The Low Volume Vehicle Technical Association has released a comprehensive explanation of how the government’s proposed Clean Car Standard legislation will change things for New Zealand’s modified car community. The answer, it seems, is not much at all. A least for now.
The standard is designed to reduce emissions averages across the industry landscape, from new car distributors to importers and dealers. While most have welcomed the standard’s mission, it’s copped questions from industry over a range of elements — from the short run-up to its full roll-out in 2025, to the lack of a ‘feebate’-style scheme to subsidise low-emission vehicle prices.
“For those of us into enthusiast vehicles (meaning old, classic, historic, special interest, or scratch-built vehicles), there’s absolutely nothing to worry about,” says LVVTA CEO Tony Johnson.
“LVVTA, along with many other industry and enthusiast groups like the AA, Motor Trade Association, Motor Industry Association, Federation of Motoring clubs, The Vintage Car Club of NZ, NZ Hot Rod Association, and others, have an excellent relationship with the Ministry of Transport. As a result of that very good and long-standing relationship, the Ministry has no intention whatsoever to adversely affect our old car hobby.
“LVVTA has worked very hard over the past 30 years to make our regulators aware of the need to make concessions for the enthusiast sector, and these concessions have always been applied. […] Because of this good relationship, and their high level of awareness of us, the Government has traditionally made provision that vehicles over 20 years old don’t have to meet those rules.”
Johnson details that there will be some extra hurdles to jump for those interested in modern cars, namely in the form of carbon offset ‘taxes’ added for suppliers of said cars that enthusiasts will fork out for at the dealership — $25 of extra cost for every gram over the desired CO2 average. It estimates that a V8-powered Holden Commodore SS-V will net a charge of about $4000.
While the LVVTA’s general message is one of positivity, the group also appears determined to make sure that no further tweaks to the standard are made to implicate the modifed car community and enthusiasts further. To do this it’s engaging with other car clubs and groups, and taking these learnings back to the government.
“LVVTA is currently engaging with the Federation of Motoring clubs, The Vintage Car Club of NZ, and the NZ Hot Rod Association to provide some co-ordinated assistance to the Ministry,” Johnson adds.
“The intention of the four groups who are working together is to collectively assist the Ministry in determining how best the various vehicle types should be defined, so that the exemptions provided in the new Clean Car Standard will enable the Government to achieve its objective of improving the overall fleet, however without compromising the ability of our very small enthusiast sector to continue to enjoy the enthusiast car hobby.
“As this work continues, and the details are properly nailed down, I’ll update you on how this part of the Clean Car Standard – the outcome of which will be near and dear to the hearts of all vehicle enthusiasts – finally rolls out.
“The Government is well aware that we exist, and has no intention whatsoever of adversely impacting our hobby. Original or modified classic vehicles, vintage and veteran vehicles, historic vehicles, special interest vehicles, and scratch-built vehicles will not be affected by the new Clean Car Standard.”
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