IMVDA and the media get it wrong

IMVDA and the media get it wrong

The Independent Motor Vehicle Dealers’ Association has put a totally misleading slant on NIWA research into motor vehicle pollution levels, and the media has taken the bait.

The research was carried out in 2003 by the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research on behalf of the Auckland Regional Council, and found that some older cars that were originally sold new in New Zealand produced higher levels of pollution than used imports. This was an expected outcome because back in the early 90’s catalytic converters were mandatory in the Japanese domestic market but were just starting to make their appearance on cars sold new in New Zealand.

“The IMVDA, through its chief executive David Vinsen, has used this information to blatantly, mischeviously and incorrectly suggest that new cars are still being sold in New Zealand with inferior emission levels to the average used import,” said Perry Kerr, CEO of the Motor Industry Association. “Such a suggestion is utter nonsense, the IMVDA knows it, and the media should have enough imagination to question such ludicrous statements before bursting into print,” he said.

The NIWA research analysed the pollution levels between cars of different ages, and found that the average eight year old car produces two and a half times as much hydrocarbon and over five times as much nitrous oxide as the average new car.

“The new car industry stopped importing or assembling eight year old cars eight years ago, yet this is the average age of the cars imported by the IMVDA’s members,” said Mr. Kerr. “All new cars sold in New Zealand now meet the current emission regulations of Japan, Australia or the EU, all of which are much more stringent than those applying in Japan eight years ago.”

“It’s the used vehicle industry that is guilty of subjecting New Zealanders to the pollution caused by outdated and worn-out technology and Mr. Vinsen is being totally irresponsible in twisting the NIWA findings in the way that he has,” concluded Mr. Kerr.

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