8 February 2024
Popular 4WDs Set To Be A Beloved Pastime
New details have been released on the Albanese Labor Government’s plan to reduce emissions from cars, and it’s not good news for anyone wanting to buy a ute or 4WD.
A new report outlines the Government’s preferred option is to set a cap on the total emissions of cars a manufacturer sells, meaning the more high-emissions cars it sells, the more it will have to offset them with EVs and Hybrids.
Given the top three vehicles sold in Australia are the high-emissions Ford Ranger, Toyota Hilux and Isuzu D-Max, Federal MP Phillip Thompson is concerned manufacturers will have to either send price tags skyrocketing to reduce demand or take them off the market altogether.
“From Bluewater to South Townsville to Kelso and everywhere in between, it’s Prados, Hiluxes and Tucsons. It’s our way of life.”
“North Queenslanders need fit-for-purpose vehicles that can handle our roads and the vast distances we travel.
“Our tradesmen, caravaners, campers, 4WD enthusiasts and even parents doing the school pickup are set to pay the price, whether that be a higher price tag, or being forced to purchase cars they don’t want if manufacturers can’t reach their target.”
Mr Thompson also pointed to the infrastructure limitations regional cities like Townsville have.
“It’s all well and good for the Albanese Labor Government to present this green policy, but when regional communities don’t have the charging stations or alternative fuel options needed, the plan is going to fail.”
Mr Thompson has already raised concerns in relation to the indirect consequences of this decision and said the report provided no clarification.
“We are already in a cost-of-living crisis and this short timeline will see manufacturers unable to meet these targets, causing supply issues and raising prices even further.
“This report clearly highlights the Albanese Labor Government’s reckless pursuit to achieve net zero, regardless of what this will cost the everyday Australian.”
ENDS
