Hybrids the way to go

THE potential for Australia to resurrect its languishing manufacturing
and secure home-grown jobs is being undermined by the Federal
Government's failure to promote the Plug-in Hybrid Electric vehicle
(PHEV).

The plug-in option is an enhancement Toyota says it might release in its 2009-series Prius.

Last year 960,000 new vehicles were bought in Australia, with only 20
per cent made here -- a 19 per cent fall from the previous year.

Concerns about global warming and volatile petrol prices have forced
buyers to overlook the Australian-made six-cylinder vehicles in favour
of more efficient foreign products.

Yet, with innovative investment in hybrid technology, the Australian
auto industry can be given new life.

The Government should legislate that by 2010 all government, fleet and salary-sacrifice vehicles must use a hybrid-drive system (with some exemptions for remote use and primary industry vehicles).

This would be a remarkable incentive to our carmakers to make long-term investment in the low-emission, plug-in hybrid technology, reducing carbon emissions from Australia's light vehicle fleet by up to 85 per cent.

Industry sources put the cost of converting our manufacturing base to
hybrid drive at $300 million and 30,000 firm orders for each of the four
established car makers.

Toyota could tool up quickly. They have their technology ready to go and have been testing the plug-in option as part of their 2009 series Prius.

Matthew Wright
Beyond Zero Emissions