The first step in Electronic Stability Control being mandatory took place yesterday – with most new vehicles now required to have the technology.
As of Wednesday, all new cars, vans, four-wheel drives and goods vehicles imported into New Zealand are required to have ESC.
For the transport industry the rule applies to light vans and utes – but not MD class vehicles.
Key for the trade was landing, clearing a pre delivery inspection and having a warrant issued on non-ESC vehicles, a number of which are being stockpiled.
One told AutoTalk they have 200 units of a non-ESC fitted commercial on hand.
The implementation to the new market has been controversial, with New Zealand ahead of Australia on requiring the tech on all vehicles.
The next step in implementation will be the need for the technology to be fitted to used import SUVs from next March.
The schedule is:
• all new class MA, MB, MC and NA light passenger and goods vehicles certified for entry into service from 1 July 2015
• used class MC vehicles (four-wheel-drive SUVs and off-road vehicles) inspected at the border from 1 March 2016
• used class MA vehicles (passenger cars) with engine capacity greater than 2 litres inspected at the border from 1 March 2018
• all other used class MA, MB and NA light passenger and goods vehicles inspected at the border from 1 March 2020
