Franchised new car dealers have welcomed the official release of the ACT Government’s Zero Emissions Vehicles Strategy 2022-30 but remain concerned about the proposed ban on internal combustion engine vehicles (ICE) from 2035.
But the Australian Automotive Dealers Association (AADA) acknowledges the strategy contains a number of good initiatives which support the transition to EVs and should help make ZEVs more affordable.
“We still hold concerns around the foreshadowed phase out of light internal combustion engine vehicles from 2035, but are pleased that the Government has said it will review this milestone to 2035,” AADA chief executive James Voortman.
“In other global markets ICE bans have been preceded by vehicle emission standards and generous incentives, neither of which currently exist in Australia,” he says.
“If we have learned anything in the past two years it is that the new vehicle supply chain is incredibly fragile. While we hope that we are able to supply 100% ZEVs by 2035, there are too many unknown variables to say with confidence that we can – reviewing this target in the lead up to 2035 is a sensible commitment.
“We agree with the ACT strategy that the Federal Government should take a leadership role on the emergence of ZEVs and would urge a national approach on areas such as emissions standards, vehicle taxation and vehicle standards – leaving it to the individual state and territory governments to set their own policies is not in the best interest of consumers or businesses.
“We welcome the ACT Government’s commitment to work with industry to reach the targets outlined,” Voortman says.
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