FCAI Chief Executive Tony Weber
The peak body for Australia’s automotive industry has congratulated the Albanese
Government for increasing Australia’s emission reduction targets to 43 per cent.
The Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries is now calling on the Albanese
Government to take another step and develop a specific automotive emissions reduction
target.
FCAI Chief Executive Tony Weber said Australia’s light vehicle sector, which accounts for
around 10 per cent of transport emissions, needed a CO2 policy that is in line with global
standards and takes into account the nuances of the Australian consumer’s needs.
“We know that automotive manufacturers around the world respond to strong policy
signals when allocating their limited supply of zero and low emission technologies. A
technology neutral emissions reduction target for vehicles is the signal Australia needs to
send,” Mr Weber said.
In response to the lack of a federally mandated target, Australia’s automotive industry
established its own voluntary CO2 reduction scheme in 2020.
“Our members recognise the need to combat climate change. In the absence of federal
leadership in 2020 we established our own voluntary scheme that sends a message to
manufacturers’ head offices that Australian motorists want the best low emission
technologies.
“Now is the time for the new Albanese Government to work with our members to mandate
this scheme in order to get these new low emission technologies to Australia,” Mr Weber
said.
“Any reduction target must be broad based and focused on reducing CO2 not picking
certain technologies over others. Our zero emissions future is ultimately full
electrification. Our short- and medium-term journey will require a mix of hybrid, plug in
hybrid, battery electric, hydrogen and efficient internal combustion to meet the varying
needs of Australian motorists.
“Our message to Government is simple. You give us the target, and we will give you the
technology to get there.”
