VIA pulls plug on Clean Car support

Imported used vehicle industry group VIA says it is withdrawing support for the government’s Clean Car programme, citing ongoing “failure in the implementation” of the Clean Car Discount as the driver behind the move.

EVs and Beyond understands there had long been tension between VIA and some members over its support, with issues about how the programme has been run piling more pressure on the decision.

The Motor Industry Association, which represents dealers of new cars, pulled partial support for the plan in September 2021.

In a statement, VIA noted it continues to support the stated goal of the Clean Car efforts “to reduce carbon emissions and incentivise the transition to a carbon neutral transport system”.

However, the system itself was not appropriate for our supply chain, it claims.

“The programme was not appropriate for our unique supply dynamic, and we would have preferred to work with government to develop a scheme that was suitable to New Zealand,” VIA explains. “Unfortunately, that option was denied to us, so we did our best to contribute to the Clean Car programme – providing feedback and suggestions to mould it for the New Zealand context.

“In the end, we were satisfied that, while not perfect, the Clean Car programme would positively contribute toward the stated goals at a cost the industry could endure.”

VIA notes, however, that there has since been a multitude of design changes and failures, both fundamental and superficial, to the Clean Car programme that were not consulted on and only became apparent as the programme was implemented.

“These changes are creating conditions that VIA simply cannot support,” it says.

“While some of the issues might seem minor or insignificant, and others are legacy biases, the cumulation of these changes in combination with aspects of the programme we have always opposed, is contributing to unfair market conditions, increased costs to consumers and industry, decreasing public trust in parallel imports, and decreased efficacy of the programme.

“We expect these issues be further aggravated by the implementation of the Clean Car Standard.”

VIA adds: “Other failures of implementation, such as the ongoing issues with the supply and acceptance of vehicle data, are such a large concern that they alone warrant and justify our cessation of support for the programme.”

It asks for the standard to be delayed.

“It is VIA’s strong recommendation that the implementation of the Clean Car Standard be delayed until the existing flaws in the Clean Car Discount are addressed,” it says in the statement.

“Failure to heed VIA’s recommendation will further exacerbate the current issues by the extension of the issues into the Clean Car Standard. This does not even consider the potential of compounding the issues with poor Clean Car Standard design and implementation choices, known and unknown.”

It goes further, alleging the government is using what VIA claims is incomplete data.

“The government is misleading the public by using incomplete data, resulting in unfair penalties being charged. This has been termed ‘carbon theft’ by the industry. The public may not be aware they are being cheated, but VIA has access to accurate and comprehensive vehicle data, and we can correctly identify vehicles; we are well informed on the correct penalties and credits.”

Transport minister Michael Wood has been contacted regarding VIA’s withdrawal.