The Australian Automotive Dealer Association has told the Queensland government about the needs and challenges auto retailers face amid the rise of electric vehicles.
In its submission to the Sunshine State’s Palaszczuk Labor government, the AADA says dealers in rural and regional areas must not be forgotten in charging infrastructure plans, and that the entire auto industry will require investment into skills training.
The AADA says the government’s approach to electric vehicles is “two steps forward, one step back”.
“Our submission reflects the discussions our members have with their customers and with the vehicle manufacturers to whom they are franchised,” the AADA submission says.
“Our members will continue to sell, maintain and repair vehicles regardless of how they are powered. The impact of
electrification on those areas needs to be considered as fully as the impacts for highly urbanised capital cities.”
“Similarly, the development of charging infrastructure needs to include regional and rural corridors at the same time as the urban cores,” the AADA explains.
On balance, the association maintains support for the state’s ‘commendable’ Electric Vehicle Strategy, and the Queensland Electric Vehicle Council. However the implementation of additional Luxury Car Tax on vehicles over $100,000 remains contentious.
“This is a tax on a tax, as such cars are also liable to the federal government’s Luxury Car Tax,” the AADA laments. “Such a tax acts as a disincentive to the wider adoption of electric vehicles. More importantly, it works against the long-term interest of a sustainable and electrified Queensland Transport Infrastructure.”
The AADA also refutes the “conspiracy theorists” suggesting dealerships seldom encourage electric vehicle purchases in favour of more profitable internal combustion vehicles.
“Suggestions that dealers would be discouraging consumers from purchasing an EV due to concerns over profit margins is nonsensical,” the submission states.
“There is no doubt that EVs require less servicing and maintenance as they have fewer moving parts…they will still require trained maintenance technicians to do battery checks, monitor brakes, check tyres, replace fluids, change cabin air filters, etc.”
“It is also important to note that when these vehicles do need repairs, they will require appropriately trained technicians as EVs pose an increased risk of electrocution and fire,” the AADA continues.
“In fact, the emergence of EVs will necessitate significant changes in skills and training requirements which will be needed to service and maintain an increasingly electrified fleet.”
