Electric idea gets snubbed

THE only electric car manufacturer in Australia has been snubbed by the Australian International Motor Show.Castlemaine’s Blade Electric Vehicles chief executive Ross Blade said the business had been excluded after a vote was taken by the motor show’s board, which is made up of major foreign car manufacturers.“We have been excluded explicitly,” he said.“It’s unbelievable that Australia’s only all-electric-vehicle manufacturer could be excluded from exhibiting its product. “I am led to believe that the motor show board is comprised of representatives from the major car manufacturers and I think if this is true then their decision is both regrettable and short sighted.“If we were a small wine grower it would be outrageous for us to be excluded from the country’s biggest trade fare.“I’m still shocked.” The company has been manufacturing and selling the all-electric Blade Electron since 2008. Despite being licensed for full volume automotive manufacture Blade’s application to exhibit its new Electron DG product at this year’s Australian motor show was rejected by the motor show’s board. Blade had intended to use this year’s Melbourne show to announce the release of its Electron Deep Green product. Mr Blade said despite being a small manufacturer the company was still held to the same safety standards as the big players.“What rattles them I think is that as a small manufacturer we’re able to bring new technology, such as the latest in batteries and recharge capability, to market in advance of the majors,” he said. Blade has more than 40 Electrons on the road today.The Australian International Motor Show finishes tomorrow and did not return calls made by the Bendigo Advertiser.