LABOR SEEKS TO TAX AUSTRALIA’S FAVOURITE VEHICLES

Analysis of the Labor Government’s preferred new fuel efficiency standards shows the cost of SUVs, 4WDs and utes could increase by up to $25,000 by 2029.

Shadow Assistant Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Tony Pasin MP says he holds serious concerns with Labor’s vehicle emissions reductions targets as outlined in the recently released National Electric Vehicle Strategy.

Under the proposal, penalties will be imposed on popular petrol, diesel and hybrid models to subsidise the cost of electric vehicles.

Mr Pasin said while we all want to see cleaner cars and utes to do our bit towards reducing emissions by 2050, Labor’s proposal was too far, too fast and would decimate the Australian motor vehicle industry as we know it and reduce consumer choice.

“Labor’s policy will hit families who rely on SUVs to get their kids to school or sporting carnivals and tradies and farmers who rely on utes to do their job,” Mr Pasin said.

“Labor’s proposed New Vehicle Efficiency Standard is extreme and will add thousands of dollars to the cars that Australians love and need to drive, particularly in the regions. The SUVs, utes and 4WDs that rural and regional Aussies rely on will cost more under Labor,” Mr Pasin.

“These vehicles are also the lifeblood of local car dealerships. Make no mistake, this policy will have severe economic impacts for the entire industry and consumer choice,” Mr Pasin said.

Australia’s top 3 best selling vehicles in 2023 were utes, each facing a carbon tax of $6,150 for the Ford Ranger, $2,690 for the Toyota Hi-lux and $2,030 for the Isuzu D-Max in 2025.

Australia’s top 3 best selling SUVs face a carbon tax of $2,720 for the Toyota RAV4, $3,880 for the MG ZS and $13,250 for the Toyota Landcruiser in 2025.