Tough emission rules for new cars

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Tough emission rules for new cars
Andrew Heasley
June 11, 2011
THE federal government is set to introduce tough emissions standards on new cars sold in Australia.

But it will be a costly exercise for the local industry to reach world standards.

Transport Minister Anthony Albanese is due to announce changes to the Australian Design Regulations - rules governing standards for new cars - today.

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Emissions standards will be tightened gradually over the next six to seven years.

Local car makers say it will be expensive to modify engine and exhaust systems to meet the tougher standards, especially without government assistance. The government's $1.3 billion Green Car Innovation Fund stopped taking submissions in January.

Petrol and diesel engine emission standards will shift from the Euro 4 emissions standard now, to Euro 5 in 2013, and then to Euro 6 by 2018.

The government says the new standards will improve the air we breathe.

Under Euro 6 standards, exhaust pipe emissions of hydrocarbons will be cut by 50 per cent, nitrogen oxides by 70 per cent and soot (particulate matter) by 90 per cent.

The government estimates cleaner air could save $1.5 billion in public health costs over the next two decades.

The Federal Chamber of Automotive Industry said the industry supported the move to the cleaner emissions standards.

''We don't want to become a dumping ground for second-rate product,'' chief executive Andrew McKellar said.

Car makers had been consulted, he said, and would have time to resolve investment requirements before the regulations come into place.

The end of the Green Car Innovation Fund would not stop industry from talking to government about investment requirements, he said.

''Wherever you go around the world, there is some co-investment between industry and government in the car industry