Focus Industry

Automotive

Summary

Anthony Harper's automotive focussed legal practice has a deep understanding of the automotive industry in New Zealand and is widely sought out for sector specific legal advice. We are the go-to lawyers for vehicle manufacturers and distributors, dealers, component suppliers, logistic businesses and motor finance companies.

Key services

Motor vehicle finance

Our team advises on all aspects of automotive finance, leasing, and financing contracts, bailments, retention of title and PPSR, floor plan financing, anti-money laundering compliance, Credit Contracts and Consumer Finance Act 2003 compliance, debt recovery and insolvency advice, complex priority arrangements in relation to multi-franchise automotive borrowers and advertising of finance products for motor vehicles.

e-Commerce and technology

We advise on a wide range of legal matters relating to e-commerce and technology in the automotive sector, including advice on the rollout of connected services, IT systems development, implementation and support, IT and telecommunications outsourcing, managed service and “as a service” arrangements, and privacy/data protection. We also advise on projects and electricity regulations relating to EVs and associated charging infrastructure.

Distribution arrangements and franchising

Advising clients on all aspects of their distribution arrangements, such as franchise agreements, distribution and supply chain management, dealer network restructuring, dealer termination and competition law/anti-trust.

Marketing/promotion and consumer protection laws

We assist industry participants to comply with consumer protection laws – including by advising on advertising, promotions touching on the Gambling Act 2003, SPAM, Privacy Act 2020, Fair Trading Act 1986 and Advertising Standard Authority Codes.

Consumer Guarantees Act / product liability / product recall matters

We regularly advise in relation to matters under the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993 as well as product recalls and other product liability matters.

Intellectual property

Our team are experts on brand protection, enforcing IP rights, and commercial contracts including franchising and licensing trade marks and get-up from well-known global brands.

Key people

Work Highlights

Acting on the implementation of the "Retailer of the Future" agency distribution model for Mercedes-Benz.
Advising in relation to the development and implementation of new dealer agreements.
Advising on the expansion of MG Motor in New Zealand by automobile manufacturer SAIC Motor.
Advising Mercedes-Benz NZ on the sale of the Mercedes-Benz and Freightliner heavy commercial vehicle distribution business in New Zealand.
Acting for privately owned motor company, Andrew Simms Group, on its leasing requirements, including new dealerships in Wairau Park and Newmarket in Auckland.

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