Differing views on Clean Car consultation, MIA ‘invites’ new distributors

Recent consultation between Transport Minister Simeon Brown and key trade associations regarding changes to the Clean Car Standard has triggered differing opinions from those inside the Wellington inner circle, and those it would seem who are outside of it.

AutoTalk reported earlier this month that the minister had introduced legislation that would make it easier for the Government to change targets within the Clean Car scheme without going back through a full legislative process.

The bill was entered into Parliament in the wake of the budget and came after consultation with the usual round of trade associations – the Motor Industry Association (MIA), VIA, and the Motor Trade Association (MTA).

The bill was entered into Parliament in the wake of the budget and came after consultation with the usual round of trade associations – the Motor Industry Association (MIA), VIA, and the Motor Trade Association (MTA).

However, Tesla New Zealand’s country director, Thom Drew, has complained in a submission to the minister that Brown had chosen to “handpick allies of the current government”.

He says the organisations consulted exclude stakeholders who advocate for sustainable transport.

Tesla – which Drew leads from Australia – is not a member of the Motor Industry Association, which includes virtually every other brand, including EV-focused operators such as BYD, Polestar, MG, and others.

MIA chief executive Aimee Wiley says from their perspective the consultation process has been well handled.

“From an MIA perspective, collaboration and engagement with officials, the minister and other industry associations on the CCS review has been the best experience to date,” Wiley says.

Go to AutoTalk for more on this story.