Climate Commission report welcomed with caution

The Motor Industry Association has welcomed the Climate Change Commission’s draft report into required pathways to reduce New Zealand’s greenhouse gas emissions – but warns New Zealand may not have the market weight to call for bans.

“The MIA has stated on many occasions that we support well thought out and constructive policies that will lead to an increased rate in the reduction of CO2 emissions from New Zealand’s vehicle fleet,” the MIA’s response statement, sent by chief executive David Crawford, says.

“None of the policies suggested by the Climate Change Commission are unexpected other than the timelines for EV uptake and banning pure petrol or diesel vehicles.”

“The task required to decarbonise our transport is monumental. In 2020 sales of vehicles with any form of electrification (hybrid, plug-in hybrid and fully electric) accounted for just 9.2% of our sales with non-plugin hybrid vehicles accounting for most of that (7.3%). Worldwide production of pure electric vehicles is still a fraction of annual vehicle manufacturing.”

“There needs to be a quantum shift in the availability of low emission vehicles, including hydrogen, if we stand any chance of getting close to the targets the commission says are necessary,” it explains.

“The New Zealand market is too small for us to dictate to manufactures what they build for us. We cannot lead the world on ICE bans, but we can be a fast follower. We need policies that leverage worldwide available technology.”