NEWS
ELECTRIC VEHICLE TARGETS ARE SEEMINGLY PLUCKED FROM NOWHERE
A new study commissioned by the AAAA shows a large gap between Government electric vehicle (EV) aspirations and what is likely to be the reality On current projections, the Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association (AAAA) says ACA Research predicts that the percentage of EVs on Australian roads would likely be around six per cent by 2030. In recent weeks, the AAAA has learned that at least one state government is planning to decline the registration of all internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles by 2035, a move that, on current projections, would see over 90 percent of car owners with no avenue to register their vehicles. AAAA Chief Executive Officer, Stuart Charity, said that while the AAAA and its members were supportive of greater EV uptake, Governments needed to have a more holistic mindset before announcing unattainable EV targets to score political points. “Governments and Opposition parties are good at announcing very ambitious EV targets without
giving much thought to the supporting services needed to make EVs viable – a lack of recharging infrastructure is the obvious hindrance, but little consideration has been given to what’s required to repair and maintain these cars,” Stuart said. “EV targets are seemingly plucked from nowhere with little rationale given, and as an industry we become despondent every time a new target is announced. “It’s easy to set aspirational sales target for EVs, but what we really need is an in-depth plan on what is required to achieve these targets and to support EV owners – this plan needs to be formulated in consultation with the broader Australian automotive industry. “There is specialist knowledge required to repair and maintain EVs, and by engaging and consulting with industry, we can commit to investing in the tools, training and skills to facilitate a more seamless transition to electric vehicles. “There are long lead times involved in doing this – Government can’t snap its fingers and expect that everything will be there ready to go in the background.” Part of a broader industry research project undertaken by ACA Research, the paper analysed industry trends in automotive service and repair workshops.
“Our research indicates that while the automotive industry is generally in good health and will continue to grow, it is critically constrained by skills shortages,” Stuart said. “Our data indicates that there’s an increasing demand for qualified technicians. Based on the growth of the car parc – which increases by about 325,000 vehicles every year – and the current market share of independent workshops, our industry will likely require a further 5,300 technicians by 2025. This is on top of the current shortage of more than 20,000 technicians. “This data doesn’t consider the added training that existing technicians would need to successfully work on EVs either. “Before Governments mandate EV sales targets, they need to provide our industry with as much notice as possible and engage constructively with us. After all, our members are automotive experts and would provide invaluable insight throughout the process.” For more from the AAAA, visit www.aaaa.com.au
ADAS CALIBRATION MADE EASIER Thanks to the Auto Innovation Centre
The Auto Innovation Centre (AIC) is proving its worth to automotive vehicle repairers and windscreen repairers, with a comprehensive Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) calibration solution.
“The AIC team are fully trained in ADAS calibration, and a large number of vehicles are compatible, with the service, usually only taking a few hours to complete.
Utilising the latest ADAS calibration tools from Hella Gutmann and the Robert Bosch Group, the expert AIC team can quickly recalibrate a wide range of new generation vehicles fitted with ADAS systems, including cameras and radars.
“With more and more new-generation vehicles fitted with ADAS systems as standard, ADAS calibration services at the AIC will form an increasingly crucial industry service moving forward.”
Supporting this capability on-site is headlight aiming and OBD diagnostic connectivity.
ADAS calibration is just one of the many service offerings the cutting-edge AIC provides to aftermarket businesses across the country.
“Industry feedback confirmed that windscreen repairers and collision repair workshops wanted an alternate ADAS solution, rather than the need to return to the original equipment manufacturer,” AIC Managing Director, Luke Truskinger, said. “The AIC invested in the latest ADAS calibration equipment to offer a high quality, fast and competitively priced alternative.
From the industry’s leading database of 3D vehicle scans to dynamic vehicle testing, product level testing, 3D printing plus a vehicle fleet and fully equipped workshop for hire, the AIC is setup to support a wide variety of aftermarket business needs. The Auto Innovation Centre is a cutting-edge
facility for the automotive aftermarket. The centre of excellence is increasing capability of automotive companies and aiding in new product development for local and export markets. Utilising the latest technology and equipment and providing crucial data and testing services, the AIC is transforming the automotive aftermarket industry. To learn more, check vehicle eligibility and book an ADAS Calibration at the AIC, please contact adas@autoic.com.au or 03 9545 3333. Australian Automotive Aftermarket Magazine October 2021
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