The National Government’s proposed emissions rule legislation has so upset the second-hand motor vehicle industry that they’re going to seek signatures for a petition nation-wide, using social media to make their point to the politicians.
One importer — Global Online Cars — is producing The Car Info Show for YouTube, and its promotional video asks National party politicians three questions about the consequences of the legislation. They are:
‘How do you think this new emission rule will clean up the quality of air in NZ and benefit the NZ public?’
‘Why are we not considering an annual ‘In service emission testing’ at WoF when there are 20 major cities up and down the country geared up with certified equipment and proven research ready to improve NZ’s quality of air?’
‘Stephen Joyce — will you be willing to accept responsibility for the expected increase in the price of cars?’
The Car Info Show is aimed at showcasing the progress of the motor vehicle industry in New Zealand over the past 30 years but host Chris Jellie’s main focus over the past six months has been on the downside of the Emissions Rule, and its subsequent inability to achieve its desired result.
Importers and second-hand dealers agree the Emissions Rule fails because it limits 85% of fresh imports from Japan, says Jellie, reducing the majority supply of fresh cars to New Zealand. And it includes all imports no matter the country of origin.
‘People are just going to hold onto their old, clapped-out hunks of junk’ he quotes Liam Graham of Wanganui Car Centre as saying, after pointing out over 95% of his stock would be banned by the Emissions Rule.
‘The Emissions Rule is going to make the air quality worse,’ said Jellie. ‘It’s just going to restrict fresh imports, push the prices of available imports up, and force the average New Zealander to keep their old, beaten cars because they can’t afford to upgrade.
‘These fresh imports are vital for New Zealand — we scrap 150,000 cars a year.” he said. “With the decrease of fresh imports proposed by the Emissions Rule, there just won’t be enough cars to fill demand.
‘You, the buyer, will be facing the stupid Emissions Rule. You won’t be able to buy these cars in these price ranges again’ was the view of Rod Milner, Rod Milner Motors, Auckland.
‘The average age of our national fleet is about to become older than 15 years,’ said Jellie. ‘NZTA’s own web site now states the average age a vehicle gets scrapped is 18. As a result the average price of cars, for the Kiwi family, is going to jump between $4000 and $10,000 because of the Emissions Rule.
‘So watch the “3 questions for the National Party” video and click on the petition after watching, to have your say New Zealand.” Jellie said.
The video link is The Emission Rule – Latest News – Government Ignores Proven Emission Test For NZ
