Scott Nargar, Senior Manager of Future Mobility and Government Relations at Hyundai Motor Company Australia, believes the upcoming Federal Election will be defined by two key issues: energy policy and the cost of living.
Speaking ahead of the 2025 Smart Energy Expo in Sydney, Nargar said voters are increasingly focused on long-term solutions that impact their everyday expenses and environmental footprint. “This election will be fought on the cost of living and energy,” he said. “They’re the ones that are really affecting people today.”
While acknowledging the limitations both major parties may face in how far they can go with their respective policies, Nargar is hopeful the campaign will offer clarity. “It’s going to be good to see who’s going to have the best way to prosecute their argument, whether we’re 100% renewables or a mix of energy to make that happen.”
Nargar’s comments reflect Hyundai’s ongoing interest in policy certainty, especially around Australia’s energy grid transition. The company has invested in both battery electric and hydrogen fuel cell technology, and sees government leadership as essential to unlocking the full potential of these solutions.
“This election will hopefully settle that,” he said. “Finally, we can make investments and move on and make sure we have good, reliable, affordable energy for our future generations.”
His comments follow a week of political activity in Canberra, with the federal budget and Opposition budget reply laying out contrasting visions for the nation’s energy future. For Hyundai, and the wider transport and energy sectors, the hope is that whoever wins, the outcome provides a clear mandate to support emerging technology and reduce the cost of decarbonisation for both consumers and businesses.
