We are nearing the end of 2020, and for many of us, it couldn’t come soon enough…

COIVD has become a normal word in our daily vocabulary this year, and is in the main the reason for our business successes and failures. I have heard many customer accounts on how its been a struggle, those have decided its time to walk away from the industry, and those who have miraculously had record sales during various months. Its definitely been a mixed bag!

But its not over yet…

We are pleased to see shipping bookings rise again for December and January. Its pleasing to see signs or returning “normality” to the used import sector, however, the ‘lift’ has started right when we are going into the Christmas/New Year period, and NZ Ports are struggling with backlogs in general cargo. Its hard to get the “stars to align” sometimes, but I am sure this will be worked out as quickly as possible.

In order to help us help you, please take a look at the following checklist and ensure you have all that is needed completed as soon as possible for vehicles arriving mid-December through to the first week in January 2021:

  • Please ensure any arrears on your Autohub accounts are cleared, and payments required are made on or before ETA for vehicles arriving
  • Ensure you have made arrangements or payment as required in order to ensure you have an Agents Release in place so we can deliver vehicles as they arrive without any hold ups.
  • Please check with your compliance centres whether they are open or closed during the holiday break. If they are closed, please advise Autohub of an alternative delivery address – If you don’t, we will have to place them in secure storage at your cost as they cannot be left on port.
  • If you have ANY issues which may affect the points above, please contact us at customerservices@autohub.co.nz as soon as possible so that we may help you work out suitable solutions.

Hours of Operations during the Holidays….

Autohub NZ hours:

  • Closed December 24th midday
  • Open December 29th, 30th
  • Closed December 31st at midday
  • Open January 5th onwards

Dereg Courier services:

  • Last day deregs can be couriered from our office is Wednesday Dec 23rd.
  • Deregs can be collected only from our offices Dec 24th until midday, 29th, 30th, and 31st until midday.
  • Normal courier/collection services resume January 5th

Other points of interest…..

You will no doubt be aware that our PM has declared a “Climate Emergency”…. Lets look at how this WILL affect your business in the years to come.

VIA, the used imported vehicle industry association, and the major players in the used vehicle supply chains (including Autohub) have been aware the Government is looking to introduce what’s currently called the “Clean Car Standard” or CCS. Both VIA and MIA (the new car representative body) is engaged with officials and the Ministry (and the Minister of Transport Michael Wood) in discussing and negotiating how both new and used supply chains can comply with the targets being set, while minimising the impact on or industry. The CCS is essentially going to set CO2 grams per 100 kilometre targets, and (possibly) a feebate system for vehicles deemed to exceed, meet, or fail to meet these targets, with a ramping towards “0 CO2 emissions” by 2050 (which could change). You will no doubt hear a lot more about this next year as Government starts to ‘cement’ climate change policy in place for all industries.

End of Life/Recycling/Product ‘stewardship’ – This isn’t a high profile topic right now, but rest assured, its being looked at. Government is particularly concerned about how old worn out tyres are being disposed of, and any policy it may bring in to address improper disposal may be rolled out to cover batteries, and total vehicles. Without going into details, such a move will result in more cost through importation levies. We will keep an eye on this and advise should there be any Government progress on it.

A big Thank You….

Autohub wishes to thank you all for your support throughout the year, and in advance for next year. 2020 has definitely been a year none of us will forget, and we are sure to see a better 2021 onwards.

Please enjoy time off with friends, family, and loved ones and keep safe on the roads, or how and wherever your travels take you.

Team Autohub.