The FCAI says it will meet any target put in place by government to reduce emissions in the transport industry
The Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) has congratulated the new federal government for increasing the country’s emissions reduction targets to 43 per cent.
The FCAI now wants the government to go another step further and develop specific emissions reduction targets for the transport and automotive industries.
FCAI chief executive Tony Weber says Australia’s light vehicle sector accounts for around 10 per cent of transport emissions and needs a policy that aligns with global standards while considering consumer 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,” Weber says.
“A technology neutral emissions reduction target for vehicles is the signal Australia needs to send.”
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,” Weber says.
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“Now is the time for the new federal Government to work with our members to mandate this scheme in order to get these new low emission technologies to Australia.
“Any reduction target must be broad based and focused on reducing emissions, not picking certain technologies over others. Our zero emissions future is ultimately full electrification.”
Weber says the future of emissions reduction policy must be varied to help the transport industry transition.
“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,” he says.
“Our message to government is simple. You give us the target, and we will give you the technology to get there.”