KEY POINTS:
The compulsory microdotting of cars has hit the skids as the motor industry takes its fight against the plan to court.
Under the proposed Government scheme all new and used vehicles imported to New Zealand would be covered in microdots, each showing a number by which the vehicle can be identified as a measure against theft.
When the scheme was announced last year it came under fire from parts of the motor industry.
Hyundai New Zealand executive director Philip Eustace said the initiative was another cumbersome, costly and unnecessary regulation which would push up prices for consumers.
Motor Industry Association (MIA) chief executive Perry Kerr said yesterday the association was pleased it would have an opportunity to present its case in court.
There was no solid evidence microdots would have other than a minimal effect on the rate at which vehicles were stolen. "The only beneficiaries of this clumsy and expensive process will be the suppliers of microdots."
Better anti-theft measures, such as immobilisers, were available, especially as police statistics showed most stolen cars were taking for joyriding rather than resale.
"If there was a real benefit the insurance industry would be driving the issue, but the vehicles that already have the additional protection [of microdots] get no recognition in the form of reduced premiums, so the insurance industry clearly doesn't see it as significantly reducing the incidence of theft."
The Government did not oppose the MIA's application for the injunction.
- NZPA
