions.

There were 123 Mercedes sold in November and 54.5 per cent – or 67 units – were bought by businesses.

The overall best-selling marque of the month was Toyota. It sold 1,745 units, which was more than double the total of its closest rival, Holden.

Of that total, 84.3 per cent of its transactions – or 1,471 vehicles – were made in the business sector.

Holden sold 689 units during November, with 70.7 per cent being business registrations, while Ford came third on 618 sales, with 23.9 per cent being private transactions.

Hyundai on 572 sales and Mazda on 512 completed the top five in a market that returned a total of 7,420 last month and 64.8 per cent were to businesses.

Toyota isn’t having it all its own way in the new commercials market, however.

Year to date, the Hilux is the top-selling ute on 4,583 units and it’s being closely followed

by Ford Ranger’s on 4,352 – although it’s unlikely the blue oval will be able to overturn that lead by the end of 2013.

Commercials record big rise A

total of 2,935 new commercial vehicles were sold last month, which was the highest November total since records started in 1981.

If strong commercial sales are seen again in December, the overall new vehicle market could have its best-ever annual tally.

The total number of all new vehicles sold in November came to 10,388. This brought the year-todate total to 104,408.

Last month, light commercial vehicle registrations were up by 41.8 per cent compared to the same month of 2012 – 2,539 units versus 1,791. Year-to-date sales are 28 per cent ahead over the same period in 2012 – 24,835 compared to 19,363.

Sales to rental companies jumped

by 46.9 per cent, private sales went up by 39.4 per cent and business registrations rose by 28.6 per cent over the same year-to-date periods.

Roger Southey, of Southey’s Auto World in Masterton, says: “The Navara is a good ute and it has performed really well for us.

“There are now some fancy new things on the market and we have to fight that a bit. But people cannot get enough of the V6 diesel. They are thrilled with its towing, loading and all-round performance.”

Craig McDermid, chief executive officer of Blenheim Toyota, says: “Commercial vehicles always dominate the market, but the marques have been more competitive than I’ve seen in my two-plus decades in the industry.”

He says the Hilux’s facelift has resulted in a diagonal belt for the middle passenger being fitted in order to gain five ANCAP stars, which is important in the increasingly safety-conscious market. “The product is much stronger than a lot of people give it credit for.”

Rey McCone, dealer principal of Canterbury Mazda, describes the new commercials market in Christchurch as “extremely competitive” with BT-50 sales “going quite well”.

The dealership has just been offering good deals on the ute and with so many offers going on, he says it’s essential to be in that part of the market.

Steve Grenfell, dealer principal of Blackwalls Motor Group in

Christchurch, says the Colorado and Captiva still remain strong, while the ute is finding a lot of favour through its size.

“The Colorado is a big truck, but not super big, and it’s not as high as Mazda’s BT-50 or the Ford Ranger.

“It’s competitive in the performance stakes and its price point represents good value.”

Toyota had the largest November market share for commercial sales with 789 vehicles or 26.9 per cent. Its Hilux was also the top-selling model – 585 units represented a 20 per cent market share.

It was followed by Ford’s Ranger with 16 per cent and 482 units and the Holden Colorado at nine per cent market share on 255 units.

NEW VEHICLE MARKET SEGMENTATION - November 2013

NEW VEHICLE SALES BY BUYER TYPE - November 2013 Nov '13

Nov '12

Mth %

2013 YTD

2012 YTD

% YTD

Passenger

4,683

4,051

15.6

47,695

46,118

3.4

Passenger

4,683

4,051

15.6

47,695

46,118

3.4

Private

1,547

1,528

1.2

17,376

15,996

8.6

SUV

2,737

2,414

13.4

28,045

24,191

15.9

Business

1,844

1,810

1.9

21,122

21,339

-1.0

Light Commercial

2,539

1,791

41.8

24,835

19,363

28.3

108

205

-47.3

2,146

2,684

-20.0

Heavy Commercial

354

274

29.2

3,344

2,670

25.2

75

44

70.5

489

488

0.2

10,388

8,574

21.2

104,408

92,830

12.5

Light

1,185

1,149

3.1

13,721

12,894

6.4

Small

1,921

1,686

13.9

19,772

19,042

3.8

Medium

789

653

20.8

7,313

7,017

4.2

Large

519

319

62.7

4,588

4,884

-6.1

Gov’t Rental SUV

1,184

508

133.1

7,051

6,099

15.6

Nov '13

Other Total market

2,737

2,414

13.4

28,045

24,191

15.9

Private

1,065

793

34.3

10,309

8,355

23.4

Business

1,242

1,322

-6.1

15,038

13,132

14.5

Gov’t

53

76

-30.3

559

601

-7.0

Rental

377

223

69.1

2,139

2,103

1.7

2,539

1,791

41.8

24,835

19,363

28.3

Upper Large

572

328

74.4

5,202

3,731

39.4

People Movers

1,741

1,318

32.1

17,610

13,695

28.6

Sports

84

102

-17.6

1,249

1,410

-11.4

Light Commercial Private Business Gov’t Rental

SUV Small

142

43

230.2

774

527

46.9

SUV Medium

9,959

8,256

20.6

100,575

89,672

12.2

SUV Large

Private

3,184

2,649

20.2

32,887

28,082

17.1

SUV Upper Large

Business

4,827

4,450

8.5

53,770

48,166

11.6

Light Buses

245

383

-36.0

3,954

4,695

-15.8

1,703

774

120.0

9,964

8,729

14.1

Sub Total

Gov’t Rental Heavy Commercial

354

274

29.2

3,344

2,670

25.2

Other

75

44

70.5

489

488

0.2

Total

10,388

8,574

21.2

104,408

92,830

12.5

Nov '12 Mth% diff

2013 YTD

2012 YTD % YTD

27

21

28.6

253

235

7.7

152

116

31.0

921

885

4.1

90

107

-15.9

1,127

1,161

-2.9

679

555

22.3

6,301

5,145

22.5 35.0

1,179

791

49.1

11,585

8,580

833

1,026

-18.8

9,742

10,129

-3.8

46

42

9.5

417

337

23.7

40

64

-37.5

441

411

7.3

507

359

41.2

4,884

4,422

10.4

Pick Up/Chassis Cab 4x2

692

475

45.7

7,280

4,941

47.3

Pick Up/Chassis Cab 4x4

1,300

893

45.6

12,230

9,589

27.5

354

274

29.2

3,344

2,670

25.2

75

44

70.5

489

488

0.2

10,388

8,574

21.2

104,408

92,830

12.5

Vans

Heavy Commercial Other Total market

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commercial sales New Commercial Sales by Make - November 2013 Make

Nov '13

Nov '12

+/- %

Nov '13 Mkt Share

New Commercial Sales by Model - November 2013

2013 2013 Full Year Mkt share

Make

Model

Nov '13

Nov '12

+/- %

Nov '13 2013 2013 Mkt Share Full Year Mkt share

Toyota

789

578

36.5

26.9%

6938

24.4%

Toyota

Hilux

585

350

67.1

19.9%

4588

16.1%

Ford

528

231

128.6

18.0%

5090

17.9%

Ford

Ranger

482

184

162.0

16.4%

4355

15.3%

Holden

267

181

47.5

9.1%

2485

8.7%

Holden

Colorado

255

170

50.0

8.7%

2310

8.1%

Volkswagen

188

125

50.4

6.4%

1318

4.6%

Toyota

Hiace

197

199

-1.0

6.7%

2140

7.5%

Nissan

169

253

-33.2

5.8%

2635

9.3%

Nissan

Navara

169

247

-31.6

5.8%

2562

9.0%

Mitsubishi

148

115

28.7

5.0%

1916

6.7%

Mitsubishi

Triton

111

55

101.8

3.8%

1209

4.2%

Isuzu

118

95

24.2

4.0%

1437

5.0%

Mazda

BT-50

99

112

-11.6

3.4%

1190

4.2%

Mercedes-Benz

100

52

92.3

3.4%

507

1.8%

Volkswagen

Crafter

85

19

347.4

2.9%

306

1.1%

Mazda

99

112

-11.6

3.4%

1190

4.2%

Mercedes-Benz Sprinter

81

34

138.2

2.8%

366

1.3%

Mitsubishi Fuso

58

44

31.8

2.0%

475

1.7%

Isuzu

73

42

73.8

2.5%

758

2.7%

D-Max

Great Wall

54

66

-18.2

1.8%

746

2.6%

Volkswagen

Amarok

71

75

-5.3

2.4%

758

2.7%

Hino

50

48

4.2

1.7%

464

1.6%

Hyundai

iload

44

12

266.7

1.5%

521

1.8%

Hyundai

45

14

221.4

1.5%

558

2.0%

Ford

Transit

43

40

7.5

1.5%

661

2.3%

Man

40

8

400.0

1.4%

97

0.3%

Ssangyong

Actyon Sport

39

25

56.0

1.3%

413

1.5%

SsangYong

39

25

56.0

1.3%

413

1.5%

Great Wall

V240

37

47

-21.3

1.3%

511

1.8%

Fiat

33

24

37.5

1.1%

257

0.9%

Mitsubishi

L300

37

60

-38.3

1.3%

703

2.5%

Ud Trucks

26

11

136.4

0.9%

169

0.6%

Man

18.33

34

Daf

22

18

22.2

0.7%

203

0.7%

Fiat

Ducato

33

0 3400.0 24

37.5

1.2%

34

0.1%

1.1%

254

0.9%

Foton

21

0

2100.0

0.7%

146

0.5%

Mitsubishi Fuso Canter

29

20

45.0

1.0%

229

0.8%

Scania

15

11

36.4

0.5%

182

0.6%

Hino

26

20

30.0

0.9%

252

0.9%

Others

126

86

46.5

4.3%

1231

4.3%

Total

2935

2097

40.0

100.0%

28457

100.0%

Used Commercial Sales by Make - November 2013 Make

+/- %

Nov '13 Mkt Share

500

Others

405

362

11.9

13.8%

4337

15.2%

Total

2935

2097

40.0

100.0%

28457

100.0%

Used Commercial Sales by Model - November 2013

2013 2013 Full Year Mkt share

Nov '13

Nov '12

Make

Model

Toyota

271

145

86.9

43.6%

2537

45.9%

Toyota

Hiace

Nissan

130

54

140.7

20.9%

1264

22.8%

Nissan

Caravan

+/- %

Nov '13 Mkt Share

114

71.9

31.6%

1902

34.4%

15

300.0

9.7%

596

10.8%

Nov '13

Nov '12

196 60

2013 2013 Full Year Mkt share

Mazda

43

19

126.3

6.9%

285

5.2%

Nissan

Vanette

42

22

90.9

6.8%

417

7.5%

Isuzu

35

16

118.8

5.6%

232

4.2%

Mazda

Bongo

36

16

125.0

5.8%

228

4.1%

Fiat

33

9

266.7

5.3%

71

1.3%

Fiat

Ducato

32

8

300.0

5.2%

68

1.2%

Ford

23

16

43.8

3.7%

286

5.2%

Toyota

Dyna

26

12

116.7

4.2%

226

4.1%

Chevrolet

20

5

300.0

3.2%

123

2.2%

Toyota

Regius

21

10

110.0

3.4%

194

3.5%

Mitsubishi

15

14

7.1

2.4%

117

2.1%

Isuzu

Elf

14

9

55.6

2.3%

138

2.5%

Hino

9

12

-25.0

1.4%

134

2.4%

Nissan

Atlas

14

6

133.3

2.3%

117

2.1%

Daf

4

1

300.0

0.6%

24

0.4%

Ford

Transit

12

8

50.0

1.9%

147

2.7%

Renault

4

0

400.0

0.6%

18

0.3%

Toyota

Toyoace

12

3

300.0

1.9%

84

1.5%

Suzuki

4

1

300.0

0.6%

16

0.3%

Isuzu

Como

10

0 1000.0

1.6%

26

0.5%

Volkswagen

4

3

33.3

0.6%

46

0.8%

Isuzu

Forward

7

4

75.0

1.1%

47

0.8%

Gmc

3

3

0.0

0.5%

24

0.4%

Toyota

Hilux

7

2

250.0

1.1%

59

1.1%

Holden

3

4

-25.0

0.5%

72

1.3%

Mitsubishi

Canter

6

7

-14.3

1.0%

53

1.0%

Mercedes-Benz

3

6

-50.0

0.5%

49

0.9%

Nissan

Navara

6

8

-25.0

1.0%

95

1.7%

Peugeot

3

0

300.0

0.5%

13

0.2%

Toyota

Townace

6

1

500.0

1.0%

25

0.5%

Dodge

2

7

-71.4

0.3%

33

0.6%

Chevrolet

C10

4

0

400.0

0.6%

15

0.3%

Man

2

4

-50.0

0.3%

52

0.9%

Chevrolet

Pickup

4

0

400.0

0.6%

21

0.4%

Scania

2

2

0.0

0.3%

4

0.1%

Chevrolet

Silverado

4

3

33.3

0.6%

40

0.7%

8

13

-38.5

1.3%

132

2.4%

621

334

85.9

100.0%

5532

100.0%

Others Total

Others

102

86

18.6

16.4%

1034

18.7%

Total

621

334

85.9

100.0%

5532

100.0%

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dealer stock levels Dealer stock of new cars in New Zealand Variance

NEW CARS

2012

Imported

Dealer stock of imported used cars in New Zealand

Stock

Average Days sales per stock day - YTD at hand

SOLD

Stock estimate as at end of December 2011

12,984

USED IMPORTS

2012

Imported

Variance

SOLD

Total stock at the end of December 2011

Average Days sales per stock day - YTD at hand

Stock

8,579

Jan ‘12

5,026

7,499

(2,473)

10,511

242

43

Jan ‘12

3,191

6,375

(3,184)

5,395

206

26

Feb ‘12

7,368

5,633

1,735

12,246

223

55

Feb ‘12

4,920

6,000

(1,080)

4,315

210

21

Mar ‘12

7,228

6,499

729

12,975

218

59

Mar ‘12

6,504

6,429

75

4,390

209

21

Apr ‘12

6,285

5,430

855

13,830

209

66

Apr ‘12

6,613

5,877

736

5,126

206

25

May ‘12

7,742

5,942

1,800

15,630

205

76

May ‘12

7,693

6,793

900

6,026

208

29

Jun ‘12

8,870

7,142

1,728

17,358

211

82

Jun ‘12

6,947

6,184

763

6,789

208

33

Jul ‘12

7,894

6,208

1,686

19,044

209

91

Jul ‘12

5,335

6,641

(1,306)

5,483

209

26

Aug ‘12

8,589

5,959

2,630

21,674

207

105

Aug ‘12

5,540

6,621

(1,081)

4,402

210

21

Sep ‘12

6,828

6,637

191

21,865

209

105

Sep ‘12

5,506

6,222

(716)

3,686

209

18

Oct ‘12

8,155

7,336

819

22,684

211

107

Oct ‘12

5,688

6,867

(1,179)

2,507

211

12

Nov ‘12

8,953

6,484

2,469

25,153

212

119

Nov ‘12

8,486

7,183

1,303

3,810

213

18

26,867

211

128

Dec ‘12

3,105

215

14

Dec ‘12 YTD total

7,816

6,102

1,714

90,754

76,871

13,883 Stock

Variance

NEW CARS

2013

Imported

YTD total Days Average sales per stock day - YTD at hand

SOLD

Total stock at the end of December 2012

26,867

6,414

7,119

(705)

72,837

78,311

(5,474)

USED IMPORTS

2013

Imported

SOLD

Days Average sales per stock day - YTD at hand

Stock

Variance

Total stock at the end of December 2012

3105

Jan ‘13

5,355

7,385

(2,030)

24,837

238

104

Jan ‘13

4,468

7,397

(2,929)

176

239

Feb ‘13

7,027

5,799

1,228

26,065

223

117

Feb ‘13

8,247

6,922

1,325

1,501

243

6

Mar ‘13

6,329

6,800

(471)

25,594

222

115

Mar ‘13

8,852

7,581

1,271

2,772

243

11

Apr ‘13

7,391

5,908

1,483

27,077

216

125

Apr ‘13

10,539

7,418

3,121

5,893

244

24

May ‘13

7,429

6,347

1,082

28,159

214

132

May ‘13

10,967

8,460

2,507

8,400

250

34

Jun ‘13

8,051

7,542

509

28,668

220

130

Jun ‘13

8,089

7,862

227

8,627

252

34

Jul ‘13

8,423

6,769

1,654

30,322

220

138

Jul ‘13

8,623

9,629

(1,006)

7,621

261

29

Aug ‘13

11,065

6,828

4,237

34,559

220

157

Aug ‘13

8,635

8,648

(13)

7,608

263

29

Sep ‘13

7,006

7,272

(266)

34,293

222

154

Sep ‘13

7,501

7,615

(114)

7,494

262

29

Oct ‘13

9,362

7,962

1,400

35,693

226

158

Oct ‘13

10,374

8,545

1,829

9,323

263

35

Nov ‘13

9,591

7,453

2,138

37,831

228

166

Nov ‘13

11,184

9,360

1,824

11,147

268

42

Dec ‘13

-

-

-

-

-

-

Dec ‘13

-

-

-

-

-

-

87,029

76,065

10,964

97,479

89,437

8,042

83,125

2013 predicted sales

Days stock in NZ - Used Import Cars

180

180

160

160

140

140 Days of stock

2013

100 80 2012

100 80 60 2013

Dec

Nov

Oct

Sep

AUG

JUL

Jun

2012 May

Dec

Nov

Oct

Sep

AUG

JUL

0 Jun

0 May

20

APr

20

Mar

40

Feb

40

Feb

60

120

JAN

120

JAN

Days of stock

Days stock in NZ - New Cars

97,738

APr

2013 predicted sales

YTD total

Mar

YTD total

0.7

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