and so it begins .......

[au2000]

With this news, I wonder how this will change the Australian Automotive landscape from 2025... more specifically the reliance on 4x4's & if this will push the uptake of ev's?

Australia is set to overhaul its automotive landscape, potentially bidding farewell to the era of top-selling cars such as the Toyota HiLux ute, beloved SUVs, and colossal American pick-up trucks.

The catalyst for this transformation comes from new laws announced by the Federal Government, which mandate stringent emission standards for petrol and diesel-powered vehicles.

These regulations, aligned with ‘Euro 6d’ standards, are scheduled to be enforced starting in 2025, accompanied by upgrades to the quality of locally sold petrol.

The overarching goal is to bring Australia in line with emission standards already embraced by Europe.

This legislative shift puts numerous popular models, ranging from passenger cars and SUVs to utes and vans, at risk of extinction from Australian showrooms unless they can comply with the demanding Euro 6d standards.

The current emissions standards in Australia, lingering since 2009, fail to meet those adopted in Europe a decade ago and Australia’s petrol quality stands as one of the dirtiest among developed nations.

The Euro 6d standards, implemented in Europe in 2021, set a benchmark that rivals or surpasses emission protocols enforced in other developed markets.

The Australian adaptation of these stringent rules is slated to impact new cars, SUVs, and light commercial vehicles entering the market from December 2025, but these standards will apply universally to all models, regardless of their launch date, from 2028.

While the new regulations will undoubtedly push automakers to introduce cleaner vehicles to the Australian market, they are separate from a potentially more rigorous Fuel Efficiency Standard under consideration by the Federal Government

opponents argue that this might leave consumers who rely on heavy-duty utes and four-wheel-drives without viable alternatives, especially if they are not ready or able to transition to electric vehicles.

Alarmingly, over half of new petrol and diesel-powered vehicles available in Australia are currently certified only to the minimum emissions standard, Euro 5.

This includes popular models like the Toyota Corolla hybrid and leading utes such as the Toyota HiLux, Ford Ranger, and Isuzu D-Max.

Even iconic four-wheel-drives like the Toyota LandCruiser 300 Series and Jeep Wrangler fall within this category.

The Australian car industry’s failure to meet voluntary emissions targets over the past three years has compounded concerns.

This voluntary framework, less strict than overseas mandates, has worsened emissions performance, particularly with the surge in sales of utes, 4WDs and American pick-ups.

The stringent guidelines dictate that cars must emit less than 162 grams of carbon dioxide per kilometre to pass.

Vehicles sold recently, including the immensely popular Toyota HiLux, would now fail to meet these updated emission rules

Australia’s top-selling car in 2023 emits 210 grams per kilometre, while the Ford Ranger, another bestseller, emits 202 grams of CO2 per kilometre.

Fortunately, manufacturers are adapting to the new regulations, with Toyota introducing a hybrid HiLux in the coming year and Ford planning to sell a plug-in hybrid version of the Ranger from 2025.

The impact of Euro 6d standards extends to several SUVs, including the Mitsubishi ASX and Hyundai Tucson, as well as the MG ZS.

Even the future of the beloved Toyota LandCruiser hangs in the balance without a hybrid version, emitting 253 grams of carbon per kilometre.

Hybrid cars like the Toyota RAV4, emitting 111 grams per kilometre, are poised to pass the new standards, offering a glimpse into the future of cleaner mobility.

Some hatchbacks, including a late model Hyundai i30, may face challenges, emitting 172 grams per kilometre.

The Federal Government’s recent announcement aligns with ongoing efforts to reduce emissions from new motor vehicles, a priority since the government’s election last year.

Alongside the emission standards, plans include mandating fewer “aromatic hydrocarbons” in 95-octane premium unleaded fuel.

The sulphur content in all types of petrol is also set to decrease, with low-sulphur petrol delayed until December 2025 to facilitate a smoother transition for fuel suppliers and customers.

The government estimates that the combined impact of new emissions standards and changes to fuel quality will yield savings of $6.1 billion in health and fuel costs by 2040.

[lra]

Looking into my crystal ball ..........

1. EVs sales will plateau as Australians realise that long distance travel is a PITA due to range, lack of charging stations that actually work in WoopWoop, and the initial EV cost, depreciation and repair of features that stop working for a reason that dealer technicians can't fix.

2. Good used ICE cars prices will increase in price as they dwindle in numbers.

3. The Govt will back-flip on the decision when it discovers that what works in Europe does not work here, and other countries in our region couldn't give a stuff about what we are doing to save the planet.

[au2000]

Originally Posted by lra

2. Good used ICE cars prices will increase in price as they dwindle in numbers.

christ.. i might have sold the BF too quickly !

[roKWiz]

It's going to be lonely out on them there roads.

[Itsme]

Legislation can be changed anytime at the stroke of a pen; this will certainly happen as it has in the past, when things go to s***.

[Syndrome]

Originally Posted by roKWiz

It's going to be lonely out on them there roads.

[roKWiz]

bring on Battletruck.

[Syndrome]

Originally Posted by roKWiz

bring on Battletruck.

Will Battletruck meet the 2025 emissions regulations?

[roKWiz]

Originally Posted by Syndrome

Will Battletruck meet the 2025 emissions regulations?

Easy, running straight veggie oil.

[Franco Cozzo]

I told you so

[Syndrome]

Originally Posted by Franco Cozzo

I told you so

[Charliewool]

I think the last bit of OP could be a good thing?
For way too long our fuel has been rubbish…

“Australia’s fuel quality standards currently allow up to 150 parts per million of sulfur in regular unleaded petrol, and 50 parts per million of sulfur in premium unleaded petrol.

The minister has brought forward a reduction to 10 parts per million of sulfur across all grades of petrol from 2027 to 2024.

Making these sulfur reductions in petrol more closely aligns Australia’s fuel quality with international standards and provides Australians with health, environmental and vehicle benefits.”

[Sprintey]

I look forward to Aussie Tyre Funeral '29

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mkg2_2phUg4

[Sprintey]

"“These updates to our vehicle standards will see almost 18 million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions cut from the transport sector by 2050 – equivalent to taking 280,000 cars off the road,” said Federal Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen."

https://www.whichcar.com.au/news/tou...ew-cars-euro-6

But if average CO2 per capita for Australia is 14.8 tons

https://data.worldbank.org/indicator...C?locations=AU

this removal of 18 million tons will be offset by just over 2 years of immigration at current rates of 600,000 increase a year

[b0son]

If it forces our fuel industry to provide fuel of comparable quality to Europe, I'm all for it.

[CyberWasp]

How do you pick a target of 162 grams of carbon dioxide per kilometre and apply it to all vehicles of all sizes that have different functions and capabilities?

Will they factor in the emissions of a car maker in the production and transport of the vehicle to where it is delivered for sale?

Generally speaking we have to improve and clean up our act sure, but as usual, all that is going to happen is that the public will pay more for fuel and vehicles.

[XR Martin]

Originally Posted by b0son

If it forces our fuel industry to provide fuel of comparable quality to Europe, I'm all for it.

All for their prices too then?

[DFB FGXR6]

Originally Posted by Charliewool

I think the last bit of OP could be a good thing?
For way too long our fuel has been rubbish…

“Australia’s fuel quality standards currently allow up to 150 parts per million of sulfur in regular unleaded petrol, and 50 parts per million of sulfur in premium unleaded petrol.

The minister has brought forward a reduction to 10 parts per million of sulfur across all grades of petrol from 2027 to 2024.

Making these sulfur reductions in petrol more closely aligns Australia’s fuel quality with international standards and provides Australians with health, environmental and vehicle benefits.”

The problem with a move like that is it doesn't make for a good headline, create a PR stunt or make an impact on those who think they are saving the planet by choosing an electric car. In other words, this wouldn't be a flashy, attention-grabbing move.

[b0son]

Originally Posted by XR Martin

All for their prices too then?

Current price for ULP95 in Germany is around $2.60. That's around $1.30 without taxes. Add our 46c excise and GST, and it comes to $1.93. Cheaper than here...

[smoo]

Originally Posted by CyberWasp

How do you pick a target of 162 grams of carbon dioxide per kilometre and apply it to all vehicles of all sizes that have different functions and capabilities?

Will they factor in the emissions of a car maker in the production and transport of the vehicle to where it is delivered for sale?

Generally speaking we have to improve and clean up our act sure, but as usual, all that is going to happen is that the public will pay more for fuel and vehicles.

162 grams target. Because the government knows what is best for us.
Initially they will exclude vehicles used for commercial purposes.
Then with the introduction of hybrid Ranger/Hilux etc, will introduce something similar to Londons ULEZ to price out those small business/contractors who don’t comply.
The commoners will be forced into vehicles that fall within their ever changing g/km figures, if they can’t afford these vehicles and associated costs/taxes then 15min cities and public transport will be their only option.
Young children of today will not experience the lifestyle and freedom of movement their forebears enjoyed.

[XR Martin]

Originally Posted by b0son

Current price for ULP95 in Germany is around $2.60. That's around $1.30 without taxes. Add our 46c excise and GST, and it comes to $1.93. Cheaper than here...

In that case I'm looking forward to fuel prices reducing.

[MITCHAY]

I'm all for it if it will make things cheaper and better but it wont. One look at a map of Australia vs Europe says it all though.

This country runs on trucks and any cost to that will just be passed on anyway

2025 is an election year so I would not want to be running on this

[lra]

Originally Posted by MITCHAY

I'm all for it if it will make things cheaper and better but it wont. One look at a map of Australia vs Europe says it all though.

This country runs on trucks and any cost to that will just be passed on anyway

2025 is an election year so I would not want to be running on this

The big misunderstood and unknown about Australia by a large percentage of our inhabitants.
2,300km in Europe will get you from Paris to a muddy trench in Ukraine fighting the Russians.
That distance won't get you from Darwin to Adelaide, but it will get you from Brisbane to Birdsville and return, if you are able to find a solar powered Mulga tree to plug your EV into.
The Great Australian Road Trip is doomed.

[Trevor 57]

Bathurst with electric cars will be a go to place in the future - for sure

[lra]

Originally Posted by Sprintey

"“These updates to our vehicle standards will see almost 18 million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions cut from the transport sector by 2050 – equivalent to taking 280,000 cars off the road,” said Federal Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen."
[

Meanwhile, in another part of La-La-Land, a vacant chair is visible where the Minstrel for Greenhouse Gas is invisible while on an overseas fact finding mission.

I have yet to read about the pointless waste of fossil fuel, and contamination of the oceans by cruise ships which travel from somewhere to nowhere and return so that the passengers can indulge in hours of excess eating, drinking and occasional seasickness.
Similarly, for the 1M Australians who take the fossil fuelled aircraft to far and distant places to look at ruins of past and present civilisations.
I can't even hear crickets on this subject.

Makes my contribution to the destruction of the world in my nearly 20 year old Aussie built dinosaur juice vehicle around the Black Stump area a lot less than miniscule.

[roKWiz]

Originally Posted by lra

Meanwhile, in another part of La-La-Land, a vacant chair is visible where the Minstrel for Greenhouse Gas is invisible while on an overseas fact finding mission.

I have yet to read about the pointless waste of fossil fuel, and contamination of the oceans by cruise ships which travel from somewhere to nowhere and return so that the passengers can indulge in hours of excess eating, drinking and occasional seasickness.
Similarly, for the 1M Australians who take the fossil fuelled aircraft to far and distant places to look at ruins of past and present civilisations.
I can't even hear crickets on this subject.

Makes my contribution to the destruction of the world in my nearly 20 year old Aussie built dinosaur juice vehicle around the Black Stump area a lot less than miniscule.

Oh but they're buying carbon credits to offset their travel.

Looking forward to E Bathurst dual cab ute race. I can plant a tree to pay my travel ways in the meantime.

[ozpacman]

What really concerns me with this unprecedented push to force a good percentage of the population into vehicles that don't suit their needs is two fold. Firstly, all this regulation is adding significantly to the cost of buying a new motor vehicle, thereby putting them out of reach of the average Australian. And secondly, this push is being driven by a Prime Minister and a Minister for Climate Change and Energy, who between them, I genuinely believe would be incapable of changing a spark plug in a Briggs & Stratton lawn mower.

[roKWiz]

Originally Posted by ozpacman

What really concerns me with this unprecedented push to force a good percentage of the population into vehicles that don't suit their needs is two fold. Firstly, all this regulation is adding significantly to the cost of buying a new motor vehicle, thereby putting them out of reach of the average Australian. And secondly, this push is being driven by a Prime Minister and a Minister for Climate Change and Energy, who between them, I genuinely believe would be incapable of changing a spark plug in a Briggs & Stratton lawn mower.

Or a battery pack in an electric one.

[Wretched]

Eh, I don't see any issue with this, only upsides. Australia is always behind the 8 ball and it is about time we're brought into line with the rest of the world.

We'll get better quality fuel and our requirement for new cars will be in line with the EU/UK that has been in place since 2020.

[Rallye Sport]

We've been through changes like this before, pollution gear of the 70's, the abolition of leaded fuel in 2000. The sky isn't going to fall, we'll all still have cars to drive. In reality what are we going to do about it? Generally we're an apathetic bunch.
I'm all for the better fuel quality but do wonder how it'll affect older carbureted engines. Once again though, there will be a work around and I don't see my Sunday drives changing in a hurry.