Codes of Practice

Recalls - NZ New

Vehicle manufacturers take safety very seriously with all companies having robust procedures to undertake recalls if a safety related fault is found in a vehicle model. As the official representatives of a vehicle marque, MIA members carry out safety related recall campaigns which involve:

1. Identifying the vehicles in which the fault may occur (note that with the vast majority of safety recall campaigns actual failure rates are extremely low);
2. with the help of NZTA, getting the updated records of the registered owners; and
3. contacting these vehicle owners to have the vehicle inspected and repaired (all free of charge) at the nearest franchise dealership.

Since 1997, the MIA has had a Code of Practice in operation that members are obliged to follow when undertaking a safety related recall. This Code represents the minimum requirements that members must follow in the event of a safety recall campaign being undertaken on a New Zealand new vehicle that they have imported and sold.

Recalls - Used

The vast majority of used imported vehicles are imported by other than the official representative of the vehicle brand. As such the importer (and/or the trader who sold the vehicle) is legally responsible for ensuring that the vehicle is safe and therefore responsible for all safety related recalls and all costs associated with the repair of used vehicles that they have imported.

However the MIA member as the representative of the vehicle manufacturer in New Zealand is prepared to carry out rectification to vehicles imported into New Zealand as a used vehicle by a third party in some circumstances, as set out in the Motor Industry Association’s Code of Conduct relating to safety related recalls for used imported vehicles, dated June 2005, which you can download below.

Owners of used imported vehicles should note that the Code represents the minimum standard that MIA members will meet in conjunction with the vehicle manufacturer. If a vehicle (New Zealand new or a used import) is affected by a safety related recall campaign, the MIA member or NZTA will make direct contact with the registered owner asking that the vehicle be taken to a franchise dealer for repair.

The Motor Industry Association’s Code of Conduct relating to safety related recalls for used imported vehicles can be downloaded below:

Collision Repairs

Vehicle Crash Repair Information

Car owners can make a choice of where they choose to have their vehicle serviced or repaired but they need to look closely at the varying level of service provided by different repairers.

The authorised dealer networks commit to cover all aspects for their supported brands to ensure any repair work is performed correctly and with appropriate integrity.  This includes:

1. Access to the correct technical information The brands work closely with their dealer network and support them to ensure the network has the correct technical information.

2. Investment in tools and equipment Authorised dealers must invest in the necessary tools and equipment to service and repair cars to the manufacturer’s schedules and specifications.

3. Investment in training Similarly, workshops need to invest in the training of their technicians on the new products and new technology being introduced into the market.

4. Commitment to use genuine parts To ensure the car or motorcycle continues to perform to the original specifications and levels of safety, genuine parts should be used in any repair or maintenance. This is especially critical for many safety components where several non-genuine or counterfeit parts have shown inferior performance. The brands have developed support systems for the supply of genuine parts to authorised dealers.

Downloadable documents

In July 2014, the MIA adopted a Code of Practice for access to service repair information for motor vehicles. You can download this below.

You can also download a summary of where to find technical information relating to body and crash repairs for various motor vehicle brands.

Recycling of Traction Batteries

Motor Industry Association of New Zealand (Inc.) (MIA) member companies recognise the benefits of new technologies and fuels that will provide for significant reductions in the operating emissions of road vehicles in New Zealand. MIA members are cognisant of the responsibility to provide for the maximum level of recycling with minimal levels of land fill from vehicles and components at the end of their life.

With the introduction of fully and partially battery powered vehicles (EV/PHEV), combined with the increased availability of Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEV) the MIA supports an industry code of conduct addressing the end of life treatment of traction battery components to ensure minimal environmental impact from traction battery disposal.  The code, which you can download below, was adopted by the MIA in September 2014.

Defining a LAMS Motorcycle

The Learner Approved Motorcycle Scheme (LAMS) identifies motorcycles that are considered suitable for riders on a Class 6 (motorcycle) learner or restricted licence. The scheme moved away from the previous regime of applying restrictions based on engine capacity alone to applying restrictions based on the overall performance capability of the motorcycle.

Motor Industry Association of New Zealand (Inc.) (MIA) member companies recognise the benefits of ensuring the integrity of defining and managing sales of new LAMS motorcycles.  This code is aimed at ensuring members of the Association provide detailed information to the NZTA on which of their models, as they are introduced to the market, complies with the LAMS requirements. 

The NZTA uses the information provided by distributors to ensure compliance is maintained and to keep up to date a comprehensive list of approved motorcycle models available in New Zealand on the their (NZTA) website.  

Safety Design Standards for ATVs and ROVs

Construction of ATVs, ROVs and UTVs fit for purpose and built to high standards is important for safe recreational and business/farming use. Not all vehicles are designed and built to appropriately safe standards.

As the franchised importers of new ATVs, ROVs and UTVs distributed in New Zealand, it is the intent of all Motor Industry Association members to ensure that the vehicles they distribute meet or exceed internationally recognised standards for design and safety. The Code of Practice below specifies these standards. Members have voluntarily restricted the importation of ATVs ROVs and UTVs to only those that meet the standards specified in this code of practice.