Volkswagen Group Australia (VGA) has welcomed this morning's proposal by federal Climate Change and Energy Minister Chris Bowen to impose carbon emission rules on new car sales.
VGA Managing Director Paul Sansom said: "Our company was first to warn that this country would become a 'third world dumping ground' for obsolete auto technology. This has become a rallying cry."
VGA, which consists of the Volkswagen, Audi, SKODA and CUPRA brands, is Australia's biggest European vehicle importer. The company has taken a leadership position in the National discussion on EVs and emissions.
Mr Bowen confirmed at today's historic National Electric Vehicle Summit in Canberra that the government will release a discussion paper to develop a National Electric Vehicle Strategy. Crucially, the paper will include fuel efficiency standards.
If Australia had acted in 2020, emissions could have been reduced by 5.1 millions tonnes by now, Mr Bowen said.
"Standards that lack ambition will leave us at the back of the queue for longer and … leave Australia in danger of being even more of third world dumping ground."
Mr Sansom was among the select invitees who spoke at the summit convened by the Electric Vehicle Council of Australia. The summit was addressed by Mr Bowen, Atlassian CEO Mike Cannon-Brookes; and Tesla CEO Robyn Denholm. Attendees included US ambassador Caroline Kennedy and EU ambassador Michael Pulch.
Mr Sansom took part in a forum on fuel standards with Zoe Daniel MP, NRMA's Emma Harrington and Sam Johnson of Polestar.
Mr Sansom reiterated that a "federally mandated emissions target for our industry is non-negotiable if Australia's supply of electric vehicles is to grow from a trickle to a flow and thereby start to meet ever growing demand.
"Markets where auto makers face financial consequences for failing to meet targets are prioritised for zero emission vehicles. Volkswagen Group Australia wants binding regulations that compel our factories to consider us. Greater supply inevitable leads to greater affordability."
In the prestige market Audi imports the e-tron EV range. This year Volkswagen, SKODA and CUPRA have had production approval for more affordable EVs.
All at the summit were welcomed to country by Ngunawal Elder Wally Bell.