One of Australia’s biggest automakers will no longer sit on the policy-making committee of the auto industry’s main lobbying group.
According to a Reuters report, Volkswagen Australia has resigned from its position on the political advisory committee of the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI), made up of car manufacturers.
The FCAI has been accused of publishing “misleading” data and making “false” statements about the Australian government’s New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES), in order to undermine the proposal.
The NVES proposed three measures to reduce emissions from new cars between 2025 and 2030: a mild option, a moderate option, and a competitive option. Despite some advocating a moderate approach, the FCAI warned that the value of UTES and SUVs could rise to $13,250.
Last week, electric car brands Tesla and Polestar resigned from their FCAI club, claiming that the organization was only running to satisfy the interests of some of its members in curbing the implementation of emissions standards.
Although Volkswagen has not left the FCAI, its withdrawal from the political council marks a line in the sand for the German auto giant.
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“Volkswagen Group Australia (VGA) is withdrawing from the FCAI Political Advisory Committee,” the letter read.
“VGA (Volkswagen, Audi, Skoda and Cupra) speaks for itself on public and political issues, adding power to new vehicles.
“A strong NVES is in the best interest of this country. “
It is understood that the Political Consultative Committee will determine the position of the CFAI on certain issues, before pressuring the government to press for the desired outcome.
The letter concludes by confirming that Volkswagen Australia will continue to provide its sales figures for CFAI’s monthly VFACTS report.
Journalist
Ben Zachariah is a seasoned journalist and automotive from Melbourne, having worked in the automotive industry for more than two decades. Ben began writing professionally over 15 years ago and in the past was an interstate truck driver. He finished his MBA in Finance in early 2021 and is considered an expert in antique vehicle investing.