Car plan attacked

The Australian government’s plan to allow consumers to personally import new motor vehicles is being slammed. The Canberra-based Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries describes the move as “irresponsible and short-sighted”. Chief executive Tony Weber says the federal government is disregarding the “serious consequences” that would flow from the plan and is publicly urging it to carefully consider the facts before making a final decision. Weber claims the move would see many Australians caught in high-risk situations with their vehicles being outside established service networks. “Currently, consumers are offered the highest possible level of consumer protection when it comes to purchasing a new motor vehicle through an Australian dealership,” he says.“Brands selling in this country make substantial investments by way of dealerships, workshops, technology and training to support and service their products. “This means consumers can be certain their vehicles can be serviced and repaired appropriately, and that recalls are captured so consumers are informed if something needs to be fixed. This system is also underpinned by Australian consumer law.” Weber says the motor vehicle industry is not “fear-mongering” when it says Australians who personally import vehicles made for another country may end up with cars that don’t meet their needs or operate as required. “Vehicles made for the Australian market are engineered for our conditions and safety specifications, so they cope with the climate, roads and lifestyle,” he says. “It is very simplistic and misguided to say there is no reason to regulate if you’re now part of a global regime.Only 57 countries are part of the global regime. “Vehicles made for sale here have the appropriate engine and transmission cooling systems to cope with Australia’s hot climate, towing requirements and fuel quality. “It also includes having convenience items, such as sat-nav, air conditioning and infotainment systems specifically calibrated for Australia. Cars may look the same on the outside, but there are differences when you lift the bonnet or look deeper into interconnected systems.” Weber says it’s also important to note that motor vehicle brands selling in Australia manage the complex logistical process to get a consumer’s car from the factory to the driveway. It includes managing the border control process from getting a car off a ship, through quarantine and to the consumer safely. “How can a single consumer be expected to navigate this system confidently without the addition of significant bureaucratic red tape, which the [Australian] government has said time and time again it is determined to reduce?” Weber says Australia already has one of the most competitive right-hand-drive markets in the world, which is reflected in the price of new cars in that country. “When we look at cars with the same level of specification, we find the majority of cars made for Australian conditions are competitively priced compared to Japan, the UK or New Zealand. “The reality is that new car prices in Australia are competitive compared to other right-hand-drive markets around the world and affordability is at record levels. “In one of the most competitive and affordable new car markets in the world, it is baffling why the government is contributing to public misconceptions about the cost of new cars in this country.”