Australia’s proposed New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES) is just around the corner Isuzu Ute Australia We confirm that it will not leave the local market and that everything is planned for a local launch.
“We appreciate that the Federal Government has taken into account industry and motorist feedback and reviewed the proposal and the NVES policy,” Isuzu Ute Australia managing director Junta Matsui said.
“But at the moment we are still analyzing the proposal in detail. The goal is still very demanding.
“However, we look forward to continuing to work with key stakeholders to ensure Australians continue to have the choice of a vehicle that is fit for purpose and compliant with Australian Conditions of Use.
“It’s important that we get it right and that the industry gets it right,” Isuzu Ute Australia PR manager Mark Harman added.
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D-Max EV concept -
D-Max MHEV concept
“So we want to make sure the technologies are there and the infrastructures are there. Isuzu Japan has gone on record saying that they will introduce the BEV concept… when the infrastructure is ready in other markets after Norway, which is scheduled for 2025.
Junta-san said it would not be impossible for Isuzu Ute Australia to comply with the revised NVES proposal, adding that the company was already in touch with Isuzu in Japan and Thailand about future products and was considering every option.
Isuzu Ute Australia executive general manager of sales and network development Ben Jaeger also said the company would not be leaving the local market.
Isuzu recently unveiled an electric D-Max concept as well as a mild-hybrid D-Max concept in Thailand. The former will eventually be rolled out locally, but the latter remains a proof of concept for now and is not confirmed for production.
Currently, all Isuzu vehicles on sale in Australia are Euro 5 compliant, although tougher Euro 6d emissions standards will come into effect for all new cars sold locally (including SUVs and light commercial vehicles) from December 2025.
While Isuzu offers a more efficient Euro 6 version of the 1.9-liter turbodiesel engine in other markets, it is unclear whether this will be offered locally.
Junta-san said “everyone needs to be prepared for Euro 6,” adding that Isuzu Ute Australia is currently discussing how to introduce it.
As previously reported, the Australian federal government made important concessions to its proposed NVES to ensure its passage through Parliament.
These concessions include changes to vehicle categorization, annual emissions targets, breakpoints and how credits work.
The bill was presented to Parliament on March 27. The regulation is scheduled to come into force on January 1, 2025 – although the penalties will not come into force on July 1, 2025.
MORE: All our coverage of the New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES)