Here we are in September, and the debate on the future of the automotive industry continues on at the forefront of industry discussions.
I think it’s safe to say even the greatest cynic can agree our future is largely centred around electrification. The growing list of global vehicle manufacturers going electric – Jaguar, Audi, Alfa Romeo, Volvo, Rolls-Royce among them – speaks to this.
The challenge remains, however, that much of the debate is based on ideology rather than evidence. As a result, some of the myths that continue to circulate can be difficult to challenge without coming across as part of the flat earth society!
How can we as an industry deal with this misinformation and get the discussion back on track?
Well, we must ensure we are doing everything to equip ourselves with the right facts and evidence to support our claims. We must understand what the impacts of electrification will be on the automotive industry, our economy, and on our way of life.
It is fortunate then, that much of this evidence is already available if we look outward at what other countries are doing. Germany, Norway, Sweden, the UK, and other parts of Europe are already thriving when it comes to EV uptake, which gives us a fantastic opportunity to learn what the driving force behind these changes are, and what barriers continue to impose themselves as the transition picks up pace.
This month I will be joining representatives from the other state’s MTAs on an expedition to Europe to meet with OEMs and industry heavyweights and gain first-hand insight into the strategies implemented to drive their transition. Equipped with this knowledge we can work with policymakers locally to build a pathway that benefits all. I look forward to briefing members on key learnings upon my return!
8 September 2022