Australia’s top car brands have again called for federal government changes to clear CO2 emissions targets backed by fines for non-compliance – as applicable in Europe.
The Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) has launched a CO2 reduction project on the agenda of the new Prime Minister of Australia, Anthony Albanese.
Both the FCAI and various car brands – which finance the lobby group in question – have long been demanding the introduction of CO2 emissions plans.
The rationale behind such a policy is that it would force foreign factories to send low- and zero-emissions vehicles to Australia, avoiding fines. Due to their absence, Australia has been called a “dumping ground” for less efficient vehicles.
No car company that sells EVs has been able to secure enough stock remotely to meet Australian demand – limiting take-ups and indirectly raising prices by reducing choices. An example of this can be read here.
Paul Sunsom, managing director, says Volkswagen Group Australia has probably pushed this argument the hardest. Care Expert Earlier this year that its dealers would stockpile more EVs, even faster, if an official CO2 reduction project law was signed.
“It simply came to our notice then. In all the factories in our group … this is one of our conversations. Undoubtedly the critical part of that conversation is ‘What is the law of your country’? ‘Do we have goals to meet, if we don’t meet them, we will be punished?’, ”He said.
“If we don’t have that law in the market, then they will [Group factories] Markets are going to be prioritized to avoid very important fines. It changes the game completely, it really does, and if we can get them, it will change the game almost overnight. “
Speaking on the subject this week, FCAI chief executive Tony Weber said now was the right time for the new Albanian government to mandate an industrial project, which he suggested should follow the template set by FCAI’s voluntary CO2 emissions project.
FCAI’s voluntary CO2 scheme has been criticized for failing to meet its targets, with all car brands still signing up for the purpose.
“The Australian public has made it clear that tackling climate change and reducing emissions is a primary concern. As an industry we are ready to work with the new federal government to turn the industry’s voluntary CO2 project into a federally mandated one,” Mr Weber said.
Mr Weber reiterated his company’s view that any government CO2 plan should not focus on a specific low-emission drive, but should set targets and leave it to car brands to meet their own needs.
“Our members are bringing low-emission technology to the market that includes internal combustion, hydrogen, hybrid and full battery electrical systems. All these technologies will play a role in our short-term journey towards zero emissions and complete electrification, ”he said.
“Our message to the government is simple. Give us the goal; We will give you the technology. “
You can read a detailed summary of the EU’s CO2 reduction projects here, including emissions targets and associated penalties.
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