Australia softens proposed vehicle emission laws for some pick-up trucks

26/3/2024 13:07

        Australia said on Tuesday it would relax proposed carbon emission rules for some popular pick-up trucks after the country's auto lobby raised concerns the changes could raise prices of cars and lead to fewer options for consumers.
        
        To boost the uptake of electric vehicles and lower emissions, Australia has proposed vehicle efficiency standards that will penalise automakers that import emissions-intensive models and reward those who bring in cleaner vehicles.
        
        But that led to a split within the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries, Australia's automotive body, with EV makers Tesla and Polestar early this month quitting in protest over the group's campaign against tougher emission standards.
        
        Energy Minister Chris Bowen said some popular pick-up trucks, known in Australia as "utes" or utility vehicles, and mostly used by builders and farmers, would now be classified as light commercial cars. That means those models would not have to meet tougher fuel economy rules.