Softer targets for utes, 4WDs including Ford Everest and Toyota LandCruiser in new vehicle efficiency standards

The Albanese government’s new vehicle efficiency standards which include softer emissions reductions targets for popular vehicles including the Ford Everest and Toyota LandCruiser.

The Toyota LandCruiser is among a number of vehicles that will be given softer emission reductions targets under the new vehicle efficiency standards.

Transport Minister Catherine King has unveiled the government’s new vehicle efficiency standards which include softer emissions reductions targets on utes and four wheel drives.

Amid major pushback from industry players and the Coalition, Ms King revealed the government had agreed popular cars including the Ford Everest and Toyota LandCruiser to be reclassified as light commercial vehicles and subject to less stringent emissions reductions targets.

Labor has also agreed to allow electric vehicles, which are heavier due to their batteries, to be able to earn more credits under the scheme.

The standard will begin on January 2025 but the credits and penalty system won’t start until July 1 next year to allow the department to implement the scheme.

Ms King thanked industry and stakeholders for their co-operation, as she attacked the Coalition for walking away from the policy while in government.

Energy and Climate Change Minister Chris Bowen said the policy was “sensible” and “long overdue” and would mean Australians are no longer “treated like second class citizens” when buying cars.

Standing alongside the heads of car manufacturing companies Toyota and Tesla, Mr Bowen said the government had reached consensus in the policy with both electric vehicle manufacturers and petrol car makers.

Ford Everest owners can breathe a sigh of relief after the model was given softer emission reduction targets due to popularity.

The comments come after Labor’s proposed fuel efficiency targets were slammed by major industry players who warned they would force up car prices and create less choice for consumers.

The Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries, representing major car makers, had attacked the policy saying it would hurt businesses and families who would be forced to deal with higher prices, warning Labor’s policy was “unprecedented”.

The position prompted Tesla and Polestar to quit the national motoring body.

Mr Bowen said the government listened to sensible advice but that “not everyone here has got what they asked for”.

Toyota chief executive Matthew Callachor said the standards were a positive step forward but that the government should not be under any illusions that they will be “a very big challenge”.