The AAAA and APMEC were pleased to provide formal submissions to an important Government inquiry recently

The House of Representatives Standing Committee on Climate Change, Energy, Environment and Water’s Inquiry Into the Transition to Electric Vehicles provided an important opportunity for industry bodies to speak on this critical subject.
As the peak body of the automotive aftermarket in Australia, the Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association (AAAA) is committed to guiding the industry through the challenges of this transition to EVs and welcomed the opportunity to contribute to the Inquiry, as did the AAAA’s Australian Automotive Products Manufacturers and Exporters Council (APMEC).
Both the AAAA and APMEC took the opportunity to address a number of the terms of reference offered up by the Inquiry, and also took the opportunity to highlight other areas of importance when considering the transition to EV.
“The automotive landscape is evolving and the introduction of EVs presents a significant change to the entire aftermarket,” AAAA Chief Executive Officer, Stuart Charity, said.
“However, our industry is no stranger to change; in fact, we have embraced it. Our industry has continuously evolved, adapting to new technologies, shifting consumer preferences, changing regulatory landscapes, and major manufacturers leaving the Australian market.
“Through every phase, our commitment to excellence and progress has remained unwavering and now the aftermarket industry is Australia’s automotive manufacturing industry.
“We understand the path forward is not just about adapting to change but about leading it, and shaping the future with our innovations, however it is paramount that this transition is sustainable, and beneficial for all.
“While we embrace change as an industry, we are also cautious that changes which are not solely consumer driven can create a level of angst amongst our whole industry.
“Australia has always been a unique market with a harsh terrain and vast distances in between major metropolitan centres, and we have always provided components that are appropriate for these conditions.
“However, with nearly all of the EVs on Australian roads currently under the average age of ICE vehicles, we ‘don’t know what we don’t know’ when it comes to how EVs perform under Australian conditions.
“This isn’t to say we are underprepared, but rather a candid acknowledgment of the complex, uncharted waters we find ourselves in.
“This transition is not solely about changing an internal combustion engine to an electric powertrain, it is a review of entire supply chains, consumer behaviour and vehicle use pattens.
“It is a task that will not be easy, but one that will be necessary before major funding is spent on infrastructure that can have dramatic impact on the market.
“We are fortunate to have access to the expertise of the APMEC members and we were very pleased to have the opportunity to submit a range of views for consideration by the Inquiry, and we look forward to working further with them.”

You can review the submissions from both AAAA and APMEC at www.aaaa.com.au/category/industry-advocacy/