“A really open mind” – Vinsen on ITS

This story first appeared in the December issue of EVtalk – CLICK HERE to download the magazine FREE

Huge change is coming, new Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) New Zealand board chairman David Vinsen says.

“There will be a series of tipping points. We don’t know what the full impact will be on New Zealand when it happens. It might happen more quickly than anyone thinks.”

The Imported Motor Vehicle Industry Association (VIA) chief executive, Vinsen has more than 40 years’ automotive industry experience and says New Zealand’s fleet has a unique make-up with so many new vehicles that will have some impact on EV uptake.

Then there’s the possibility of retrofitting EVs “quite cheaply”, Vinsen says.
“We have a really open mind what might happen. We’re just trying to understand the possibilities.”

ITS has to be careful that it’s not just talking to people with similar views, he says.
His extensive governance experience is considered invaluable for driving the organisation’s commitment to advocate for transport technology solutions which save lives and make transport more sustainable and efficient.

He also brings extensive connections to the vehicle industry.

“I’m very pleased to have the unanimous support of the board to lead this exciting organisation,” he says.

“I feel that my experience in governance and understanding of the vehicle supply chain complements the other board members which represent the varied aspects of the ITS eco-system.”

Vinsen says a disruption of transport is underway, led by innovators creating solutions designed to enhance the experience of transport users and operators.

“New Zealand is not immune to some of the challenges this transformation may create.”
The “overwhelmingly positive” feedback from members returning from the recent ITS World Congress in Montreal is encouraging, he says.
“New Zealand is leading the world. We have a supportive and forward-looking transport ministry, progressive national and regional governments and New Zealand has fewer regulatory and operational obstacles that will set back the benefits of emerging technology.
“That is particularly advantageous for local innovators, and international companies looking for a test bed.”

Vinsen has been VIA chief executive since 2003. The association represents the interests of the businesses involved in importing, preparing, wholesaling and retailing most of the used vehicles imported from Japan, Singapore and other jurisdictions.

VIA members include importers, wholesalers, Japanese auction companies and exporters, shipping companies, New Zealand government-contracted inspection agencies, ports companies, compliance shops and other service providers to the trade.

Vinsen’s industry experience ranges from retail sales in family-owned businesses through to being the founding chief executive of an international e-commerce auction company.
He is a past president of the Motor Vehicle Dealers Institute and was the longest-serving trustee of its statutory fidelity fund.

Vinsen has recently been appointed to the Government’s Electric Vehicles Leadership Group and chairs the Parnell Community Trust, a not-for-profit service organisation with more than 80 staff.

VIA’s policy analyst Kit Wilkerson already represents New Zealand in various international transport technology forums. However, Vinsen is the only board member drawn from the vehicle trade.

“Through our increased involvement with ITS New Zealand, we aim to improve our understanding of the coming disruptions to our industry and the challenges and opportunities that these will bring,” Vinsen says.

ITS encompasses the emerging technologies of autonomous vehicles (AVs), shared mobility and mobility as a service (MaaS) and technology systems and infrastructure that help monitor, manage and collect data across all transport modes.

HMI Technologies Group founder and chairman Mohammed Hikmet has been re-confirmed as ITSNZ’s president and continues to lead international activities as New Zealand’s representative on the ITS Asia-Pacific Board and the ITS World Congress organising committee.

ITS New Zealand provides leadership in the promotion, development and facilitation of ITS in New Zealand to achieve a sustainable, effective, efficient, safe and environmentally friendly transportation system.

It holds informative and educational events and supports New Zealand organisations to build international relationships that benefit the country.

The new board is focused on developing its forward events schedule and business plan.
Events it arranges feature leading international and local experts, with the organisation hoping to inspire, educate and generate informed discussion.

Upcoming events feature analysts from the International Transport Forum, a Dutch transport futurist and the head of ITS Norway.

Board members include vice-president Andrew Gurr (Fusion Networks), Deryk Whyte (DWG Consulting), Mike Rudge (Stantec), Stephen Hewett (Beca), Lee McKenzie (Ministry of Transport), Blair Monk (Aurecon) and Peter Filbey (Auckland Transport).

Visit ITSNZ.org

for more information.