THE Auto Innovation Centre, part of the nation’s aftermarket association, is to become a hub for aftermarket companies wanting to develop new products for zero and low emission vehicles (ZLEVs) and aims to become a training facility for technicians moving to repair and maintain these vehicles.

The AIC in Melbourne (it also has a facility in Adelaide) has been awarded a grant by the Victorian Government as part of the Zero Emission Vehicles Commercial Sector Innovation Fund.

The funds will support development of aftermarket manufacturing, service, repair and modification sectors for ZLEVs.

In a statement, the AIC said the grant “will allow the AIC to break down barriers for aftermarket product manufacturers to ensure modified ZLEVs remain fit for purpose, and provide automotive technicians with opportunities to be upskilled on ZLEV technology.”

“Both initiatives are designed to support consumers to access safe, reliable and affordable ZLEV aftermarket parts, servicing and repair,” it said.

The AIC’s new ZLEV capability will come online in early 2023. The AAAA said it will work closely with the AIC to develop and facilitate education and training programs to fast-track the support of this vehicle evolution for the automotive industry.

AIC managing director Luke Truskinger said: “The AIC is uniquely placed to support the automotive industry’s uptake of zero-emission vehicles given our existing role supporting the aftermarket with testing services, and our facility built with automotive training and development in mind.”

“The AIC will be investing in ZLEVs, charging infrastructure and specialised ZLEV tools and equipment to be at the forefront of this important evolution for the automotive industry.

“The AIC will become a hub for aftermarket companies wishing to develop new products for these vehicles, and become a key training facility for technicians to gain the specialist knowledge required to repair and maintain ZLEVs.”

The AIC in Mulgrave, Victoria is a centre of excellence for the automotive industry that allows aftermarket companies to fast-track product development through vehicle and product level testing and 3D scanning. It also owns a fleet of vehicles and a modern, well-equipped workshop and training facility.

The AAAA, the independent national body responsible for the aftermarket industry, said ZLEVs were becoming an area of increased focus for the association and the aftermarket industry, which comprises over 50,000 businesses and contributes $25 billion to the economy annually.

“The AAAA actively monitors ZLEV take-up rates and barriers to ensure as an industry we are able to respond to the challenges of this emerging sector,” said AAAA CEO Stuart Charity.

“It is our role to support our sector to develop and fulfil important new industry responsibilities in relation to the growing segment of ZLEVs within the automotive industry.”

By Neil Dowling