From the Minister

In May last year, I invited comments on what information should be on the Supplier Information Notice that is required to be provided with used vehicles sold by traders.

Thank you to all those who provided comments. A summary can be found at Summary of Submissions on the Discussion Paper Review of the Consumer Information Standards (Used Motor Vehicles) Regulations 2003. [link]

The feedback received indicates the Supplier Information Notice is useful to consumers. It provides information about the vehicle's "birthday", import history, its mileage travelled, accident record, warrant of fitness, licensing details, fuel type, the engine capacity and other relevant information.

This information helps consumers considering a car purchase to decide what price they are prepared to pay. The Supplier Information Notice provides information on any securities that may be held against the vehicle and on consumer rights of redress in case something goes wrong with the vehicle.

The range of views has enabled the Ministry of Consumer Affairs to develop specific proposals to make some changes to the Supplier Information Notice. These are outlined in this report and your views are now being sought.

The proposals do not alter the fundamental purpose of the Supplier Information Notice. Rather they are designed to make the Supplier Information Notice more usable for consumers and business alike. The proposed changes also include providing consumers with additional information about car radio compatibility with the New Zealand FM frequency range.

It is crucial that consumers receive useful and accurate information to allow them to make good decisions when making one of their largest financial commitments.

I welcome your comments on the recommendations. Your views are important to me.

Hon Judith Tizard
Minister of Consumer Affairs