VTNZ

Tourism Holdings Ltd (THL) – New Zealand’s premier tourism operator and the largest motorhome rental supplier – has taken the lead in meeting tough new exhaust emission standards set by VTNZ.

The new emission test, launched by the Prime Minister Helen Clark in Auckland on Friday 9th November 2007, sets a world class benchmark for vehicle exhaust emission standards.  THL is the name behind four of the most trusted brands in the motorhome rental market - Maui, Britz, Backpacker & Explore More.

Nearly all of THL’s petrol and diesel motorhomes are Euro IV compliant meaning they are designed to the latest European vehicle emission regulations.  Annual emission testing by VTNZ ensures that vehicle engines are kept at the peak of efficiency with minimal harmful exhaust emissions.  An additional benefit to THL customers is that vehicle engines are burning the optimum amount of fuel and therefore travel costs are reduced. 

VTNZ’s emission standards are based on European in-service testing regulations which are widely used internationally and wholly suitable given the large number of European petrol and diesel vehicles in THL's fleet.  The VTNZ standards are also more stringent than the current Japanese in-service standards though the same harmful gases are measured in Asia as in Europe.

The European regulations ensure that in-service vehicle exhaust emissions do not exceed prescribed limits. In order to reflect the quality of THL’s fleet, and because New Zealand does not yet have regulated emission standards, VTNZ devised tougher emission limits in a two tier, Three Star and Five Star standard.  The Three Star standard is already at least as tough as the European regulations but the Five Star standard is seriously tough!  However, THL is up to the challenge with many vehicles tested to date producing less than half of the permitted emissions.

VTNZ has made a substantial investment in emission testing – both in staff training and in the equipment used for the test regime.  Like THL, VTNZ is passionate about our beautiful country and intends to be New Zealand’s leading tester of exhaust emissions, in keeping with its current pole position as New Zealand's leading vehicle testing company. 

VTNZ plans to offer affordable and independent exhaust emission testing to fleet owners and its customers so that more New Zealanders can reap the dual benefit of reduced running costs and cleaner air.

For more information about this exciting new venture, please read through the media release below.