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After Fiat withdrew from the Australian market, and a Peugeot dealer handed in his franchise, even long-time motoring “gurus” are asking the question. The metaphors abound — “tip of the iceberg,” “bloodbath,” “annihilation,” “juggernaut.” What is of no doubt is the structural change going through the Australian car sales industry. Although conservative commentators want to blame the Australian government’s Fuel Efficiency Standards, the reasons for change are more complex. Citroen and Infinity have already left.
Added to the influx of affordable, tech packed, quality Chinese cars (most of them electric), we have the increase in fuel insecurity caused by the Iran–US war. As a buffer, the government has sought and received extra shipments of both petrol and diesel, and decreased the fuel excise. The extra shipments are coming, but the price at the bowser is creeping up. The fuel excise relief is over. Prices are set to rise by 30%. And the price of oil is up — which will lead to even more price increases. In a country blessed with massive renewable energy potential and cursed (?) with lack of oil, the average Joe is now considering the EV choice.
