Joint Initiative for Safe and Sustainable Self-Driving Tours by the Chinese Consulate in New Zealand, Zuzuche and Local Travel Enterprises

On September 26, Zuzuche collaborated with the Chinese Consulate in New Zealand and 30 rental car companies, travel agencies, and industry partners to hold the "New Zealand Self-Driving Safety Week Launch Meeting." During this event, the New Zealand Self-Driving Safety Joint Initiative was announced, aimed at promoting the safe, green, and high-quality development of the tourism industry in New Zealand. The Consul General of the People's Republic of China in Christchurch, He Ying; General Manager Asia of Tourism New Zealand, Gregg Wafelbakker, and Zuzuche Co-Founder Li Bin delivered speeches at the meeting.

Following the resumption of outbound tourism, a significant influx of Chinese self-driving tourists has entered New Zealand. However, due to unfamiliarity with foreign traffic regulations and driving habits, safety issues have become a growing concern. As a vital component of the self-driving service industry, Zuzuche is responsible for providing high-quality service to tourists ensuring their safety, and enhancing service quality. To better serve self-driving tourists and maintain a positive industry image, Zuzuche, in conjunction with the Chinese Consulate in New Zealand and relevant companies, has issued the "New Zealand Self-Driving Industry Responsibilities and Obligations Initiative" and the "New Zealand Self-Driving Safety Initiative."

The "New Zealand Self-Driving Industry Responsibilities and Obligations Initiative" proposes Five Key Points:

1. Enhancing Service Quality and Ensuring Safe Driving: Provide compliant and safe vehicles that meet New Zealand's traffic management regulations, with regular safety checks and maintenance. Vehicles must be equipped with complete safety devices, and necessary safety driving training will be provided to help tourists familiarize themselves with driving rules.

2. Assuming Corporate Responsibility and Ensuring Tourist Safety: Strengthen emergency rescue mechanisms and provide customers with 24-hour emergency contact channels to ensure timely assistance during unexpected situations, along with comprehensive vehicle and personal safety assurance plans.

3. Raising Environmental Awareness and Supporting Sustainable Tourism: Advocate for green and environmentally friendly self-driving tourism, reminding tourists to comply with local environmental regulations, properly dispose of waste, and protect New Zealand's unique natural landscapes. Tourists will be guided to travel respectfully, honoring local customs and cultures, and emphasizing both safety and civility.

4. Strengthening Cooperation and Communication to Promote Industry Progress: Actively share industry experiences, train and enhance employee expertise, and improve the quality of service provided by staff.

5. Operating in Compliance with Laws and Regulations to Protect Tourists' Legal Rights: Clarify rental agreements and terms, providing clear explanations to tourists regarding all terms, particularly those related to insurance, vehicle damage, and emergency procedures, ensuring tourists' rights to information and legal protections are fully upheld. Additionally, all pricing and service terms will be transparent, without hidden fees or misleading information during the rental process, ensuring fair and open service for tourists.

The "New Zealand Self-Driving Safety Initiative" presents the following Five Points:

1. Adhering to Road Rules to Ensure Safe Driving: Maintain left-side driving, follow right-of-way rules; observe reasonable speed limits and keep safe distances; and avoid driving while fatigued.

2. Zero Tolerance for Drunk Driving: Ensure good condition before driving and never drive under the influence.

3. Monitoring Weather and Road Conditions: Choose safe routes and drive cautiously in mountainous and narrow areas.

4. Using Safety Equipment: Ensure all passengers wear seat belts and maintain open communication.

5. Protecting the Environment and Being a Responsible Tourist: Respect nature, protect the environment, and honor local cultural customs.

Consul-General He Ying expressed the hope that the joint issuance of the "New Zealand Self-Driving Industry Responsibilities and Obligations Initiative" and the "Self-Driving Safety Initiative" would further establish effective cooperation and communication mechanisms among platforms, rental car companies, travel agencies, and tourists, creating a safe and orderly self-driving environment that allows more tourists to enjoy a safe and pleasant experience while appreciating New Zealand's beauty.

Gregg Wafelbakker, the General Manager Asia of Tourism New Zealand, stated that Tourism New Zealand is committed to ensuring the safety and enjoyment of all tourists in New Zealand. The core initiative, "Tiaki Promise," calls for tourists to care for New Zealand’s land, sea, people, and fellow travelers. Through collaboration with Chinese partners and tourists, New Zealand can continue to be a safe and welcoming destination for everyone.

Li Bin, co-founder of Zuzuche, mentioned that the company has long been promoting the sustainable development of self-driving tourism in New Zealand in partnership with Tourism New Zealand and rental car companies, helping Chinese tourists adapt to local traffic regulations and respect indigenous cultures, ensuring every user enjoys their self-driving journey in New Zealand. However, ensuring safety is an ongoing effort, and Zuzuche will continue to expand and deepen its collaborations, embedding safety into every aspect of the self-driving travel experience.

Participating companies in this initiative include：

（listed in alphabetical order）

A Rentals, ACE Rental Cars, Alamo, Avis, Brilliant Rentals, Budget, Dollar, Discount Car Rentals, Enterprise, Europcar, EZI Car Rental, EZU Car Rental, Go Rentals, GoldStar Car Rentals, Great Rentals, Hao Rentals, Hertz, Joy Car Rental, Keddy by Europcar, Mode Rentals, National, Rental Cars 247, Sixt, Shouqi Car Rental, Thrifty, Tokyo RD Rentals, Top Rental, Yes Rentals, Yesaway Car Rental, and Yitu Prestige.

Efforts to gather relevant intentions will continue, striving to implement green and safe self-driving services for every Chinese tourist visiting New Zealand.