It promises to be a car show offering a difference. Forget the classic Commodores and the fast Fords, Future Drive is a showcase of high-tech vehicles where fuel-efficiency overtakes the revs.
QUT, in partnership with RACQ and Citysmart, is hosting an auto show in Brisbane featuring the "best-in-its-class" range of new cars with a focus on efficient and affordable motoring. The event will be held at The Courier-Mail Piazza, South Bank Parklands, this Sunday (March 2) from 10am-3pm.
Event organiser and QUT researcher Alina Dini said while most Queensland drivers complained about high petrol prices at the bowser, few considered fuel-efficiency when buying a new vehicle.
"Australia is way behind most of the developed countries when it comes to purchasing fuel-efficient vehicles," she said.
"Most Australian cars tend to be a lot dirtier than in other countries, and electric vehicles are almost non-existent.
"For example, more than 170,000 electric cars were sold in the US the past three years, compared to just 700 in Australia."
Ms Dini, who is researching the consumer perceptions of electric vehicles through QUT's AutoCRC research program lead by Professor Simon Washington, said many Queenslanders were unaware of the options of affordable fuel-efficient cars on the market.
"This Sunday drivers will be able to get behind the wheel of an electric car, take it for a spin and experience first-hand what electric is like to drive," she said.
"QUT will also be asking people to fill out a short survey which will be used as part of my future research."
She said if consumers started showing their support for fuel-efficient vehicles through their buying habits, it would pay off both financially and environmentally.
"What many consumers don't yet realise is that the automotive sector is currently undergoing a massive transition to new technologies and fuels, and the future of motoring will look very different from what we see today," she said.
As well as electric vehicles, Future Drive will also feature the Veefil - an electric vehicle fast charger which has been developed by a Brisbane engineering company Tritium and can charge a car in 30 minutes or less.
"This showcase to feature around 20 vehicles, is giving everyday Queenslanders the chance to learn about new energy-efficient vehicles available on the market now," she said.
Media contacts:
Sandra Hutchinson, QUT media officer (Tue/Wed/Fri), 07 3138 9449 or media@qut.edu.au
After hours: Rose Trapnell, 0407 585 901
Media are invited to attend the event and on the day should contact Alina Dini on 0420 796 009.
