MIA: Rebates are significant

The Motor Industry Association (MIA) is backing the government’s announcement for incentives to boost sales of low-emissions vehicles (LEVs).

Chief executive David Crawford describes the level of rebates that will be offered from July 1 as “significant” and follows years of lobbying by the association to get to this stage.

“We are delighted that at last the government has confirmed details of their introduction,” says Crawford, pictured.

“We’re also pleased that the government has had the foresight to bring in an interim rebate from July 1 this year for EVs and PHEVs while it takes time to put in place the regulatory law required for a full feebate scheme, which will come into effect in 2022.

“The level of rebate offered is significant. It will in our view address in part the lack of affordability new low-emission vehicles cost compared to their internal combustion engine equivalent models.”

In addition, the rules around allowing the discount when calculating fringe benefit tax (FBT) and depreciation will go some way to addressing barriers to uptake of LEVs by businesses. 

“However, it stops short of the 50 per cent reduction in FBT for electric vehicles we have consistently called for,” adds Crawford.