The Motor Trades Association of Queensland (MTAQ), under the Queensland Government’s VET Emerging Industries programme, will host free workshops across the state to help automotive businesses prepare for the emergence of electric vehicles.
According to the MTAQ, business owners will leave the workshops better informed and with a tailored business plan to help them map out their future. The sessions will help those who choose to expand their business to accommodate EVs, continue to specialise only in internal combustion engines, or adapt to be a mix of the two.
“With so much happening across the industry, it is often difficult for small business owners to keep up and stay ahead of the game while tending to day-to-day business operations,” said Rod Camm, CEO of MTAQ Group. “The transition to EVs is very different to previous technology changes. Put simply, if the industry does not plan and prepare, we can expect to lose a considerable percentage of businesses. This is why MTA Queensland, as the peak industry body representing businesses in the automotive industry, is doing what we can to deliver valuable information and resources to keep business owners informed and ensure they can continue to thrive in the future.
“We want to see automotive businesses across the state take advantage of this great opportunity and welcome all industry stakeholders, whether they are members or not, to come along and learn how they can prepare their business to seamlessly accept EVs for maintenance and repairs in their workshop.”
The association said the number of EVs on Queensland roads increased by 466 per cent over the last three years, taking the total number of registrations to just under 25,000.
“Businesses will need to think carefully about their next move in this fast-changing environment,” said the MTAQ. “Being ahead of the game and working out a strategy for your business’s future is critical. Now is the time to start planning.”
SESSION SCHEDULE
| Location | Date | Time | Venue |
| Brisbane | Wed, 30 August | 7:30am to 9:30am | Brisbane SunPac |
| Gold Coast | Tue, 5 September | 7:00am to 9:00am | Sofitel Gold Coast |
| Sunshine Coast | Wed, 6 September | 7:00am to 9:00am | Maroochydore Surf Club |
| Townsville | Mon, 11 September | 7:00am to 9:00am | Townsville Hotel Grand Chancellor |
| Cairns | Tue, 12 September | 7:00am to 9:00am | Pullman International |
| Mackay | Wed, 13 September | 7:00am to 9:00am | Rydges Mackay |
| Toowoomba | Wed, 20 September | 7:00am to 9:00am | Oaks Toowoomba |
Registration is required to attend the workshops. Register here.