Hi crew have just recieved this from prestige motor sport just thought you might be interested A Media Release today by the Minister for Local Government, Territories and Roads, the HON. JIM LLOYD MP, spells the effective death of the 15 year rule as we know it. This is reproduced below for your information. In essence, from today 7th Feb 2005, only 1988 and older vehicles can be imported under the 15 year rule. This will be gradually increased to 30 years over time. All other vehicles for road use must be imported under SEVS. Anyone who can prove a financial commitment to a 1989 or 1990 vehicle prior to today's announcement will be exempted from the changes and will still be entitled to an Import Approval once the vehicle is 15 years old. The statement mentions "a level playing field", obviously to the Australian Govt. this involves sheltering our small and uneconomical local market from imports by grossly and unfairly restricting what is allowed in after conducting limited community / industry consultation. Not sure what happened to free trade or a fair go in this case. And this is after setting up SEVS as a means to control the import numbers of a restricted selection of vehicles, leading to less consumer choice and much higher prices. If you have any comments about the changes please direct these to the contact points shown at the end of the statement. --------------------------------- L11/05 Monday February 7 2005 MINISTER ANNOUNCES CLOSURE OF CAR IMPORT LOOPHOLE A plan to tighten Australia's vehicle importation laws that will reinforce motor vehicle safety and emission standards was announced today by the Minister for Local Government, Territories and Roads, Jim Lloyd. "The Government is closing a loophole that has enabled mainstream cars over 15 years of age to be imported in commercial quantities, and not subjected to safety and emission certification," Mr Lloyd said. "Importers of these cars were using an exemption that allows hobbyists and enthusiasts to import classic and historic cars. This exemption exists as these vehicles generally perform low mileages and are limited in numbers, and therefore represent a minimal risk to overall Australian vehicle and safety goals. "Without such an exemption, the private importation of these types of older, collectible cars would become uneconomic. "The closure of this loophole will only apply to those vehicles which do not fit in the classic and historic category, thus preserving the ability of hobbyists and enthusiasts to obtain older classic cars and historic vehicles." Mr Lloyd said a transitional arrangement would be provided for other vehicle importers who had current commitments to bring in vehicles under the old rule. "The changeover is being introduced gradually, to allow importers and consumers time to react to the revised focus of the exemption," Mr Lloyd said. Under the new rule: Vehicles manufactured before 1 January 1989 may be imported without restriction. Vehicles built during 1989 (or later) will need to qualify under the Registered Automotive Workshop Scheme (RAWS) and will need to be certified as complying with Australian Design Rules (applicable at the date of manufacture). To qualify under RAWS, vehicle models must meet the specialist and enthusiast criteria. The buffer period (between collectible vehicles and mainstream vehicles) will be gradually extended over time - up to a maximum of 30 years. A transitional arrangement will also be established. Those importers who have already made a financial commitment before today on a vehicle manufactured in 1990 intended for future import, will be allowed to bring the vehicle into the country under the old rule up to the end of December 2005. "This new rule will re-instate a `level playing field' within the industry. Vehicles supplied to the same market will be subject to the same regulatory environment, substantially reducing cost pressures on mainstream businesses," Mr Lloyd said. Media inquiries: Mr Lloyd's office: Fiona Telford 02 6277 7060 Technical inquiries: Department of Transport and Regional Services: Justin Bryan 02 6274 7426 ---------------------------------
What about the little guy ? What does this mean for me ? I was planning to buy a 300 by the middle of the year, so what now ? Any ideas as to how much importing a 2+2 NA under SEVS would be (if at all) .... I really didn't want to hear this. Maybe if I close my eyes that letter will dissapear ... . . . Damn .. :thumbsdown:
there are plenty of zeds for sale in australia.... all you have to do is look around, ask people on thsi forum and you'll find plenty of zeds for sale. I imported my zed, but if i had to get another one, i would only buy locally. Cheers P.s You cant import a 2+2 NA as they were sold in australia. So you should have no trouble finding one.
Yes it's sad for the 300ZX Community There will be fewer Zeds on the road than otherwise would have been, Prices will go up - OK if you have a Zed, The community, and therefore experience will be less in this country, The association size in Australia will be limited, bugger!!! cheers, Peter
Not really a worry .... is it .... 'cept for those without a Zed? Surely this makes our Zeds more 'collectible', possibly more valuable over time?
I'm happy about the collectible and valuable bit but feel sorry for those who are now not going to experience the magnificance of owning such a fine machine.
Your'e Right ... but ... and please don't take this as paying out - I'm just pissed at DOTARS .... I enjoyed the atmosphere at Gilgandra and the Snowy Mountains Cruise, heaps! With less Zeds there's a risk to these in the future. If I had bought my Zed(s) purely for investment, I would be on top of the moon, but I didn't. I bought them as a car enthusiast, and as a member of the association? So, Yes, this decision enhances my hip pocket, but at the expense of a stronger 300Z community in Aust. Just my humble opinion. cheers, Peter
Thats cool peter i respect that. i didn't mean to sound like i only bought my Z for investment purposes, i love my zed and in no way shape or form would i ever sell it. I too love the Zed community and gatherings. Sorry if i upset you.
WooHoo !!! This may mean the value of our Zeds may finally stablise instead of continually falling like a drunken bum, it may also mean that our beloved Zeds will be harder for the young Kamikaze pilots to get a hold of. I'm sorry to our younger members out there but I really am stoked with that news. Cheers ENuffZ
Does anybody else see this as a possible the banning of older cars for the reasons of "safety and environment". Todays cars are only now just catching up with what the Z had 15 years ago. What with the "Anti Hoon laws", the bullshit road rules/speeds and now this, we must be the new terrorists Howard and Bush are going after!
Aus delivered ... True, but how hard will it be to find one that's totally stock and with low mileage ? Regardless, I still can't see how limiting 15 year imports is going to help. If anything, allowing even older cars to come in is hypocritical at best, as their emmisions standards will be even worse .... :angry:
you bloody beauty! sorry to those who don't already have a zed, but on a more selfish note, that's great news. It was really looking like they were going to become almost valueless and ghetto like some other cars (cou-silvia-gh), now this will ensure they stay somewhat valuable, which is important to me, even though I have no plans to sell.
You will find plenty..... of stock cars in australia. Not everyone is into modding. I know of heaps of stock zeds on this forum and they are some of the nicest i've seen. As for mileage, are you saying that you'd prefer an import??? considering that most imports have their clocks wound back, i would prefer an aussie zed with a higher mileage. At least I know its real.. The 15 year old rule has been abolished to stop the massive amount of imported cars from hitting our shores in plague proportions and affecting the local market. I dont totally disagree with this, as all you ever see on the roads these days is skylines and silvia's. I dont want these cars banned, but i think some sort of regulation should be imposed. Also, the fact that you always see imported cars on the news involved in fatal street drag racinghasnt helped the cause. Personally, I dont think P platers should be able to drive a turboed skyline, zed or any high powered car, and perhaps getting rid of the 15 year old rule will stop the influx of these pocket rockets in young hands.... I'm sure i'll get flamed for that last comment, but thats my opinion and i'll stick buy it... Cheers
I agree, the amount of money you pay for such collector items at the moment is peanuts to say the least. I think its time for the prices to reflect the true value of these superb machines. On the other hand, I'm so glad I already own one!!:zlove::zlove::zlove::zlove:
Big brother squeezing us out I have spent a lot of time and money fighting this with other importers. There have been many meetings and moneis paid into fighting funds and lobbying of my local meember of parliament etc. We lost again. It is getting harder and harder each year that passes. That is it for any more zeds into this country unless personal import, being you have to live and own the car overseas for at least twelve months. So only the odd zed with a Kiwi attached will be bringing any in. Skylines will be taking over even more now.
