Utes, Landcruiser, Patrol to see lower vehicle emissions standards

A policy backdown by the Labor government will see top selling vehicles like the Toyota Landcruiser spared stringent emissions standards.

Following intense pushback from the car industry and the Coalition, Transport Minister Catherine King has revealed the government will 'recategorise' vehicles such as the Toyota Landcruiser and Nissan Patrol from passenger cars to light commercial vehicles.

"This acknowledges that some off-road wagons use similar ladder-frame chassis, and need comparable towing capacity above 3 tonnes, to dual cab utes," the Minister said in a press release.

The government also announced it would raise the emissions limits for light commercial vehicles, which includes utes, recognising that heavier vehicles emit more.

Enforcement of the standard has been moved back from early next year to July 2025.

Not only was the ceiling lifted but the government announced it would smooth the emissions trajectory for light commercial vehicles.

Australia will follow the lead of the US Environmental Protection Agency which announced last week that would slow the limits it would apply to vehicle manufacturers. It would also ease the requirement to manufacture electric vehicles to balance the overall emissions profile of the industry.

The EPA's news was leaped on by the National Farmers' Federation and the main car industry lobby group last week, who called on the government to also change its stance.

Responding to the changed standards, NFF President David Jochinke said he was glad the government had listened to producers' but remained concerned over the potential impacts the policy could have on farmers.

“While slower roll out times are welcome, we remain concerned there will be a lack of realistic lower emissions vehicles available to producers, and subsequently higher prices for these vehicles.

“The NFF will be keeping both eyes on the road as this progresses to understand the impacts on fleet and make sure it doesn’t see price increases for farmers.

“Should this legislation come to pass, we expect the policy to be reviewed as it rolls out to ensure the new timeframes remain feasible and the market keeps in step.”

In announcing the changes at a press conference today, Ms King was joined by Environment Minister Chris Bowen as well as leaders from Toyota, Hyundai and Tesla, and other industry representatives.

Toyota Australia CEO Matthew Callachor said it was a big challenge meeting the 'ambitious numbers' but rejected suggestions the emissions scheme was effectively a 'ute tax'.

Cars that will be recategorised as Light Commercial Vehicles

• Toyota Landcruiser

• Nissan Patrol

• Ford Everest

• Toyota Prado

• Mitsubishi Pajero Sport

• Isuzu-Mu-X

• Lexus LX

• Mercedes AMG G 63