A robust debate is looming between the powerful, entrenched car industry lobby and the electric vehicle industry, with a major split in the ranks emerging over proposed emissions standards.
The Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries has a multi-million-dollar war chest of funding - extracted from the 39 car companies, which make up its group - which it intends to use in an effort to shape public opinion in the months ahead to slow any shift to tough new emission standards for motor vehicles.
