| The importation of used diesel trucks into New Zealand has been strangled over the past two years by strict exhaust emission rules.
This is now having a serious affect on rural economies and smaller trucking businesses, claims the Imported Motor Vehicle Industry Association.
"Trucks that would have been replaced are being refurbished and kept on the road because there are no replacements at an affordable cost," says David Vinsen of the IMVIA.
More than 5353 used import trucks were imported in 2007. In 2008 this figure plummeted to 3378 and last year to a mere 760 as the emission rules - not just the recession - took hold. |
