MTA Assurance Underpins New Law

MEDIA STATEMENT FROM
Motor Trade Association (MTA)

Monday 15 December 2003

MTA Assurance Underpins New Law

Car buyers are protected from today by the new Motor Vehicle Sales Act, which aims to prevent “back yard” trading and now covers car fairs and auction houses.

The Motor Trade Association (MTA) supports the new law but warns that because motor vehicle dealers are no longer required to be licensed or belong to an industry organisation, resolving consumers’ problems may be costly and time consuming.

“MTA members uphold standards and ethics. They have a strong customer focus and sound business ethics. Buying a vehicle from an MTA member is the best protection a consumer can get,” said MTA chief executive Stephen Matthews.

“In the unlikely event that a problem may occur with an MTA member, we have a free mediation line to quickly, effectively and fairly address customer concerns. The majority of calls are resolved amicably between MTA members and their customers, with fewer than two percent being referred to mediation,“ he said.

MTA is the only motor industry organisation offering such consumer assurance to both car buyers and members. MTA was established in 1917 and in July this year merged with the Motor Vehicle Dealers Institute (MVDI). It now represents more than 6,000 businesses in the motor industry.

“MTA has built a credible reputation over the past 85 years, based on providing motorists with professional service. We will continue to do so in the future,” Mr Matthews said.

(Supplied with digital photo of MTA Chief Executive Officer Stephen Matthews and Consumer Affairs Minister Judith Tizard who launched the new law today at Newmarket European, 381-383 Broadway, Auckland)

ENDS

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