THL
16/11/2015 08:49
GENERAL
NOT PRICE SENSITIVE
REL: 0849 HRS Tourism Holdings Limited
GENERAL: THL: German Wholesaler Driver Licence Interpretation
16 November 2015
TOURISM HOLDINGS LIMITED (thl)
NZX RELEASE
German Wholesaler Driver Licence Interpretation
Tourism Holdings Limited (thl) has been advised by one German wholesaler of
tourism products that they believe German tourists travelling in a foreign
country can only drive vehicles up to the weight of the maximum permitted for
the class of licence held by the tourist in their home country. The assertion
applies to all of thl's current operating markets.
Given that some of this information is public, thl wishes to clarify its
position on this matter.
The view of the German wholesaler is very different from that followed for
decades in many countries in the world. To date, it has been broadly accepted
that a tourist can drive a vehicle in a foreign country that is permitted by
the equivalent class of licence to their home licence - so that the weight
limits of the country they are visiting will apply. thl believes this makes
sense as the weight limits for vehicles relevant to a class of licence in any
country typically reflect the driving conditions of that country.
thl does not accept the German wholesaler's view which appears to assume that
German laws will effectively apply in other sovereign jurisdictions around
the globe. In fact, each sovereign state makes and enforces its own laws,
including laws that provide for foreign drivers. thl has advised the German
wholesaler of its difference of view. However, the German wholesaler has
elected to advise its customers of its own view. It is possible that this may
impact on thl's future sales through this channel although thl is taking
steps to minimise any potential disruption and seeking to clarify the
position so that customers may hire vehicles with confidence.
thl understands that, for German and many other EU drivers, the issue is
largely limited to drivers who were licensed for the first time after 1
January 1999, when the weight limits were reduced from 7.5t to 3.5t. EU
drivers who were licensed before that date, who are presently the majority
of thl's EU customers, remain entitled to drive vehicles up to a gross laden
weight of 7.5t.
The matter is considered most relevant in the USA, where the vehicles that
thl hires are generally a greater weight than the standard German or other EU
car licence conditions allow in Germany / the EU.
There have been no adverse impacts to the business to date and all other
trade partners are continuing to operate as normal under our current long
standing arrangements and understandings.
thl is considering possible workarounds to address this matter while a
resolution is sought.
thl is also liaising with its insurers to ensure that its insurance cover is
not affected by this matter. To date the insurers have indicated that they
are supportive of thl's position.
As this is an industry matter, thl is working with other operators to address
it.
END
Authorised by:
Rob Campbell
Chairman
Tourism Holdings Limited
For further information contact:
Grant Webster
thl Chief Executive
Direct Dial: +64 9 336 4255 | Mobile: +64 21 449 210
Mark Davis
thl Chief Financial Officer
Direct Dial: +64 9 336 4212 | Mobile +64 27 444 0199
End CA:00273465 For:THL Type:GENERAL Time:2015-11-16 08:49:09
