MITO bosses tell Autofile what its priorities and challenges are now the training organisation is under industry ownership, with getting more learners into automotive careers and keeping them up to da
April issue out now
MITO bosses tell Autofile what its priorities and challenges are now the training organisation is under industry ownership, with getting more learners into automotive careers and keeping them up to date with changing technology being two areas of focus.
The cost of shipping is set to be impacted as global oil prices fluctuate in response to the Middle East conflict. Roll-on, roll-off schedules have mostly been confirmed, “but the kicker will be the fuel costs”, warns Greig Epps, VIA’s chief executive. By March 25, bunker prices were about double what they were in late February.
Some marques are struggling to keep up with the surge in demand for new electric cars and are expected to take months to rebalance their stock levels. Aimee Wiley, MIA’s CEO, says some dealerships have been unable to adjust EV supply at the same pace as consumer interest booms amid rocketing fossil-fuel prices.
Big year-on-year jumps for electric sales in March – new BEVs up by 284.9%, new PHEVs +274%, used-imported BEVs +373.1% and used-imported PHEVs +86.4%. Autofile brings you in-depth industry statistics at the start of the reporting period – not when the month’s almost over.
A company providing car-industry services warns new-vehicle sales across the Tasman could drop if emissions rules create supply gaps. “Australia might see an influx of used parallel imports similar to what happened when New Zealand opened its market.”
Todd Hunter, CEO of Turners Automotive Group, explains why industry associations matter more than ever. Find out why he believes “the value of credible representation has never been greater”.
• Natasha Callister, of Women in Automotive, explains why workforce capability is where strategy succeeds or stalls.
• In a digital market, conquest is about influencing earlier, building smarter audiences and aligning marketing with growth objectives. Advice for dealers with AdTorque Edge NZ’s James Hendry.
• ANCAP describes its revamped criteria as a notable update to strengthen how it evaluates vehicles. Plus: Its inaugural comparisons of big pick-ups and crash-avoidance systems.
• The NZTA has updated the ratings of used vehicles on Rightcar with the overall safety of the light fleet jumping by more than 50 per cent.
• GWM has made three big appointments as part of its strategy for the marque on both sides of the Tasman. Plus: industry movers.
• VIA’s Kit Wilkerson says it’s time to rethink the rules for imports with used cars being “the main mechanism for mass-market fleet renewal”.
Plus: Audi, BMW, Toyota and Mercedes-Benz franchise awards, Kiwi Matt Payne gunning for V8s glory and the latest industry statistics.
Autofile: bringing you in-depth, intelligent insight on big issues, such as the Middle East conflict, and how they affect the industry – in print in addition to online.
