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NVES

NVES compliance could cost dealers up to $2.1 billion

The Australian Automotive Dealer Association (AADA) is warning that the New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES) could impose up to $2.1 billion in costs on dealerships between 2025 and 2029, depending on how vehicle manufacturers meet their emissions targets.An analysis conducted by the Centre for International Economics (CIE) for the AADA outlines four compliance scenarios, ranging from minimal change and penalties to full regulatory compliance involving significant shifts in vehicle mix and pricing strategies.AADA chief executive James Voortman says the NVES represents a seismic shift for the industry.“This is the biggest regulatory change for the automotive industry in many years, so it’s important that dealers are prepared for the effects of the vehicle efficiency standard,” Voortman said.“Automotive retailers in Australia are resilient and will adapt to this change, but it is still important for them to understand the magnitude of the changes.”According to the report, most compliance costs are likely to be passed from manufacturers onto dealers and customers, either through reduced margins, vehicle price hikes, or both.

New car and truck dealers welcome stronger franchise protections

The Federal Government has committed to extending protections against unfair trading practices and unfair contract terms to all franchisees, including Australian new car and truck Dealers.  It has also committed to prioritising work to ensure compliance with the New Vehicle Efficiency Standard at the point of sale, rather than the point of import.

Dealers remain anxious in spite of NVES revisions

The Australian Automotive Dealer Association acknowledges the progress made by the government on the NVES but remains conscious of the challenges facing its members.“This is not the vehicle emissions standard the industry has asked for, but we recognise that the Government has listened to the industry, made significant changes to its original policy, and is seeking to strike a balance between the needs of competing interests,” said AADA chief executive James Voortman.“We welcome the revision of the LCV headline targets, the re-categorisation of the body-on-frame SUVs into the LCV category, and the commitment to provide $60 million to boost EV charging at Australian dealerships.

FCAI: Australia should learn from EPA policy amendment

The Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) says the Federal Government should learn from the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announcement, which amended its emissions reduction targets and timeline because the impact on consumers and manufacturers was too severe.

Dealers call for NVES rethink

The Australian Automotive Dealer Association has called on the Government to renovate its New Vehicle Efficiency Standard proposal or risk higher vehicle prices and lack of consumer choice. The AADA Submission has highlighted the current proposal's limitations and suggested policy changes.