High rates of car ownership and a fixation with technology, as well as market changes such as the demise of the New Zealand assembly industry and the freeing up of other markets, has led to a culture of innovation and technical expertise in this country. For example, one New Zealand manufacturer, Ion Ltd, has succeeded in identifying a niche market by supplying Ford factories in the USA with alloy wheels which are fitted to the top-selling Taurus, Explorer and Mazda B series vehicles. The company is arguably one of New Zealand's finest examples of the industrial application of advanced research and development.
Designline Ltd, based in the South Island, is an example of an innovative company which identified a niche in manufacturing specialist hybrid electric buses, and now has a commercially viable vehicle that has been extensively tested in both Australia and New Zealand. The Tokyo Electric Power Company has just signed an agreement for the supply of a trial electric bus to Japan. Substantial export orders for the superb design are expected from Japan and possibly China.
Racetech Seats was established in 1992 and initially manufactured racing seats for off-road motorsport, mainly rallying and circuit racing. Since then, the company has broadened its technical capabilities to on-road applications as well. Race-Tech now manufactures seats for highperformance road vehicles, factory-built Dodge Viper race cars, jet sprint boats, pleasure boats and motorsport teams around the world. The company has further diversified to encompass the New Zealand military and extreme entertainment rides.
Dunedin manufacturing company DC Ross manufactures fine blank pressings and exports to car manufacturers in Australia, the USA and China.
Hamal Industries diversified from manufacturing wiring looms into electronics and specialised Jaguar battery clamps, while seat-maker Trimtech developed a niche in general transport seating and now supplies customers in Australia.
Hella New Zealand designs and manufactures ultra-durable Marker and Signal lamps for the Commercial Transport Sector. These products are Light Emitting Diode-based, rather than incandescent bulb, and 85% of production is exported to Australia, Europe, the US and Canada.
Airplex Industries specialise in automotive acrylic accessories such as headlight guards, bonnet protectors, and weather shields and exports them to more than 30 countries. The company's competitive advantage comes from adaptability, flexibility, and product design and innovation. The company has developed a Middle Eastern-style design for its headlight covers specifically for markets in that area of the world.
New Zealand also boasts a thriving hand-built car sector, with dedicated enthusiasts across the country building classic car replicas, restoring classic cars or combining the best of old and new to produce their own creations.
Design, quality and innovation are vital elements in the industry's success. Manufacturers have focused intensively on creative design and a commitment to high quality products. They have also proven agile in responding to customers' requirements, and to new market opportunities.
