One thing that is certain in politics, the first policy draft never looks like the final solution. This adage was proven again with the latest version of the New Vehicle Efficiency Standards being introduced by the Federal Labour Government.
After a very public battle with input from both sides, a united front has been presented in what looks like to be the final version of NVES that will be presented to parliament.
For Fleet Managers, any version of NVES is a good outcome because it will encourage vehicle manufacturers to offer vehicles with lower emissions which will help organisations achieve their climate goals on the transition to fully electric fleet cars, trucks and plant
Here’s some of the comments from the vocal industry players after the latest announcement.
Toyota Australia
Toyota has long supported the introduction of an ambitious fuel-efficiency standard that is calibrated to the unique requirements of the Australian market and leaves no-one behind.
We welcome the willingness of the Federal Government to consult on this important public policy and to make changes that represent a positive step forward.
Even so, Toyota and the industry face huge challenges that must be addressed before these significant reductions can be realised.
Our task now is to get on with the job of delivering diverse technologies that will enable our customers to choose vehicles with lower or zero carbon emissions that best suit their circumstances.
Electric Vehicle Council
The Electric Vehicle Council has endorsed the government’s new vehicle efficiency standards as a big step forward for Australia.
“The government’s NVES model represents strong, ambitious standards that will send a clear signal to the global automotive industry: Australia now demands the same options in electric cars, vans and utes that you offer to the US and Europe,” said Electric Vehicle Council chief executive Behyad Jafari.
“Thanks to these standards Australia will no longer be considered the global dumping ground for the world’s most inefficient vehicles.
“I congratulate the federal government for having the mettle to take this step forward after several of their predecessors promised but failed to introduce this important reform in the national interest.”
The Climate Council
Climate Council CEO, Amanda McKenzie, said: “Manufacturers have been dumping their dirtiest cars here for years, and that has got to stop. When Australians go to buy a new car, they should be able to choose a low or zero pollution option that suits their needs.
“Our cars produce more than 10 percent of Australia’s total climate pollution, and the average family pays over $5,000 a year for fuel. The New Vehicle Efficiency Standard will mean we can wave goodbye to those eye-watering fuel bills and unhealthy air, and get on the road to cleaner, more affordable transport.”
Climate Council Head of Policy and Advocacy, Dr Jennifer Rayner, said: “The final policy settings respond to industry feedback while keeping the focus firmly on delivering benefits for Australians.
“Having landed their final settings on the New Vehicle Efficiency Standard, the Federal Government now needs to come up with other transport policies to keep Australia on track to hit our national emission reduction target.
“Enabling people in our big cities to use shared and active transport more often is the best way to cut climate pollution quickly this decade. This shift to shared and active transport should be at the centre of the Federal Government’s upcoming Transport and Infrastructure Net Zero Roadmap.”
Hyundai Australia
“The NVES framework seems to strike the right balance between ambition and practicality,” said Hyundai Australia Chief Operating Officer, John Kett.
“With this Standard in place, Hyundai dealers will have great vehicles to sell, customers will have great vehicles to drive, and the automotive industry will be playing its part to reduce emissions in line with Australia’s commitment to decarbonise,” said Mr Kett.
The ambition of the Australian Government’s NVES policy aligns with Hyundai’s global vision for the rapid development of sustainable transport technologies.
“Hyundai has been selling EV’s in Australia for six years and investing in the technology globally for decades. It is our intention to bring many more EVs to the Australian market, while substantially reducing the emissions profile of our entire range.
“The New Vehicle Efficiency Standard will help us to do that,” said Mr Kett, “and now we can look forward to getting on and selling some cars.”
Smart Energy Council
Chief Executive, John Grimes said he was pleased to see action to improve fuel efficiency in new cars sold in Australia.
“We have waited decades but finally Australia will join the rest of the world in implementing New Vehicle Efficiency Standards,” Mr Grimes said.
“New Vehicle Efficiency Standards are the primary means of reducing Australia’s soaring transport emissions. Federal Parliament must pass this legislation as soon as possible.
“The Smart Energy Council is disappointed the proposed New Vehicle Efficiency Standards have been weakened to include some SUVs in the light commercial vehicle category, with the emissions reduction trajectory also weakened.
“Calling a Toyota Land Cruiser a light commercial vehicle does not pass the school drop off test.
“Toyota is Kodak on wheels – a company that has failed to modernise, wanting us all to pay the price for their poor business decisions and lack of action.”
MTAA
MTAA CEO, Matt Hobbs said, “MTAA commends the Australian Government for their approach and appreciates the seat at the table throughout these critical discussions.
“Working side-by-side with the Government has provided MTAA members with a leading voice into this policy – the result being a program that better reflects the country’s love of utes and SUVs while preparing for an EV future.
“The next few years, however, are critical for the automotive industry, and we all intend to do our part in decarbonising the country’s transport sector. But consumers must come first, and we believe the adjustments to the policy strikes this delicate balance.
“The proposed standard is still very stringent in 2029, amongst the hardest in the world. It will still be very challenging for the majority of car brands in the Australian market to meet these targets.
“In the last six weeks the Australian Government has acknowledged the retail automotive industry’s concerns, looked at the additional evidence and considered the weakening of the US Standard to come up with a revised, and what we consider, sensible plan.”
