Q&A with Darrell Jacobs, MTA's new Chief Executive Officer

After his first month in the role, new Motor Trade Association CEO Darrell Jacobs has hit the ground running. Despite perhaps being new to some members, Darrell’s experience in the industry extends multiple decades and his interest in all things automotive began at a young age. In this question and answer, he reveals his commitment to the association and where he views his priorities for 2023 and beyond.

You might be new to the role of CEO but you’re not unfamiliar with the industry and its members are you?

Succeeding somebody like Paul Unerkov will always be difficult due to his long-term service to our industry but I am looking forward to this invaluable opportunity. I believe we must continue supporting our members, address critical issues such as skill shortages and drive the sector as a vital part of our local economy. To do this, I will be leveraging my own experience in our industry over two decades. This includes as the Head of Marketing at Mitsubishi Motors and more recently across a number of General Manager positions at the MTA. Paul and I worked closely together at the MTA for the past three years, so having this internal transition will provide continuity as we move forward.

After your first month in the top job, what has surprised you about the MTA?

The thing that has probably not surprised me, but has been reinforced, is the range of expertise MTA members and our MTA staff possess. Automotive runs through the blood of our 1300 members and almost 100 employees. The old saying goes that you are only as good as the team around you and harnessing this passion and immense amount of knowledge will be imperative in our ongoing training, advocacy and workplace relations. More broadly in my day-to-day role, I have also been impressed with the willingness of government and other key stakeholders to work closely with us. I look forward to building these relationships and working together to strengthen our industry.

What are your priorities for this year and beyond?

First and foremost I will be helping oversee our new training model introduction which commenced in January. It is an exciting initiative where apprentices will be provided more practical support, greater flexibility and additional time with their host business. Apprentices will complete their trade at our training centre, online and in the real-world. This new model is directly a result of industry consultation with MTA members and feedback regarding skills shortages, course downtime and a more integrated approach between education and the workshop.

I would also be remiss if I didn’t include a change of ownership vehicle inspection scheme under my policy objectives. The reality is today more than ever, second hand vehicles are being sold privately over social media platforms often with no inspections on safety or other items. This results in unsafe vehicles being driven on our roads and significant money being spent by buyers of the vehicles to rectify other issues.

The automotive industry has fought long and hard to improve motorist safety, consumer protections and level the playing field for automotive businesses. Without such a scheme lives are unnecessarily being placed at risk, consumers are being deceived and backyarders are undercutting those who play by the rules.

I am also excited to be leading the MTA through the innovation revolution that is sweeping our sector. From infrastructure to propulsion systems and policies there is a lot to consider as the industry transitions over the foreseeable future.

What is something MTA members might not know about you?

I am a son of a publican, a golf tragic and have a sizeable matchbox car collection!