Australia’s proposed New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES) is looming with Isuzu Ute Australia confirming it won’t be leaving the local market, and that everything is on the cards for a local introduction.
“We appreciate that the Federal Government has taken the feedback from the industry and motorists and review the proposal and NVES policy,” said Isuzu Ute Australia managing director Junta Matsui.
“But at this moment we are still analysing the proposal in detail. The target is still very challenging.
“However we’re looking forward to continue to work with key stakeholders to ensure Australians continue to have that choice of vehicle that fits for the purpose and an Australian condition of use.
“This is important for us to get it right and the industry to get it right,” added Isuzu Ute Australia PR manager Mark Harman.
D-Max EV concept 
D-Max MHEV concept
“So we want to make sure that the technologies are there and the infrastructures are there. Isuzu Japan has been on the record saying that they’ll introduce that BEV concept … when the infrastructure is ready in other markets after Norway, which is destined for 2025.
Junta-san said it won’t be impossible for Isuzu Ute Australia to meet the revised NVES proposal, adding the company is already taking to Isuzu in Japan and Thailand about future product, with any option open for consideration.
Isuzu Ute Australia executive general manager sales and network development Ben Jaeger also said the company isn’t leaving the local market.
Isuzu recently revealed an electric D-Max concept, as well as a mild-hybrid D-Max concept in Thailand. The former will be introduced locally at some point, though the latter remains a proof of concept for the time being and isn’t confirmed for production.
Currently all the Isuzu vehicles offered in Australia are Euro 5-compliant, though stricter Euro 6d emissions standards are coming into effect on all new cars (including SUVs and light commercial vehicles) sold locally from December 2025 onwards.
Isuzu does offer a more efficient Euro 6 version of the 1.9-litre turbo-diesel engine in other markets, though it’s unclear if this will be offered locally.
Junta-san said “everyone has to be ready for Euro 6”, adding Isuzu Ute Australia is currently discussing how it will be introduced.
As previously reported, the Australian Federal Government made key concessions to its proposed NVES to try and assure its passage through Parliament.
These concessions include changes to how vehicles are categorised, the yearly emissions targets, the break points, as well as how credits work.
The legislation was introduced to Parliament on March 27, with the scheme intended to come into effect on January 1, 2025 – though penalties won’t come into effect on July 1, 2025.
MORE: All our coverage on the New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES)
