VACC, the peak Automotive Industry body in Victoria, is concerned about the unintended consequences that could result from the early introduction of Electronic Stability Control (ESC) in the state.
Minister for Roads and Ports, Tim Pallas has announced today that the Brumby Government has introduced regulations mandating that new vehicles be fitted with ESC from 1 January 2011.
The national rollout is scheduled for 1 November 2011.
“Like the Brumby Government, VACC supports any initiative to improve vehicle safety and to reduce the road toll,” VACC Senior Manager, Government and Public Affairs, David Russell, said.
“However, VACC is concerned about the ‘go-it-alone’ strategy of the Brumby Government. We feel it will cause confusion, inconsistencies and loopholes. There are likely to be impacts on manufacturers, dealers and consumers.
“The Minister has exempt light commercial vehicles from the requirements and will be able to exempt certain vehicles that meet exceptional conditions from the mandatory regulations, but we would like clarity regarding the regulatory details for those exemptions.
“Manufacturers will be affected because they plan models years in advance. They are global operators and will not be able to amend their plans solely for the Victorian market and for a 10 month period. That means certain makes and models simply will not be available for sale in this state.
“If the manufacturers are disadvantaged: then so too are the dealers and associated retailers. Dealers have little say about the design of the product delivered to them for sale. New car dealers in Victoria are likely to be restricted if some makes and models are prohibited from sale in the State by the regulations.
“Consumers will be confused by the availability or lack thereof, of certain models and their lack of confidence in the system will force them to take their precious dollars interstate for their purchases.
“It is not too late for the Victorian Government to reconsider the impact of these regulations on the State’s economy and on the implications for manufacturers, retailers and consumers,” Mr Russell said.