In late March the Motor Trades Association of Queensland (MTAQ) hosted the third in its series of Carmageddon one-day innovation symposiums, with the event themed New World Mobility. The forum was a resounding success even before the doors opened, being completely booked out months in advance.
Held at the MTA Institute training workshop, guests were instantly immersed in an authentic industry environment, as they walked the red carpet surrounded by a fleet of electric and hydrogen vehicles. The impressive vehicle showcase included a Tesla Model S and X, Hyundai Ioniq and Nexo, Renault Zoe and Kangoo and the Jaguar I-Pace ZE with ACE EV Group launching its first Aussie-assembled Cargo delivery van on the day.
Carmageddon was opened by the Hon Karen Andrews MP, Minister for Industry, Science and Technology. She said: “What a privilege to be one of the first people to see the ACE Cargo, made in Australia and finished just hours before I spoke at Motor Trades Association of Queensland Carmageddon symposium. This Australian-made vehicle proves the future is bright for our automotive industry.”
MTAQ began the day with a minute silence to reflect on the horrendous events in New Zealand, as an act of unity and solidarity.
Dr Brett Dale, MTAQ’s CEO, delivered the first keynote address noting: “The ‘new world mobility’ will be more seamless and integrated. It will be faster, cheaper, safer, cleaner and more convenient than ever.” A key underlining theme of all the presenters centred around the enormous opportunity for innovation.
Dr Paul Sernia, Chief Product Officer and Founder of Brisbane-based Tritium, said: “In 2015 there were eight electric vehicle models. In 2018 there were 11. By 2021 we will have about 60 including SUVs, trucks and pickups.” This progression of uptake has flow-on benefits for new skilling and jobs, manufacturing and micro-manufacturing, batteries and storage, and technology-based adaptations to office and home infrastructure.
A panel discussion involving Dr Brett Dale, Cat Matson – Brisbane’s Chief Digital Officer, Dr Kellie Nuttall – Partner Deloitte and Professor Michael Milford – QUT Science and Engineering Faculty, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Robotics and Autonomous Systems, explored smart cities and the future of mobility. The panel agreed that sustainable, smart cities are only possible through the adoption of new technologies and changed business models. They emphasised the importance of the value of data.
Mark Dutton – Triple Eight Race Engineering, Scott Nargar – Hyundai and Graeme Manietta – Australian Electric Vehicle Council joined in a new fuel panel discussion. The group explored the pros and cons of the clean fuels of the future, focusing mostly on hydrogen. They looked into improved recharging for electric vehicles from multiple sources and better storage.
The packed house attracted attendees from five government departments, Queensland Police Service, Ipswich and Redland City Councils, Telstra, RACQ, QUT, Deloitte, CSIRO, Australian Electric Vehicle Council and University of Queensland. In addition, there were CEOs and founders from Block2, Australian Association of Progressive Repairers, Institute of Automotive Mechanical Engineers, The Australian Institute of Education and Training, Work Guru and Auto Guru.
“We are proud to be leading the era of change in automotive and mobility. The members of MTA Queensland will benefit from our investment in innovation and the new blockchain platform being rolled out in 2019, will certainly deliver a new way to do businesses. It is a very exciting time!” concluded Dale.