As Australia heads towards the 2025 Federal Election, Mitsubishi Motors Australia Limited (MMAL) has taken the unusual step of releasing an Election Charter titled “A Vision for Sustainable Innovation.” Rather than calling for rapid electric vehicle (EV) adoption like some industry voices, MMAL’s approach outlines six policy considerations aimed at promoting its products; and balanced transition to lower-emission transport.
For fleet managers, procurement managers, and fleet coordinators, this document offers insight into the policy landscape that could shape fleet composition, procurement decisions, and vehicle availability in the coming years.
1. Incentivising Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs)
MMAL strongly advocates for continued government support for PHEVs, describing them as a “sustainable solution for Australia’s vast geography.” Mitsubishi highlights the appeal of PHEVs to consumers concerned with charging availability, quoting research showing 74% of new car buyers are open to considering a PHEV. In 2024, PHEV sales increased by 100.2%, driven largely by the current Fringe Benefits Tax (FBT) exemption. However, this exemption is set to expire on 1 April 2025.
MMAL recommends extending this exemption or introducing an alternative incentive, such as a $6,000 upfront rebate for individuals or businesses purchasing PHEVs. According to Mitsubishi, this would help maintain adoption momentum and deliver significant emissions reductions. For fleet managers, particularly those operating across regional and remote areas, PHEVs present a practical option bridging the gap until EV infrastructure catches up.
2. Harmonising Global Safety and Regulatory Standards
Mitsubishi calls for harmonisation of Australia’s Design Rules with global UN standards to increase product availability and reduce vehicle costs. Australia’s niche right-hand-drive market currently leads to higher costs and limited model availability. This is particularly important for fleet managers who often face limited vehicle choices due to current safety and procurement requirements.
MMAL highlights the impact of fleet procurement policies that require a five-star ANCAP rating. While safety remains critical, Mitsubishi suggests reviewing fleet requirements to accept four-star ratings under current ANCAP protocols. This would allow more affordable, smaller EVs and PHEVs—such as the Mitsubishi eK X EV—to enter the market, providing fleets with lower-cost, low-emission options for urban and city-based roles.
3. Promoting Bi-Directional Charging (Vehicle-to-Grid Technology)
Bi-directional charging, where EVs can power homes or feed electricity back into the grid, is seen by Mitsubishi as essential to grid resilience. They note that peak electricity demand could double if most Australians charge their EVs in the evening. MMAL recommends incentives for households to install bi-directional private chargers and for workplaces to leverage daytime solar generation.
Fleet managers should pay close attention to this development. Fleet depots with solar power and Vehicle-to-Grid infrastructure could reduce operational costs and help meet sustainability targets.
4. Aligning the National Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES) with Infrastructure Rollout
While supporting the introduction of NVES, MMAL warns against penalties coming into force before sufficient EV charging infrastructure is available. The concern is that penalties could lead to higher vehicle prices or reduced model availability, placing fleet buyers in a difficult position.
Mitsubishi recommends a 24-month grace period before NVES penalties are enforced, allowing infrastructure to catch up. For fleet managers with long-term replacement plans, this recommendation is significant. It highlights the risk of being forced into non-optimal procurement decisions due to policy timelines that do not consider on-the-ground infrastructure realities.
5. Protecting Consumer Data and Market Integrity
MMAL raises concerns that Australia’s open automotive market could become a dumping ground for foreign-subsidised vehicles without adequate data and cybersecurity protections. They note that, according to CHOICE research, Mitsubishi is one of only three brands in Australia not collecting or sharing driver data.
Fleet managers and procurement officers should consider data privacy and vehicle servicing commitments as part of procurement criteria. MMAL encourages the government to establish guardrails that ensure all brands operating in Australia are accountable and committed to long-term service and support.
6. Developing a Skilled Workforce for the Energy Transition
MMAL draws attention to ongoing skill shortages in the automotive sector, with a reported industry vacancy fill rate of just 39%. They call for government collaboration to promote automotive careers, enhance training programs, and support apprenticeships.
For fleet managers, this challenge has direct implications for servicing and maintaining increasingly complex vehicles, including hybrids and EVs. Mitsubishi recommends more focus on building a pipeline of Australian automotive workers while aligning migration policies to attract talent with the necessary technical skills.
Conclusion: What Fleet Managers Need to Know
Mitsubishi’s Election Charter may not perfectly align with the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI), which has advocated for policies that appear to favour market leaders. Instead, MMAL’s recommendations reflect a pragmatic approach that acknowledges current infrastructure and market realities.
For fleet managers, there are clear takeaways:
- Continue to monitor government policy around PHEV incentives, as these vehicles remain an important part of fleet decarbonisation, especially outside major cities.
- Advocate for flexibility in fleet safety procurement standards to access a wider range of cost-effective vehicles.
- Start planning for depot-level Vehicle-to-Grid capability to reduce energy costs and support grid stability.
- Be aware of potential cost implications from NVES penalties if infrastructure development lags.
- Prioritise suppliers with transparent data policies and a strong commitment to long-term service support.
- Work with industry bodies to address workforce shortages, ensuring future servicing and vehicle management capabilities.
In short, Mitsubishi’s six recommendations are designed to support a realistic, inclusive, and balanced transition for Australia’s transport sector. Fleet professionals should remain engaged with these policy developments to ensure their procurement strategies remain both compliant and cost-effective in the years ahead.
