The Australian Automotive Aftermarket Association (AAAA) has announced that Australia’s cutting-edge Auto Innovation Centre (AIC) will become a new Zero and Low Emission Vehicle (ZLEV) hub, supporting the vehicle evolution within the aftermarket manufacturing, service, repair and modification sectors. The AIC was awarded a grant by the Victorian Government as part of their Zero Emission Vehicles Commercial Sector Innovation Fund.
Working closely with AAAA, the grant will allow the AIC to break down barriers for aftermarket product manufacturers to ensure modified ZLEVs remain fit for purpose and provide automotive technicians with opportunities to be upskilled on ZLEV technology. Both initiatives are designed to support consumers to access safe, reliable and affordable ZLEV aftermarket parts, servicing and repair.
Located in Mulgrave, Victoria, the AIC enables aftermarket companies to fast-track product development through vehicle and product level testing, 3-D scanning. The AIC owns a fleet of vehicles and a modern, well-equipped workshop and training facility.
“The AIC is uniquely placed to support the automotive industry’s uptake of Zero Emission Vehicles given our existing role supporting the aftermarket with testing services, and our facility built with automotive training and development in mind,” said Luke Truskinger, AIC managing director. “The AIC will be investing in ZLEVs, charging infrastructure and specialized ZLEV tools and equipment to be at the forefront of this important evolution for the automotive industry.
The AIC will become a hub for aftermarket companies wishing to develop new products for these vehicles and become a key training facility for technicians to gain the specialist knowledge required to repair and maintain ZLEVs.”
The AAAA is the independent national body responsible for the aftermarket industry, which includes vehicle service and repairers, as well as product manufacturers. ZLEVs are becoming an area of increased focus for the association and the aftermarket industry, which comprises more than 50,000 businesses and contributes $25 billion to the economy annually.
“The AAAA actively monitors ZLEV take-up rates and barriers to ensure as an industry we are able to respond to the challenges of this emerging sector. It is our role to support our sector to develop and fulfill important new industry responsibilities in relation to the growing segment of ZLEVs within the automotive industry” said Stuart Charity, CEO of the AAAA.
The Auto Innovation Centre’s new ZLEV capability will come online in early 2023. The AAAA will work closely with the AIC to develop and facilitate education and training programs to fast-track the support of this vehicle evolution for the automotive industry.
