The challenge of change

New warrant-of-fitness regulations are getting touch on vehicle emissions. Picture / Wairarapa Times Age

All of us who own a car, and those who are looking to buy, are facing major changes. It can feel as if matters are outside our control.

And yet we are told we all have an important part to play in achieving vehicle-emission-reduction targets, saving fossil fuels, and the like. We're also looking towards a future of biofuels and other more exotic options for moving ourselves around each day.

What will happen, and perhaps more importantly what the costs will be, is now coming into sharper focus as the Government makes announcements in various areas.

We can, therefore, make a start at highlighting the nature of some of this change.

What is the change to warrant-of-fitness testing that involves checking for visible smoke signs?

Since last Friday, all vehicles need to pass a visible-smoke check to get a warrant of fitness. This is seen as a practical first step to reducing vehicle emissions, which studies have indicated cause the deaths of 400 New Zealanders each year. If your vehicle fails this smoke test, it will need to be repaired before you drive it again. Any cost increase for the test itself will be minimal, if any, but the repairs may be costly.

Recent studies have shown 2 per cent of petrol vehicles tested emit visible smoke and estimates are that around this number will fail the new test.

Regular servicing is essential to ensure your vehicle is operating efficiently and not emitting smoke. Such engine tune-ups will vary in cost, depending on the history of your vehicle. Getting your vehicle serviced before the warrant is a good idea. Everyday fuel-cost savings will quickly write off your servicing costs.

Are more strict standards likely in the future?

There are a lot of dangerous vehicle emissions that are not visible to the naked eye. The latest vehicle models have a good range of technology to combat these, but older cars could come under more scrutiny with more sophisticated testing. Cost is a factor, because of equipment investment required, and the phasing-in of the vehicle technology that would make it redundant.

The Government has just announced it is looking at stopping the importation of older and cheaper used cars. Will this make cars much more expensive?

Not necessarily.

The Government has yet to determine the exact way it will approach restrictions but cleaner, more fuel-efficient cars will be the priority.

If older models are restricted, prices of equivalent newer models will be higher. However, demand is moving towards smaller cars, and to meet this importers are already bringing a larger proportion of smaller vehicles into the country. This will affect the way pricing moves and it is likely that good supply, combined with a growing preference for smaller vehicles, will help close the gap.

And don't be alarmed by having to think small. With better design, modern smaller cars can often have more passenger space than the big old favourite you now have.

You will save on everyday running costs and thus have lower overall operating costs.

But fuel prices have been coming down lately. Do I need to worry?

There is no doubt that we have a lot of fuel price increases to come, and already last week international prices were moving up again.

There is no doubt we have a high-cost future.

What about hybrids - are they the way to go?

Hybrids certainly are one of the ways of the future, and, depending on your motoring needs, the higher initial cost can be quickly offset by fuel savings. However, this initial price premium will be a handicap for some.

How can I save fuel in normal, day-to-day running?

Driving smoothly and avoiding irregular acceleration and short bursts of speed can reduce your driving costs by up to 30 per cent.

Gear selection is also critical - driving in a lower gear than you need wastes fuel.

Reduce idling time - if you are waiting, turn off your engine.

Air-conditioning systems can increase fuel usage by 5 to 10 per cent. Roll down the windows instead.

Make sure tyres are at recommended pressures. Avoid unnecessary short trips.

All this seems rather bleak. Is motoring going to lose its glamour and excitement?

Leading international motor companies have proved they can match and exceed customer expectations in varied and exciting ways, irrespective of the realities of market conditions.

With technology advancing every day, such as hybrid technology going into high-performance cars, we can be sure motor vehicles will meet the challenge of change, and remain a high-profile symbol of our aspirations.

With the highest density of car ownership in the world, New Zealanders have always had a love affair with cars.

The industry is confident that while our future may look different from today, it will certainly be exciting.

Whether New Zealanders realise it or not, KiwiSaver will start taking retirement savings out of their salaries from July 1 next year. Inland Revenue provides an update on the incoming scheme.