It’s not surprising that the majority of voices in the transport industry are singing the praises of the Albanese Labor Government after the announcement that Euro 6 standards will be phased in from 2024 because it was the one issue most agreed on.
Australian based truck manufacturers and importers have been calling for the introduction of Euro 6 standards for a long time. Euro 6 has been in place for years in European Union and United Kingdom and equivalent emission standards apply most other countries including the U.S. and Japan.
Introducing Euro 6 will mean manufacturers must add the advanced safety and fuel-saving technologies to Australian models that other countries already have – notwithstandng the leadership of many manufacturers who have brought compliant powertrains and safety technologies to market, in spite of the lagging legislation.
Here’s the comments from key industry players after the announcement.
Truck Industry Council
The Truck Industry Council (TIC) welcomes the Albanese Government’s announcement regarding the introduction of the Euro VI emission regulation and equivalent alternative standards for heavy vehicles in Australia.
The TIC has been advocating for this introduction since 2015 and is pleased to see Transport Minister Catherine King acting quickly upon her appointment, engaging with the TIC, to ensure the regulation can be mandated, with its health and safety benefits flowing on to the Australian community.
The introduction of the regulation is a win for public health and will lead to the uptake of trucks with the latest safety technologies such as Advanced Emergency Braking Systems (AEBS), Lane Departure Warning, and Vulnerable Road User Detection Warning.
The TIC also thanks the Minister for acknowledging the need for a mass concession and will continue to work with Government to achieve favourable outcomes for the Industry.
With the Minister’s announcement, today’s trucks are now safer, cleaner and greener for the essential role they perform.
Truck operators will also benefit from fuel savings of between 3 and 7 per cent, as has been seen in overseas markets where this technology has already been adopted.
Less fuel used means not only an improved bottom line for businesses, but also less carbon emissions.
The road freight transport industry is well on its journey to a zero emissions future with many exciting greenhouse reduction technologies set to be introduced.
Heavy Vehicle Industry Council
HVIA Chief Executive Todd Hacking said the announcement will give certainty to the heavy vehicle industry at a time when the delivery time on new orders is stretching out as long as two years.
“This is a win for industry and a win for the entire Australian community,” Mr Hacking said.
“Prior to this year’s Federal Election we said we want immediate steps to support the transition to low and zero emissions heavy vehicles and this move is a great step for the Government honouring those commitments.
“We thank Infrastructure Minister the Hon Catherine King MP and the Climate Change and Energy Minister the Hon Chris Bowen MP for their work that now gives our members and the broader industry the certainty they need to move forward.
“This is a vital step for Australia to keep pace with the rest of the world.
“However, there is no resting on our laurels – once this legislation is in place, we need to keep the momentum up and ensure regulations and standards also accommodate the transition to zero emissions vehicles.”
Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister, the Hon Catherine King said that new emissions standards for new trucks and buses will reduce a significant pollutant in Australia.
“These new standards will improve air quality and health outcomes and bring safer and more efficiency trucks into Australia,” Minister King said.
“We are committed to continuing to work with industry and state and territory governments to ensure the smooth introduction of these standards.
“Australia has been lagging in our vehicle noxious emissions standards for years now, and this move will help bring our vehicle market into the 21st century – and into line with overseas vehicle markets.”
Climate Change and Energy Minister Chris Bowen MP said the Albanese Government has hit the ground running, first by reducing the amount of sulphur in our petrol and now introducing tighter noxious emissions standards for new trucks and buses.
“We’re making transport emissions cleaner and greener,” Minister Bowen said.
