Toyota supports sustainable freight action plan

Toyota New Zealand has reaffirmed its support for the New Zealand Business Council for Sustainable Development by sponsoring the recently announced New Zealand Freight Action Plan.

The plan was announced by the Business Council in November 2009. The objective is to determine the key issues affecting supply chain logistics for New Zealand businesses and make recommendations for improvement.

Toyota New Zealand CEO Alistair Davis said, “We are delighted to able to support this initiative on both a know-how and financial basis.”

“This study presents an ideal opportunity to reduce transport related congestion, lead times, and the carbon footprint created by freight movements. As a user of a broad range of logistics suppliers and modes to shift both parts and vehicles this study presents a great opportunity for us and our logistics partners,” said Mr Davis.

A large number of other businesses representing both service providers and users are participating in this study.

Business Council Chief Executive Peter Neilson said issues identified so far include:

• The challenge of forming a New Zealand Incorporated view on freight issues
• Congestion problems around Auckland
• Pressures emerging from port consolidation
• Bigger ships
• The absence of critical real time information on freight movements, and
• Concerns about how the country evaluates opportunities to improve supply chains.

The Business Council believes the project will present an opportunity for a comprehensive plan to emerge. The preliminary findings are expected before the end of 2010.