The Government has announced major changes aimed at making both new and used vehicles more affordable for New Zealanders, with Transport Minister Chris Bishop confirming a suite of measures targeting rising costs within the Clean Vehicle Standard (CVS). The reforms are intended to protect consumers from steep price hikes that vehicle importers say would otherwise be unavoidable.

Mr Bishop emphasised that cars are essential to everyday life for most New Zealanders—whether for work, family needs, or business operations—and that rising vehicle costs pose significant pressures at a time when many households are still struggling with the high cost of living. Without urgent intervention, he warned, Kiwi car buyers could face increases of several hundred to several thousand dollars due to escala

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