The Australian Imported Motor Vehicle Industry Association (AIMVIA) is positive about changes coming for the used imports market.
AIMVIA vice-president Kristian Appelt told members at this week’s annual general meeting there are a number of viable options available to used import dealer businesses under the impending Specialist Enthusiast Vehicle Scheme (SEVS), which comes into effect next year.
“There are multiple little wins in the SEVS legislation, even if it doesn’t seem like it on the face of it,” Appelt says.
“Some of the changes, many of which were unexpected to some extent, will give our member businesses a chance to adapt and prepare to evolve,” he explains.
Appelt says AIMVIA has had a number of concessions made thanks to its work in Canberra, which will see a variety of potential new models available to consumers.
“We’re meeting with a lot of government departments to see policy changes that will make the industry a fair playing field to do business,” he says.
“When the rules change, as of next year many vehicles once unavailable will be allowed.”
AIMVIA says vehicles built from 1989 to 1994 will become eligible under the new 25-year rule, which was previously pre-1989 only, effectively blocking anything late-model.
“This means a boost in early-90s and more modern-classic cars will be available, particularly from Japan, but also the UK, Europe and the US,” Appelt says.
Vehicles set to become a genuine import commodity for dealers and consumers include icons like the original Honda NSX, Mitsubishi Lancer Evo models and the Lancia Delta Integrale – all once barred from coming to the land Down Under.
The new SEVS legislation stipulates only one out of six criteria will need to be satisfied in order to be waved through.
Under the power-to-weight rule, vehicles like the BMW M5 V10 will comply with the 110kw/tonne rule.
The environmental rule means hybrid versions of the Toyota C-HR not available in Australia, will be granted, as well Renault Zoe, Nissan NV200 vans and first-generation Leaf, Honda Civic and CRZ hybrids and Mitsubishi i-Miev will be allowed.
Mobility criteria will mean something like a Nissan Cube Welcab and Toyota Sienta Welcab can be brought in to aid those in need, and the Left-Hand Drive criteria means cars built for those on the wrong side of the road – but never sold new in Australia – can be converted and driven in Australia, compliance pending. This includes Cadillacs, Lincolns and Dodges.
The motorhome rule means anything designed from the ground-up as a recreational vehicle by an OEM like a Volkswagen California can be brought in; or a non-specific RV given substantial modifications in Australia.
And lastly, the rarity criteria means consumers can bring in a vehicle is the OEM is building no more than 3000 units annually, 100 models annually, or 100 variants annually. Welcome to Australia, LaFerrari, Bugatti Chiron, McLaren P1, the Ford GT, and anything from Koenigsegg.
Appelt says the rarity criteria is unprecedented import approval for Australia’s automotive enthusiast.
“This is the first time state governments will be collecting late-model, left-hand drive stamp duty,” he says with a smile.
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