An automotive industry-based roadmap says Australia could become a world authority on zero-emissions technology, writes Barry Park.

Australia should become a world authority for a new generation of zero-emission vehicles by 2020, a roadmap spelling out the future of the automotive industry says.

The Co-operative Research Centre for Advanced Automotive Technology paper, released today, urges the Australian industry to shift its focus from traditional car-making to providing zero-emission technology for the world.

The call comes despite minimal electric vehicle expertise to date, with automotive powerhouses from Japan, Europe and the United States leading the electric charge.

‘‘Australia’s automotive industry must achieve recognition as a strategic element of the global automotive industry to be attractive to global companies and their investors,’’ the paper says.

‘‘Australia must have a sustainable, profitable vehicle manufacturing industry with global reach that maximises opportunities in local and international markets.

"The industry must be bigger, more productive, and provide more jobs in the manufacturing and supply sectors. This can be achieved through leveraging existing strengths and building new capabilities,” it says.

The paper then suggests Australia could become one of the world’s leading designers and producers of competitive, large, powerful, zero-emission passenger vehicles.

‘‘This game-changing initiative will use Australia’s strategic strengths and capabilities, supported by investment attraction and focused government support, and will meet the identified and emerging needs of the global automotive market,’’ the paper says.

‘‘By leading development in this segment, Australia will own a greater portfolio of [intellectual property] and become the industry of choice for design, engineering and testing of globally desirable fuel-efficient and environmentally responsible products.’’

The roadmap was forged in a Victorian Department of Innovation, Industry and Regional Development workshop held in Melbourne earlier this month.

Those taking part in formulating the vision included representatives from state and federal government, tyre companies, unions, academics, scientists, car-parts suppliers, and local car-makers Ford, Holden and Toyota.

The roadmap is the first of six steps that the AutoCRC is taking to help the Australian car-making industry reinvent itself for the future.
Federal Innovation Minister Senator Kim Carr said the roadmap was a ‘‘crucial first step in developing a roadmap that will drive innovation and continue to support high-wage, high-skill jobs in this vital manufacturing sector”.

Holden is the only local car-maker so far to hint at a future product featuring an electric drive system. The Holden Volt, as the car will be known, will use a petrol engine hooked up to an electric generator to get around one of the electric vehicle’s greatest challenges — its limited battery-only range. It can also be recharged in a regular powerpoint.

Holden has only so far hinted that the Volt could be made in Australia, with its underpinnings based on Cruze small car that will be built in Australia from 2010.

Meanwhile, Toyota brings out a locally assembled hybrid version of its Camry sedan early next year that uses an electric motor to help its four-cylinder petrol engine cut down on fuel use.

Ford says it plans to bring a battery-electric Ford Focus small passenger car to the market in 2011, although no mention is made of the vehicle joining showrooms in Australia.

Ford Australia recently dumped plans to build the Focus in Australia, instead focusing on a range of more fuel-efficient engines for its locally made Falcon sedan and Territory soft-roader.

The Automotive Australia 2020 project is expected to be completed by April next year