The Albanese government will water down proposed pollution caps for new utes and large SUVs as it seeks to quash a fierce backlash from major car manufacturers and automotive industry groups over the scheme.
After unveiling a proposed fuel efficiency standard in early February, the government has sustained significant criticism for the policy, which its opponents argue would hike the price of some vehicles by thousands while reducing choice for consumers.
On Tuesday, Energy Minister Chris Bowen and Transport Minister Catherine King confirmed the standard would be altered so that new LCVs would instead be subject to less stringent emission reduction targets. The change will result in models including the Nissan Patrol, Toyota’s Prado and Landcruiser, Ford Everest, Mitsubishi Pajero, and Isuzu MUX being reclassified as LCVs.
With the emissions cap lowered each year, the standard will essentially operate as a carbon price, forcing car makers to sell more zero and low emissions vehicles, or cut back on the sale of high-emitting models such as utes and SUVs, to avoid being hit with fines.
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Council could slug ‘truckzillas’, utes and SUVs with higher parking feesYarra City Council is being asked to discourage large and heavy vehicles, including imposing “proportionate parking fees” based on a vehicle’s size.
Read more »
‘Bring it on’: The plan to get SUVs, monster utes off Sydney’s roadsParis residents voted to triple parking fees for big cars. Should Sydney do the same to make its streets safer?
Read more »
Greens ‘looking for hate’ with latest push against SUVs and utesGreens ‘looking for hate’ with latest push against SUVs and utes
Read more »
Government’s emissions standards to make EVs ‘cheaper’ but SUVs and utes ‘more expensive’Government’s emissions standards to make EVs ‘cheaper’ but SUVs and utes ‘more expensive’
Read more »
Monster utes are a metaphor for everything that’s wrong with our worldBloated cars are effectively holding up a knuckleduster-decorated middle finger in the face of climate change.
Read more »
Monster utes are a metaphor for everything that’s wrong with our worldBloated cars are effectively holding up a knuckleduster-decorated middle finger in the face of climate change.
Read more »