Imports dominate government sales

[I6DOHC]

Imports dominate government sales


All tiers of government favour imported cars including ‘buy Aussie’ federal agencies

11 September 2012 By TERRY MARTIN

FEDERAL government agencies are now buying more imported vehicles than locally built cars, despite a clear fleet vehicle selection policy that has ‘Made in Australia’ as its core tenet.

State and territory government vehicle purchases outside the manufacturing bases of Victoria and South Australia are also heavily skewed towards imported vehicles, while local governments across the board favour cars built offshore.

As overall sales of locally built vehicles continue to fall, threatening the viability of Australian car manufacturing, official figures obtained by GoAuto show that of the 2753 federal government new-vehicle registrations to the end of August this year, 52 per cent (1322) were imported vehicles, while over the same period last year the percentage was slightly higher at 56 per cent (2222 imports compared to 1751 local vehicles).

Among the states, the government fleet preference for imported vehicles is much higher at 63 per cent so far this year, with 16,346 imports compared with just over 9500 locally built cars.

Take Victoria and South Australia out of the equation, and Aussie-built cars make up only 26 per cent of state and territory government purchases.

From top: Locally built Ford Falcon Ute and Holden Ute.

For local government authorities, the percentage of locally built cars sold across the nation this year is even lower at just 19 per cent (1648 vehicles).

The majority of this year’s federal government sales – be they local or imported – have been SUVs (1486), well ahead of passenger cars (at just 522) as well as light commercial vehicles (513) and heavy vehicles (232).

In comparison, passenger cars dominate YTD state government purchases to the tune of 13,000 units, followed by LCVs and SUVs at around half that volume and heavy vehicles at the 1100 mark.

Local governments, on the other hand, are favouring light commercials (3234) so far this year over passenger cars (2646) and SUVs (1919), with heavy vehicles further afield.

For the federal agencies in particular, the high percentage of imports is surprising given the emphasis the Commonwealth government places on sales of Australian-made vehicles.

Former industry minister Kim Carr routinely argued that public and private fleet sales underpinned the health of the local car industry, and urged that state governments follow the federal government’s ‘buy Australian’ lead.

The trend also looks to be at odds with the ‘fleet vehicle selection policy’ published by the federal department of finance and deregulation.

In selecting passenger cars within the Australian government fleet, the policy directive is that the vehicle “must be made in Australia and have a five-star ANCAP safety rating” (which all local models achieve).

The policy then states: “Where no operationally suitable Australian-made passenger vehicle exists, agencies must provide a business case for the chief executive or their delegate’s approval detailing the operational requirements that precludes the selection of an Australian-made passenger vehicle.”

The requirements are less stringent for LCVs, with the same Australian-made preference but only four ANCAP stars (both Holden’s and Ford’s local utilities score five stars) and no need for a fleet manager or other purchasing official to provide a business case when considering an imported vehicle.

Asked to explain why federal agencies had purchased more imported vehicles this year than locally manufactured cars, given the ‘buy Australian’ rules, the federal finance department said in a written statement to GoAuto that the government clearly purchased a majority of Australian-built passenger cars.

With only two local light commercials available, the department said “the situation is different” and that there were “many more cases where there are legitimate operational reasons that make an imported vehicle more appropriate” – hence the reason why a business case was not required and the likelihood of these models coming from offshore.

“The Australian government selects a wide range of operationally suitable vehicles, from passenger vehicles through to light and heavy commercial vehicles,” the department said.

“The majority of commercial vehicles are not manufactured in Australia, which would affect statistics.

“The Gillard government actively supports Australian car manufacturers. Not only are the vast majority of passenger vehicles Australian-made, the proportion is increasing.

“However, there are situations where the operational requirements of government agencies mean that they need to buy imported vehicles.”

Federal figures show that the Commonwealth fleet size as at June 30 was 14,145 vehicles, with 54 per cent of these passenger cars and 34 per cent light commercials.

From the entire fleet, 62 per cent were Australian-made and 27.9 per cent were imported by an Australian car-maker, leaving 10.1 per cent imported by a brand other than Toyota, Holden and Ford.

State and territory governments clearly have different purchasing policies, with some, such as Queensland, placing more emphasis on vehicle emissions than Australian assembly.

The Australasian Fleet Management Association’s research and communications director, Ken Thompson, told GoAuto that one of the reasons behind the rise of imported vehicle sales among government fleets was that the people purchasing them were now carefully considering the cost equation and relevance of a vehicle rather than simply its country of origin.

“This is a theme that the association (AFMA) has been pushing for a long time – fleet managers are getting smarter and fleet management is getting recognised as more of a complex management discipline,” he said.

“The starting base is to understand your transport needs and then to purchase vehicles that are, as we call, fit for purpose. So you’re matching the vehicle with your need rather than saying I like a Ford or a Holden or a Toyota.

“Putting it a slightly different way, fleet managers and management are starting to manage the fleet rather than just acquiring vehicles.”

Mr Thompson said the same also applies for the plug-in hybrid and electric vehicles, which bring environmental kudos but might not make sense from a fleet management perspective based on ‘whole-of-life’ cost.

In overall terms, he said “you’re identifying your transport needs, looking for vehicles that are ‘fit for purpose’, and then of those vehicles that are fit for purpose you do a cost-benefit analysis and choose the vehicle that gives you the lowest whole-of-life cost”.

Mr Thompson said an organisation should only then consider whether it made sense to pay a premium to purchase a more expensive ‘green’ car or locally manufactured vehicle that might be more expensive than an imported equivalent. equivalent.

http://www.goauto.com.au/mellor/mell...257A760022B7AC

My hat goes off to Terry Martin. This is a very good piece of automotive journalism...something you don't see from Drivel. This is the very article I will reference when contacting my local members (at all levels of government) asking for a please explain.

At least the Feds have got the message, as the balance of locally made vehicles wasn't as high earlier this year.

[I6DOHC]

But wait, there's more....
http://www.goauto.com.au/mellor/mell...257A7600241846

Government sales fall 22.5 per cent in August as pain continues for local car-makers
11 September 2012
By TERRY MARTIN
CAR sales took a massive dive across federal, state and government sectors last month, highlighting reduced public-sector spending and continued cutbacks that saw new-vehicle registrations across all tiers of government slump 22.5 per cent – including a 32.7 per cent fall in passenger cars.

While the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) has declined to comment on potential reasons behind the government sales downturn, the peak industry body used its monthly overview to emphasise the August result that has dragged government sales down 9.7 per cent – or almost 3800 vehicles – for the year to date.

Just 4091 government sales across Australia were recorded last month, bringing the running total to 35,129 and pointing to around 52,000 for the calendar year, based on the current monthly average.

This would represent a new low for government sales – and a fresh blow for the local car manufacturing industry – after dropping below 60,000 for the first time in recent memory last year.

In 2005, more than 87,500 government sales were recorded.

Last month’s public-sector sales decline was most striking in the passenger-car segment, where sales fell 32.7 per cent to just 1975 units. Government SUV sales were also off 19.5 per cent (910) and light commercials down 0.7 per cent (1206).

From top: Toyota Camry and Aurion; Holden Cruze and Commodore.

Official figures obtained by GoAuto show that last month’s downturn was reflected across federal, state and local government sectors, with federal sales down 46 per cent (to 258), state sales down 14 per cent (2935) and local government sales down 27 per cent (1103).

Lower sales are also seen across the board on a year-to-date basis, with federal (on 2753 units), state (25,918) and local government (8618) down 31, four and five per cent respectively.

Overall government passenger-car sales are down 16.8 per cent YTD to just over 17,000 units, SUV sales are down 0.4 per cent (to 7773) and light commercial vehicles are 2.9 per cent in arrears on 10,312.

The sales downturn has hit both locally built and imported cars, but the plight of Australian car-makers comes into sharp focus with figures showing that the federal, state and local government sectors have all bought more imports than Aussie cars YTD (see separate story).

At a federal level, this has happened despite fleet purchasing rules that require Australian-made cars to be given precedence over imports by federal fleet managers or senior department officials.

August was another tough month for the Australian car-makers, with sales of locally manufactured cars down 16 per cent to just 11,927 units on the back of Holden falling 23.8 per cent (5987) and Ford down 16.4 per cent (3246).

The Altona-built Camry has kept Toyota in positive territory, up 9.7 per cent across both Camry and Aurion last month (2694) to be up 12.5 per cent for the year at just over 20,000 units.

Holden, which is now relying heavily on Cruze to compensate for Commodore’s sales decline, is up 1.1 per cent YTD with its Elizabeth-built vehicles (to 48,185), while Ford’s Broadmeadows-built models are down 7.5 per cent in 2012 to 23,166 – just 3157 units ahead of Toyota.

Commodore, Aurion and Falcon sedan sales were down 33.9, 33.5 and 18.7 per cent respectively in August, leaving the six-cylinder Toyota 12.6 per cent in arrears for the year and its two traditionally big-volume rivals both down 27 per cent YTD.

For the local light commercials, sales of Ford and Holden’s utes were down 9.6 and 21.2 per cent respectively in August, and 10.6 and 19.4 per cent YTD.

As GoAuto has previously reported, privatisation of public-owned companies and massive public-service cutbacks have seen government vehicle sales fall away dramatically in recent years, from more than 87,500 in 2005 to 60,000 by 2009.

These came back 5.6 per cent in 2010 to 63,477, only to drop 8.5 per cent last year to 58,091 units. Based on the current running rate, government sales are zeroing in on 52,700 for the full year, although substantial declines like last month could see the final result for 2012 much worse than that.

This is a worrying trend for local manufacturers and could prove problematic in the longer term for the broader Australian motor industry, which relies heavily on public and private fleet sales.

There are a host of factors inherent in the decline of government sales, but it should also be seen in the context of the current overall industry, which remains on record pace this year and on track to achieve 1.09 million sales – thanks largely to consumer and business confidence, in imported vehicles.

It really isn't a great look when we aren't supporting our own.

Heck, it would be like growing our own food here and then importing stuff to eat...oh hang on a minute...

[2011G6E]

I think it all started to change when governments demanded that fleet cars be four cylinders...that's something they hoped the Falcon Ecoboost would pick up sales from.
That's why so many government cars are Camrys, Klugers, and similar things.

[Brazen]

The real issue is local government sales, their preference for diesel and also wanting to purchase their wide range of light commercial fleet vehicles from one supplier have really kicked Falcon and Commodore ute sales in the gut.

[I6DOHC]

Originally Posted by Brazen

The real issue is local government sales, their preference for diesel and also wanting to purchase their wide range of light commercial fleet vehicles from one supplier have really kicked Falcon and Commodore ute sales in the gut.

Probably got a point with the diesel preferencing and the light commerical purchasing in general, but when compared against EcoLpi I can't understand the justification. There's also been argument for dual-cabs however not all of the council vehicles I see have more than 3 people in them (FG has bench seat option doesn't it?)

Originally Posted by T4ME

The overall finish of the import cars are alot better imo,a bit of seam sealer and paint in the boot go's along way for some....may even stop rust forming after 6 months.

IMO it is not a justification against government fleet purchasing...and I agree with Brazen, the finish on my FG is pretty good. My old BA (9yrs) is still hanging in there too for that matter.

Originally Posted by turbodewd

Its a disgrace to read that Qld isnt buying as many AU-made cars. Perhaps auto workers in Vic and SA should boycott holidaying there. While Im a swinging voter it seems typical of a Labor/Green govt to do that. Maybe Qlders in this forum can email their govt and demand they buy the local product.

Fully agree with this, and as a Qld'er will be doing exactly that. This is an area where I feel the Unions could do some good, and become more vocal about it.

[RASER]

Originally Posted by 2011G6E

I think it all started to change when governments demanded that fleet cars be four cylinders...that's something they hoped the Falcon Ecoboost would pick up sales from.
That's why so many government cars are Camrys, Klugers, and similar things.

Camry THE most volume-manufactured vehicle in AUS, and the most exported vehicle, is proudly Aussie made, inc. the high tech. hybrid

Its is also the highest quality vehicle manufactured in AUS, finally when FoA and GM/H shut shop, BigT[tm.F/0] wins and be the last one here

[T4ME]

The overall finish of the import cars are alot better imo,a bit of seam sealer and paint in the boot go's along way for some....may even stop rust forming after 6 months.

My new Ford drives better than a VE but my god are the VE finished alot better,mine after 4 years didnt have one rust spot anywhere,something thats not asking much for a new car.

[Brazen]

Originally Posted by T4ME

The overall finish of the import cars are alot better imo,a bit of seam sealer and paint in the boot go's along way for some....may even stop rust forming after 6 months.

My new Ford drives better than a VE but my god are the VE finished alot better,mine after 4 years didnt have one rust spot anywhere,something thats not asking much for a new car.

I don't think this is the cause of fleet sales, personally I think the local cars are very well finished, I think something like a 2012 Commodore feels very well finished and solidly built and yet they have suffered a drop in fleet sales.

[westy73]

Originally Posted by T4ME

The overall finish of the import cars are alot better imo,a bit of seam sealer and paint in the boot go's along way for some....may even stop rust forming after 6 months.

My new Ford drives better than a VE but my god are the VE finished alot better,mine after 4 years didnt have one rust spot anywhere,something thats not asking much for a new car.

I haven't posted here before but have read many many threads. Couldn't sit by and read this one and not comment. This line about fit and finish is just old prejudices. Really! The production lines at both Ford and Holden are highly technical and technological and automated to the nth degree to provide to the nearest mm fit and finish. These cars are not bolted together by hand in a sweat shop somewhere. If you want to complain about fit and finish go drive a 1973 XY and then jump in a 2012 Falcon and tell me what you think. Honestly.......can't believe someone would post that.

[T4ME]

Originally Posted by westy73

I haven't posted here before but have read many many threads. Couldn't sit by and read this one and not comment. This line about fit and finish is just old prejudices. Really! The production lines at both Ford and Holden are highly technical and technological and automated to the nth degree to provide to the nearest mm fit and finish. These cars are not bolted together by hand in a sweat shop somewhere. If you want to complain about fit and finish go drive a 1973 XY and then jump in a 2012 Falcon and tell me what you think. Honestly.......can't believe someone would post that.

Well its in black and white so believe it....

So why is my FG rusting allready,let me guess....within spec?

How long have fords prematurely rusted for,you can blow your horn about mm this and mm that but some damn seam sealer and paint is not much to ask....

Like I said,I like the car but finish compared to imports is lacking in alot of areas(under the skin),if you cant acknowledge this remotely then your head is in the sand!

[westy73]

Originally Posted by T4ME

Well its in black and white so believe it....

So why is my FG rusting allready,let me guess....within spec?

How long have fords prematurely rusted for,you can blow your horn about mm this and mm that but some damn seam sealer and paint is not much to ask....

Like I said,I like the car but finish compared to imports is lacking in alot of areas(under the skin),if you cant acknowledge this remotely then your head is in the sand!

So you are basing this on a sample of 1 car rusting? You are saying there are no imports that rust, period ? These are the correct stats. I know of 10 people at least with FG's and no rust issues to report. So that must mean my sample is bigger so therefore your car is an anomaly ? Where do you live ? Is it environmental issues that are causing rust in your car compared to others ? Is it garaged or exposed to the elements ? We can go on and on but this is ludicrous to make a broad-based statement of fact about fit/finish when I can offer plenty of examples of great fit/finish. Always though car companies can do better with every aspect of car making.
I have owned 1used falcon (EL), 1 new falcons (BA) and 1 new territory
(2007) of which 0 rusted. I owned a 1967 XT and 1973 XY both of which did develop some minor rust in the bottom corners of the doors and the front guards but we are talking a cars built in 1967 and 1973! My sample is bigger so I am still of the opinion the rust issue you experience is the exception rather than the rule. IMHO. Anyway probably getting off topic here but I couldn't sit by and not have a dig at the argument of fit/finish being of a poorer standard in OZ cars.
I guess at least there is no asbestos in Australian Made cars which would be more concering for me, like has recently been found in imports !

[Fiesta_Man69]

Originally Posted by westy73

So you are basing this on a sample of 1 car rusting? You are saying there are no imports that rust, period ? These are the correct stats. I know of 10 people at least with FG's and no rust issues to report. So that must mean my sample is bigger so therefore your car is an anomaly ? Where do you live ? Is it environmental issues that are causing rust in your car compared to others ? Is it garaged or exposed to the elements ? We can go on and on but this is ludicrous to make a broad-based statement of fact about fit/finish when I can offer plenty of examples of great fit/finish. Always though car companies can do better with every aspect of car making.
I have owned 1used falcon (EL), 1 new falcons (BA) and 1 new territory
(2007) of which 0 rusted. I owned a 1967 XT and 1973 XY both of which did develop some minor rust in the bottom corners of the doors and the front guards but we are talking a cars built in 1967 and 1973! My sample is bigger so I am still of the opinion the rust issue you experience is the exception rather than the rule. IMHO. Anyway probably getting off topic here but I couldn't sit by and not have a dig at the argument of fit/finish being of a poorer standard in OZ cars.
I guess at least there is no asbestos in Australian Made cars which would be more concering for me, like has recently been found in imports !

My brand new Fiesta had rust. Interestingly, when I first took it back to Dale Ford and I spoke to the receptionist she wanted to know what spec Falcon I had.... when I told her it was a Fiesta she apologized and said they had had a number of Falcons back for rust issues and just assumed mine was another Falcon.....

[turbodewd]

Its a disgrace to read that Qld isnt buying as many AU-made cars. Perhaps auto workers in Vic and SA should boycott holidaying there. While Im a swinging voter it seems typical of a Labor/Green govt to do that. Maybe Qlders in this forum can email their govt and demand they buy the local product.

Surely the auto unions down south can do something to stop this rot.

[Brazen]

Originally Posted by turbodewd

Its a disgrace to read that Qld isnt buying as many AU-made cars. Perhaps auto workers in Vic and SA should boycott holidaying there. While Im a swinging voter it seems typical of a Labor/Green govt to do that. Maybe Qlders in this forum can email their govt and demand they buy the local product.

Surely the auto unions down south can do something to stop this rot.

Well Mr Newman has replaced Bligh's Chrysler 300c with a locally built Holden, but as it stands their fleet is pathetic, there is no reason at all the QLD government should own a single Kluger for example.

[bobthebilda]

Originally Posted by turbodewd

Its a disgrace to read that Qld isnt buying as many AU-made cars. Perhaps auto workers in Vic and SA should boycott holidaying there. While Im a swinging voter it seems typical of a Labor/Green govt to do that. Maybe Qlders in this forum can email their govt and demand they buy the local product.

Surely the auto unions down south can do something to stop this rot.

Hey, why dont you write a letter to the 1,800,000 union members in australia and tell them to buy an australian made car. If they all bought a new aussie made car every five years then the local industry would have to make an extra 360,000 cars a year. Look at the employee car parks at Ford, Holden or Toyota and (even with their generous employee discounts), you would be lucky to see large percentages of australian made cars. Travel up central queensland and you dont even see all the CFMEU guys driving local made cars.

[Bossxr8]

Originally Posted by bobthebilda

Hey, why dont you write a letter to the 1,800,000 union members in australia and tell them to buy an australian made car. If they all bought a new aussie made car every five years then the local industry would have to make an extra 360,000 cars a year. Look at the employee car parks at Ford, Holden or Toyota and (even with their generous employee discounts), you would be lucky to see large percentages of australian made cars. Travel up central queensland and you dont even see all the CFMEU guys driving local made cars.

Do you make this stuff up? Have a look at the Ford Geelong carpark and try and tell me that at least 70% of the cars aren't Ford, and the ones that aren't are older models.

I recon out of the whole carpark you might only find 4 or 5 brand new cars that aren't Ford. My experience is that a lot of workers buy Fords when they can, but you seriously can't expect everyone who works there to do it either.

And I wouldn't expect that many people who work for Toyota would buy Toyotas either, they aren't exactly cars that attract loyal brand followers.

[bobthebilda]

Originally Posted by Bossxr8

Do you make this stuff up? Have a look at the Ford Geelong carpark and try and tell me that at least 70% of the cars aren't Ford, and the ones that aren't are older models.
I recon out of the whole carpark you might only find 4 or 5 brand new cars that aren't Ford. My experience is that a lot of workers buy Fords when they can, but you seriously can't expect everyone who works there to do it either.
And I wouldn't expect that many people who work for Toyota would buy Toyotas either, they aren't exactly cars that attract loyal brand followers.

Apparantly the rule is that some people (and governments) do have to buy australian made cars, I would think at the very least that rule should apply to all australian car industry workers.

Any how, who are we kidding. Not even Holden think they should abide by the locally made rule, if they are importing 60% of the cruze.

[pmacc]

need more articles like this in the news

http://www.adelaidenow.com.au/news/s...-1226252460332

last time i checked a family of 5 will fit comfortably in a stato/caprice let alone a falcon, aurion or a commodore. If he needed 7 seats well there is this thing called a territory

and all those Prius econoboxes should atleast be replaced by the camry hybrid or the ecoboost

[2011G6E]

Take the railways out her as a for instance...we use just about exclusively a fleet of Prados. They're four cylinder, they're diesel, they are very capable four wheel drives and will go anywhere we need to go on or off road in sometimes shocking conditions, tough as nails, and they're safe and comfortable for up to five guys.

What "Australian" vehicle should we be buying to do all that...?

[Road_Warrior]

Originally Posted by 2011G6E

Take the railways out her as a for instance...we use just about exclusively a fleet of Prados. They're four cylinder, they're diesel, they are very capable four wheel drives and will go anywhere we need to go on or off road in sometimes shocking conditions, tough as nails, and they're safe and comfortable for up to five guys.

What "Australian" vehicle should we be buying to do all that...?

Oh please, you know full well we are talking about the majority makeup of government fleets here, not small numbers of certain types of vehicles an agency has a genuine need for.

[RASER]

Originally Posted by 2011G6E

Take the railways out her as a for instance...we use just about exclusively a fleet of Prados. They're four cylinder, they're diesel, they are very capable four wheel drives and will go anywhere we need to go on or off road in sometimes shocking conditions, tough as nails, and they're safe and comfortable for up to five guys.

What "Australian" vehicle should we be buying to do all that...?

Diesel Territory

[Ben73]

Originally Posted by RASER

Diesel Territory

How far can a terry get offroad? I assume not very far because they are a city based SUV. Do they even have any offroad features?


I did a water crossing the prado other day, I don't think the terry would be able to handle it.

[tezxr8man]

Originally Posted by turbodewd

Its a disgrace to read that Qld isnt buying as many AU-made cars. Perhaps auto workers in Vic and SA should boycott holidaying there. While Im a swinging voter it seems typical of a Labor/Green govt to do that. Maybe Qlders in this forum can email their govt and demand they buy the local product.

Surely the auto unions down south can do something to stop this rot.

Unions don't really do anything mutch up here regardless but i have noticed a problem here with imported cars, wtf is with a standard 4 cylinder lancer or a hybrid camry police car??? they can't even fit the appropriate police gear in them but they are getting around more and more up here in townsville

[aussie muscle]

Apart from commercial vehicles, i can't see how they can justify not buying a local vehicle. What can a mazda6 do that a commodore/falcon can't? What justification are they using?

[Ducati888]

There are a lot of needs with government vehicles that are not met with local offerings, for example the DSE, fire brigades and SES need four wheel drive vehicles. Those that are not trucks such as Hinos or Mitsubishis are most likely to be Hiluxes and Navaras. There are no locally made equivalents. The police now generally use Mercedes vans as divvies because they are better for the purpose than modified Commodore and Falcon utes.

Where a passenger car is all that's required, there is no excuse for them not to by a Camry, Cruze, Aurion, Falcon, Territory or Commodore, or where a 2WD ute is required.

It's a failing of the car companies too. The four cylinder Falcon and LiLPG Falcon are not just going to sell themselves. Where are the fleet managers? Surely after the government tipped in all those millions it's no big leap of faith to expect that the car companies should be lobbying that fleet sales be for Aussie produced vehicles where possilbe. Why aren't they?

LPG is better than diesel in passenger cars. it's cleaner, cheaper and more available. Why are governments avoiding it?

[flappist]

Originally Posted by Ducati888

LPG is better than diesel in passenger cars. it's cleaner, cheaper and more available. Why are governments avoiding it?

Because it is not available everywhere and has other logistical and believe it or not OHS issues.

QLD Governmnt bought some a few years ago and they were a disaster, the most celibrated case is a LPG Falcon wagon delivered to Birdsville Hospital for just driving locally and to and from the regional centre.

Makes sense, roads are not that bad and the long distances would save a lot in fuel......except the nearest LPG was over 500km away....

Some states are not smaller than a cattle station........

[I6DOHC]

Originally Posted by flappist

Because it is not available everywhere and has other logistical and believe it or not OHS issues.

QLD Governmnt bought some a few years ago and they were a disaster, the most celibrated case is a LPG Falcon wagon delivered to Birdsville Hospital for just driving locally and to and from the regional centre.

Makes sense, roads are not that bad and the long distances would save a lot in fuel......except the nearest LPG was over 500km away....

Some states are not smaller than a cattle station........

Yes, and in that instance it seems ludicrous purchasing decision. Not a fault of the vehicle, just not one being bought fit for purpose. That type of purchasing decision would be like the Brisbane city council deploying XR6 Turbo/SS sedan for their fleet instead of opting for an ecoboost/ecolpi/camry sedan

Two further points spring to mind, is
a) what type of fleet manager would make a decision like that? Seems like a systems issue that needs correcting (is that happening now?). Perhaps doing appropriate research first might have been in order. There are still other Aussie made alternatives that can fit the bill for regional Australia. Diesel territory perhaps?
b) a bit off topic...but why is it that a country like Australia, with an abundance of LPG reserves isn't leveraging this rich reserve locally. Instead of making it widely available, at affordable pricing for all Australians, in the process helping drive productivity, we are intent on selling it off cheaply to foreign interests.

[Road_Warrior]

Originally Posted by Ducati888

LPG is better than diesel in passenger cars. it's cleaner, cheaper and more available. Why are governments avoiding it?

We had e-gas Falcons in our fleet a number of years ago but the issue with them was LPG coverage in remote and regional areas.

[Ducati888]

Originally Posted by Road_Warrior

We had e-gas Falcons in our fleet a number of years ago but the issue with them was LPG coverage in remote and regional areas.

Fair enough, but most government fleet cars are not used in remote areas. Get petrol or diesel for those areas. The majority of govco cars will be used in metro Melb, Syd, Canbera and Brisbane and surrounds, not the outback or in vast numbers in regional areas.

On the build quality issue - it's not an issue. Fleet cars are kept for three years and that's it, then sold on at the auctions. As soon as the warranty is gone, so is the car.

[flappist]

Originally Posted by Ducati888

Fair enough, but most government fleet cars are not used in remote areas. Get petrol or diesel for those areas. The majority of govco cars will be used in metro Melb, Syd, Canbera and Brisbane and surrounds, not the outback or in vast numbers in regional areas.

On the build quality issue - it's not an issue. Fleet cars are kept for three years and that's it, then sold on at the auctions. As soon as the warranty is gone, so is the car.

Doing that would require someone in the public service to make a decission.

You will have more luck dividing by zero or riding a unicorn in the melbourne cup than finding a public servant who will make a decission.........

The other issue is who is going to pay for the 2 week long "Basic LPG" course followed by a 2 week "LPG refuelling" course and finally "LPG emergencies".
Then the creation of the "LPG manager" for each office, all of whom report to the district LPG manager who reports to the regional LPG manager who reports both to the second assistant OHS manager and the deputy fleet manager.
A working committee must then be set up to investigate the potential savings of LPG verses the number of extra jobs that can be created by deploying this fuel.
Of course a pilot scheme would then be run in a place where it would not cause any embarrassment to the senior management should it go wrong, somewhere like Birdsville would be appropriate.
And then it would be shut down and never done again because LPG is not available and it actually costs 3 times as much as petrol with all the required management and safety.

Oh and of course all the OHS people need to be retrained in LPG which is something new and due to their personalities, willingness to do any work and intelligence will take about 5 years.