
2025 Tesla Model Y gets range boost, new colour in Australia
The dual-motor Long Range version of the popular mid-size electric SUV now has a claimed 600km of range under the WLTP cycle, up from 551km.
The base single-motor RWD remains unchanged at 466km.
Tesla Korea certification data shared by Tsla Chan on X shows the Model Y Long Range's battery capacity has been expanded from 81.65kWh to 84.85kWh.
Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now.
Previous overseas reports have indicated the Model Y Long Range had moved to new 2170 battery cells from LG Energy Solution.
Performance figures are unchanged, with the RWD still doing the 0-100km/h dash in a claimed 5.9 seconds, and the Long Range in 4.8 seconds.
There's also a new exterior paint colour for the Model Y… or rather, a new shade. Diamond Black is now a $1500 option for all Model Y variants.
Some of the Model Y's other exterior finishes have also become cheaper.
Pearl White Multi-Coat remains the standard finish, with Glacier Blue now costing $1500 and Stealth Grey costing $1900. Both previously cost $2300.
Quicksilver and Ultra Red remain $2600 options.
The Model Y range opens at $58,900 before on-road costs for the RWD, with the Long Range priced at $68,900 plus on-roads. The refreshed Performance flagship has yet to be revealed.
Tesla's only SUV on sale in Australia recently received a substantial upgrade, referred to as the Juniper update.
This brought new front- and rear-end styling and revised suspension, plus a raft of interior upgrades including new heated and ventilated front seats, a 15.4-inch infotainment touchscreen, colour-adjustable ambient lighting, heated and power-reclining rear seats, and an 8.0-inch rear entertainment screen.
The update has helped arrest a sales decline for the ageing Model Y, and to the end of June Tesla has delivered 10,431 examples of its SUV in Australia this year.
That puts it well ahead of the BYD Sealion 7, 3756 deliveries of which make it Australia's second best-selling EV, as well as other rivals like the Kia EV5 (2765) and Polestar 4 (676).
MORE: Explore the Tesla Model Y showroom
Content originally sourced from: CarExpert.com.au
Australia's top-selling electric vehicle (EV), the Tesla Model Y, now has a longer claimed range in Long Range guise, while there are now six exterior finishes to choose from.
The dual-motor Long Range version of the popular mid-size electric SUV now has a claimed 600km of range under the WLTP cycle, up from 551km.
The base single-motor RWD remains unchanged at 466km.
Tesla Korea certification data shared by Tsla Chan on X shows the Model Y Long Range's battery capacity has been expanded from 81.65kWh to 84.85kWh.
Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now.
Previous overseas reports have indicated the Model Y Long Range had moved to new 2170 battery cells from LG Energy Solution.
Performance figures are unchanged, with the RWD still doing the 0-100km/h dash in a claimed 5.9 seconds, and the Long Range in 4.8 seconds.
There's also a new exterior paint colour for the Model Y… or rather, a new shade. Diamond Black is now a $1500 option for all Model Y variants.
Some of the Model Y's other exterior finishes have also become cheaper.
Pearl White Multi-Coat remains the standard finish, with Glacier Blue now costing $1500 and Stealth Grey costing $1900. Both previously cost $2300.
Quicksilver and Ultra Red remain $2600 options.
The Model Y range opens at $58,900 before on-road costs for the RWD, with the Long Range priced at $68,900 plus on-roads. The refreshed Performance flagship has yet to be revealed.
Tesla's only SUV on sale in Australia recently received a substantial upgrade, referred to as the Juniper update.
This brought new front- and rear-end styling and revised suspension, plus a raft of interior upgrades including new heated and ventilated front seats, a 15.4-inch infotainment touchscreen, colour-adjustable ambient lighting, heated and power-reclining rear seats, and an 8.0-inch rear entertainment screen.
The update has helped arrest a sales decline for the ageing Model Y, and to the end of June Tesla has delivered 10,431 examples of its SUV in Australia this year.
That puts it well ahead of the BYD Sealion 7, 3756 deliveries of which make it Australia's second best-selling EV, as well as other rivals like the Kia EV5 (2765) and Polestar 4 (676).
MORE: Explore the Tesla Model Y showroom
Content originally sourced from: CarExpert.com.au
Australia's top-selling electric vehicle (EV), the Tesla Model Y, now has a longer claimed range in Long Range guise, while there are now six exterior finishes to choose from.
The dual-motor Long Range version of the popular mid-size electric SUV now has a claimed 600km of range under the WLTP cycle, up from 551km.
The base single-motor RWD remains unchanged at 466km.
Tesla Korea certification data shared by Tsla Chan on X shows the Model Y Long Range's battery capacity has been expanded from 81.65kWh to 84.85kWh.
Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now.
Previous overseas reports have indicated the Model Y Long Range had moved to new 2170 battery cells from LG Energy Solution.
Performance figures are unchanged, with the RWD still doing the 0-100km/h dash in a claimed 5.9 seconds, and the Long Range in 4.8 seconds.
There's also a new exterior paint colour for the Model Y… or rather, a new shade. Diamond Black is now a $1500 option for all Model Y variants.
Some of the Model Y's other exterior finishes have also become cheaper.
Pearl White Multi-Coat remains the standard finish, with Glacier Blue now costing $1500 and Stealth Grey costing $1900. Both previously cost $2300.
Quicksilver and Ultra Red remain $2600 options.
The Model Y range opens at $58,900 before on-road costs for the RWD, with the Long Range priced at $68,900 plus on-roads. The refreshed Performance flagship has yet to be revealed.
Tesla's only SUV on sale in Australia recently received a substantial upgrade, referred to as the Juniper update.
This brought new front- and rear-end styling and revised suspension, plus a raft of interior upgrades including new heated and ventilated front seats, a 15.4-inch infotainment touchscreen, colour-adjustable ambient lighting, heated and power-reclining rear seats, and an 8.0-inch rear entertainment screen.
The update has helped arrest a sales decline for the ageing Model Y, and to the end of June Tesla has delivered 10,431 examples of its SUV in Australia this year.
That puts it well ahead of the BYD Sealion 7, 3756 deliveries of which make it Australia's second best-selling EV, as well as other rivals like the Kia EV5 (2765) and Polestar 4 (676).
MORE: Explore the Tesla Model Y showroom
Content originally sourced from: CarExpert.com.au
Australia's top-selling electric vehicle (EV), the Tesla Model Y, now has a longer claimed range in Long Range guise, while there are now six exterior finishes to choose from.
The dual-motor Long Range version of the popular mid-size electric SUV now has a claimed 600km of range under the WLTP cycle, up from 551km.
The base single-motor RWD remains unchanged at 466km.
Tesla Korea certification data shared by Tsla Chan on X shows the Model Y Long Range's battery capacity has been expanded from 81.65kWh to 84.85kWh.
Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now.
Previous overseas reports have indicated the Model Y Long Range had moved to new 2170 battery cells from LG Energy Solution.
Performance figures are unchanged, with the RWD still doing the 0-100km/h dash in a claimed 5.9 seconds, and the Long Range in 4.8 seconds.
There's also a new exterior paint colour for the Model Y… or rather, a new shade. Diamond Black is now a $1500 option for all Model Y variants.
Some of the Model Y's other exterior finishes have also become cheaper.
Pearl White Multi-Coat remains the standard finish, with Glacier Blue now costing $1500 and Stealth Grey costing $1900. Both previously cost $2300.
Quicksilver and Ultra Red remain $2600 options.
The Model Y range opens at $58,900 before on-road costs for the RWD, with the Long Range priced at $68,900 plus on-roads. The refreshed Performance flagship has yet to be revealed.
Tesla's only SUV on sale in Australia recently received a substantial upgrade, referred to as the Juniper update.
This brought new front- and rear-end styling and revised suspension, plus a raft of interior upgrades including new heated and ventilated front seats, a 15.4-inch infotainment touchscreen, colour-adjustable ambient lighting, heated and power-reclining rear seats, and an 8.0-inch rear entertainment screen.
The update has helped arrest a sales decline for the ageing Model Y, and to the end of June Tesla has delivered 10,431 examples of its SUV in Australia this year.
That puts it well ahead of the BYD Sealion 7, 3756 deliveries of which make it Australia's second best-selling EV, as well as other rivals like the Kia EV5 (2765) and Polestar 4 (676).
MORE: Explore the Tesla Model Y showroom
Content originally sourced from: CarExpert.com.au
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The Advertiser
10 hours ago
- The Advertiser
2025 Hyundai Ioniq 9 price and specs
Hyundai's most expensive vehicle yet in Australia is now on sale. The Hyundai Ioniq 9, a flagship three-row electric SUV, is coming here only in top-spec Calligraphy trim and wearing a price tag of $119,750 before on-road costs. The seven-seat EV is available now and the only options are digital exterior mirrors and a six-seat configuration. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. The Ioniq 9 is the first Hyundai vehicle in Australia with Digital Key 2.0, a smartphone-based key that can be used to lock, unlock and start the vehicle using near-field communication and ultra-wideband technology. This feature doesn't require a mobile network signal and, depending on the smartphone type, will continue to function even if a user's smartphone battery is flat. Users can also share digital access to the vehicle with up to 15 devices. Also debuting in the Ioniq 9 is Google Places Search, allowing users to use text search to find places using a specific text string – for example, "restaurants near me". The Ioniq 9 rides Hyundai Motor Group's E-GMP platform, a dedicated architecture for electric vehicles (EVs). This also underpins the similarly sized Kia EV9, which is the Ioniq 9's most direct rival. The EV9 is available in three variants, though the flagship GT-Line – most comparable to the Ioniq 9 – is priced at $121,000 before on-road costs. The Ioniq 9 is the priciest Hyundai yet, surpassing even the Ioniq 5 N high-performance electric SUV, which is currently priced at $110,383 before on-road costs. The Ioniq 9 is being offered here only in dual-motor all-wheel drive guise, with a pair of 157kW/350Nm electric motors. It rides on MacPherson strut front and five-link rear suspension, with a self-levelling damper system to help reduce sag when loaded with heavy cargo. Hyundai claims it takes as little as 24 minutes to charge the Ioniq 9 from 10 to 80 per cent using a 350kW DC fast-charger. While it rides on a different platform and has a longer wheelbase, the Ioniq 9 has an almost identical footprint to the upcoming second-generation Palisade large SUV. The Hyundai Ioniq 9 is backed by a five-year, unlimited-kilometre vehicle warranty and an eight-year, 160,000km high-voltage battery warranty. Under Hyundai's Lifetime Service Plan capped-price servicing scheme, the Ioniq 9 requires a service at 24 months/30,000km which costs $660, and then one at 48 months or 60,000km which costs $685. The Hyundai Ioniq 9 has yet to be tested by ANCAP or Euro NCAP. Standard safety equipment includes: There's just one Ioniq 9 trim level offered in Australia – the top-spec Calligraphy. Standard equipment includes: Also included is a complimentary five-year subscription to Hyundai Bluelink connected car services. This is transferrable to subsequent owners within the five-year period, and includes features such as: Digital exterior mirrors are a $3000 option. A six-seat configuration is available for an extra $2000, replacing the second-row three-seat bench and bringing: Metallic and pearl exterior paint finishes cost an extra $750. These comprise: Matte paint is a $1000 option. The following matte finishes are available: MORE: Explore the Hyundai Ioniq 9 showroom Content originally sourced from: Hyundai's most expensive vehicle yet in Australia is now on sale. The Hyundai Ioniq 9, a flagship three-row electric SUV, is coming here only in top-spec Calligraphy trim and wearing a price tag of $119,750 before on-road costs. The seven-seat EV is available now and the only options are digital exterior mirrors and a six-seat configuration. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. The Ioniq 9 is the first Hyundai vehicle in Australia with Digital Key 2.0, a smartphone-based key that can be used to lock, unlock and start the vehicle using near-field communication and ultra-wideband technology. This feature doesn't require a mobile network signal and, depending on the smartphone type, will continue to function even if a user's smartphone battery is flat. Users can also share digital access to the vehicle with up to 15 devices. Also debuting in the Ioniq 9 is Google Places Search, allowing users to use text search to find places using a specific text string – for example, "restaurants near me". The Ioniq 9 rides Hyundai Motor Group's E-GMP platform, a dedicated architecture for electric vehicles (EVs). This also underpins the similarly sized Kia EV9, which is the Ioniq 9's most direct rival. The EV9 is available in three variants, though the flagship GT-Line – most comparable to the Ioniq 9 – is priced at $121,000 before on-road costs. The Ioniq 9 is the priciest Hyundai yet, surpassing even the Ioniq 5 N high-performance electric SUV, which is currently priced at $110,383 before on-road costs. The Ioniq 9 is being offered here only in dual-motor all-wheel drive guise, with a pair of 157kW/350Nm electric motors. It rides on MacPherson strut front and five-link rear suspension, with a self-levelling damper system to help reduce sag when loaded with heavy cargo. Hyundai claims it takes as little as 24 minutes to charge the Ioniq 9 from 10 to 80 per cent using a 350kW DC fast-charger. While it rides on a different platform and has a longer wheelbase, the Ioniq 9 has an almost identical footprint to the upcoming second-generation Palisade large SUV. The Hyundai Ioniq 9 is backed by a five-year, unlimited-kilometre vehicle warranty and an eight-year, 160,000km high-voltage battery warranty. Under Hyundai's Lifetime Service Plan capped-price servicing scheme, the Ioniq 9 requires a service at 24 months/30,000km which costs $660, and then one at 48 months or 60,000km which costs $685. The Hyundai Ioniq 9 has yet to be tested by ANCAP or Euro NCAP. Standard safety equipment includes: There's just one Ioniq 9 trim level offered in Australia – the top-spec Calligraphy. Standard equipment includes: Also included is a complimentary five-year subscription to Hyundai Bluelink connected car services. This is transferrable to subsequent owners within the five-year period, and includes features such as: Digital exterior mirrors are a $3000 option. A six-seat configuration is available for an extra $2000, replacing the second-row three-seat bench and bringing: Metallic and pearl exterior paint finishes cost an extra $750. These comprise: Matte paint is a $1000 option. The following matte finishes are available: MORE: Explore the Hyundai Ioniq 9 showroom Content originally sourced from: Hyundai's most expensive vehicle yet in Australia is now on sale. The Hyundai Ioniq 9, a flagship three-row electric SUV, is coming here only in top-spec Calligraphy trim and wearing a price tag of $119,750 before on-road costs. The seven-seat EV is available now and the only options are digital exterior mirrors and a six-seat configuration. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. The Ioniq 9 is the first Hyundai vehicle in Australia with Digital Key 2.0, a smartphone-based key that can be used to lock, unlock and start the vehicle using near-field communication and ultra-wideband technology. This feature doesn't require a mobile network signal and, depending on the smartphone type, will continue to function even if a user's smartphone battery is flat. Users can also share digital access to the vehicle with up to 15 devices. Also debuting in the Ioniq 9 is Google Places Search, allowing users to use text search to find places using a specific text string – for example, "restaurants near me". The Ioniq 9 rides Hyundai Motor Group's E-GMP platform, a dedicated architecture for electric vehicles (EVs). This also underpins the similarly sized Kia EV9, which is the Ioniq 9's most direct rival. The EV9 is available in three variants, though the flagship GT-Line – most comparable to the Ioniq 9 – is priced at $121,000 before on-road costs. The Ioniq 9 is the priciest Hyundai yet, surpassing even the Ioniq 5 N high-performance electric SUV, which is currently priced at $110,383 before on-road costs. The Ioniq 9 is being offered here only in dual-motor all-wheel drive guise, with a pair of 157kW/350Nm electric motors. It rides on MacPherson strut front and five-link rear suspension, with a self-levelling damper system to help reduce sag when loaded with heavy cargo. Hyundai claims it takes as little as 24 minutes to charge the Ioniq 9 from 10 to 80 per cent using a 350kW DC fast-charger. While it rides on a different platform and has a longer wheelbase, the Ioniq 9 has an almost identical footprint to the upcoming second-generation Palisade large SUV. The Hyundai Ioniq 9 is backed by a five-year, unlimited-kilometre vehicle warranty and an eight-year, 160,000km high-voltage battery warranty. Under Hyundai's Lifetime Service Plan capped-price servicing scheme, the Ioniq 9 requires a service at 24 months/30,000km which costs $660, and then one at 48 months or 60,000km which costs $685. The Hyundai Ioniq 9 has yet to be tested by ANCAP or Euro NCAP. Standard safety equipment includes: There's just one Ioniq 9 trim level offered in Australia – the top-spec Calligraphy. Standard equipment includes: Also included is a complimentary five-year subscription to Hyundai Bluelink connected car services. This is transferrable to subsequent owners within the five-year period, and includes features such as: Digital exterior mirrors are a $3000 option. A six-seat configuration is available for an extra $2000, replacing the second-row three-seat bench and bringing: Metallic and pearl exterior paint finishes cost an extra $750. These comprise: Matte paint is a $1000 option. The following matte finishes are available: MORE: Explore the Hyundai Ioniq 9 showroom Content originally sourced from: Hyundai's most expensive vehicle yet in Australia is now on sale. The Hyundai Ioniq 9, a flagship three-row electric SUV, is coming here only in top-spec Calligraphy trim and wearing a price tag of $119,750 before on-road costs. The seven-seat EV is available now and the only options are digital exterior mirrors and a six-seat configuration. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. The Ioniq 9 is the first Hyundai vehicle in Australia with Digital Key 2.0, a smartphone-based key that can be used to lock, unlock and start the vehicle using near-field communication and ultra-wideband technology. This feature doesn't require a mobile network signal and, depending on the smartphone type, will continue to function even if a user's smartphone battery is flat. Users can also share digital access to the vehicle with up to 15 devices. Also debuting in the Ioniq 9 is Google Places Search, allowing users to use text search to find places using a specific text string – for example, "restaurants near me". The Ioniq 9 rides Hyundai Motor Group's E-GMP platform, a dedicated architecture for electric vehicles (EVs). This also underpins the similarly sized Kia EV9, which is the Ioniq 9's most direct rival. The EV9 is available in three variants, though the flagship GT-Line – most comparable to the Ioniq 9 – is priced at $121,000 before on-road costs. The Ioniq 9 is the priciest Hyundai yet, surpassing even the Ioniq 5 N high-performance electric SUV, which is currently priced at $110,383 before on-road costs. The Ioniq 9 is being offered here only in dual-motor all-wheel drive guise, with a pair of 157kW/350Nm electric motors. It rides on MacPherson strut front and five-link rear suspension, with a self-levelling damper system to help reduce sag when loaded with heavy cargo. Hyundai claims it takes as little as 24 minutes to charge the Ioniq 9 from 10 to 80 per cent using a 350kW DC fast-charger. While it rides on a different platform and has a longer wheelbase, the Ioniq 9 has an almost identical footprint to the upcoming second-generation Palisade large SUV. The Hyundai Ioniq 9 is backed by a five-year, unlimited-kilometre vehicle warranty and an eight-year, 160,000km high-voltage battery warranty. Under Hyundai's Lifetime Service Plan capped-price servicing scheme, the Ioniq 9 requires a service at 24 months/30,000km which costs $660, and then one at 48 months or 60,000km which costs $685. The Hyundai Ioniq 9 has yet to be tested by ANCAP or Euro NCAP. Standard safety equipment includes: There's just one Ioniq 9 trim level offered in Australia – the top-spec Calligraphy. Standard equipment includes: Also included is a complimentary five-year subscription to Hyundai Bluelink connected car services. This is transferrable to subsequent owners within the five-year period, and includes features such as: Digital exterior mirrors are a $3000 option. A six-seat configuration is available for an extra $2000, replacing the second-row three-seat bench and bringing: Metallic and pearl exterior paint finishes cost an extra $750. These comprise: Matte paint is a $1000 option. The following matte finishes are available: MORE: Explore the Hyundai Ioniq 9 showroom Content originally sourced from:


The Advertiser
10 hours ago
- The Advertiser
Polestar boss says new Australian emissions regulations 'didn't kill the weekend'
Polestar Australia managing director Scott Maynard says the 'scaremongering' that took place ahead of the implementation of the New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES) has failed. The NVES was introduced on January 1, 2025, and limits the overall carbon-dioxide emissions across a brand's lineup – with automakers facing financial penalties if they exceed the targets. Penalties came into effect on July 1, 2025, and fleet emissions targets will get more stringent every year until 2029. When asked if perhaps NVES could have been pitched better by the politicians who were publicly in favour of it, Mr Maynard was positive. "It turns out it didn't kill the weekend," the Polestar boss said. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. ABOVE: Polestar Australia managing director Scott Maynard "We got it through, so I don't think I'm a good enough politician to say that they went about the wrong way. "I do think that there was perhaps some scaremongering whipped up from some of its opponents that did land a few blows, and some of the benefits of a market that responds to NVES legislation – like cleaner air and a move towards vehicles that that are cheaper to run – were perhaps lost in some of that messaging." Former opposition leader Peter Dutton had pledged to scrap the NVES – which he called a 'ute tax' – if the Coalition won last November's federal election (which it didn't). "We will abolish Labor's tax on family cars and utes. Saving you thousands when buying a new car," Mr Dutton posted on social media. "Labor's new car and ute tax will hit families and small businesses with thousands in extra costs." The Australian Government proposed three iterations of NVES – A, B and C options – in February 2024 for feedback from industry bodies and automakers. Of the three, the "fast but flexible" B proposal was the government's preferred option. Though it wasn't the most stringent of the three, the B proposal was criticised by some Australian car companies, with Toyota – the best-selling brand here since 2008 – saying it would force new vehicle prices up and hurt 'middle Australia'. Sean Hanley, Toyota Australia vice president of sales and marketing, said the company didn't have the model range available globally on hand to replace popular vehicles like the LandCruiser. Mr Hanley also said sales of smaller, lower-emission Toyota models would not be enough to offset fines from sales of larger vehicles. Similar objections were voiced by other car companies, such as Mitsubishi Australia CEO Shaun Westcott who also appealed to 'middle Australia'. "We do want a standard, we're not against a standard," Mr Westcott told CarExpert. "What we want is a standard that is practical and achievable against the pace of technology, aligned with what consumers want and what consumers can afford." The Australian Government subsequently made key concessions to automakers ahead of introducing the legislation to parliament in March 2024, including changing how large off-roaders were categorised – something which Toyota had called for. Both Toyota and Mitsubishi are members of the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI), which issued statements critical of NVES – something that saw Polestar and rival electric car brand Tesla quit the industry body. Mr Maynard recently said the brand is no closer to rejoining the FCAI, saying the industry body is less progressive than when Polestar left it in protest in March 2024. When asked by CarExpert if Polestar Australia could better effect change by being a member of the FCAI, Mr Maynard was blunt. "If I thought that the volume of vehicles that we sell – [Polestar] being a premium and relatively exclusive player – would give us a fair voice inside the FCAI, then perhaps that logic would run. "But I think it's still the case that the FCAI services those members that fund it, and I can understand why they would do that. They're a representative body of the manufacturers that sit inside it, and so no, I think I'd probably get sent out of the room." MORE: Everything Polestar MORE: What the first federal emission standard means for Aussie car buyers MORE: Mitsubishi boss slams federal emissions regulations, "naivety" around EVs MORE: Polestar won't rejoin Australia's top auto industry body Content originally sourced from: Polestar Australia managing director Scott Maynard says the 'scaremongering' that took place ahead of the implementation of the New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES) has failed. The NVES was introduced on January 1, 2025, and limits the overall carbon-dioxide emissions across a brand's lineup – with automakers facing financial penalties if they exceed the targets. Penalties came into effect on July 1, 2025, and fleet emissions targets will get more stringent every year until 2029. When asked if perhaps NVES could have been pitched better by the politicians who were publicly in favour of it, Mr Maynard was positive. "It turns out it didn't kill the weekend," the Polestar boss said. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. ABOVE: Polestar Australia managing director Scott Maynard "We got it through, so I don't think I'm a good enough politician to say that they went about the wrong way. "I do think that there was perhaps some scaremongering whipped up from some of its opponents that did land a few blows, and some of the benefits of a market that responds to NVES legislation – like cleaner air and a move towards vehicles that that are cheaper to run – were perhaps lost in some of that messaging." Former opposition leader Peter Dutton had pledged to scrap the NVES – which he called a 'ute tax' – if the Coalition won last November's federal election (which it didn't). "We will abolish Labor's tax on family cars and utes. Saving you thousands when buying a new car," Mr Dutton posted on social media. "Labor's new car and ute tax will hit families and small businesses with thousands in extra costs." The Australian Government proposed three iterations of NVES – A, B and C options – in February 2024 for feedback from industry bodies and automakers. Of the three, the "fast but flexible" B proposal was the government's preferred option. Though it wasn't the most stringent of the three, the B proposal was criticised by some Australian car companies, with Toyota – the best-selling brand here since 2008 – saying it would force new vehicle prices up and hurt 'middle Australia'. Sean Hanley, Toyota Australia vice president of sales and marketing, said the company didn't have the model range available globally on hand to replace popular vehicles like the LandCruiser. Mr Hanley also said sales of smaller, lower-emission Toyota models would not be enough to offset fines from sales of larger vehicles. Similar objections were voiced by other car companies, such as Mitsubishi Australia CEO Shaun Westcott who also appealed to 'middle Australia'. "We do want a standard, we're not against a standard," Mr Westcott told CarExpert. "What we want is a standard that is practical and achievable against the pace of technology, aligned with what consumers want and what consumers can afford." The Australian Government subsequently made key concessions to automakers ahead of introducing the legislation to parliament in March 2024, including changing how large off-roaders were categorised – something which Toyota had called for. Both Toyota and Mitsubishi are members of the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI), which issued statements critical of NVES – something that saw Polestar and rival electric car brand Tesla quit the industry body. Mr Maynard recently said the brand is no closer to rejoining the FCAI, saying the industry body is less progressive than when Polestar left it in protest in March 2024. When asked by CarExpert if Polestar Australia could better effect change by being a member of the FCAI, Mr Maynard was blunt. "If I thought that the volume of vehicles that we sell – [Polestar] being a premium and relatively exclusive player – would give us a fair voice inside the FCAI, then perhaps that logic would run. "But I think it's still the case that the FCAI services those members that fund it, and I can understand why they would do that. They're a representative body of the manufacturers that sit inside it, and so no, I think I'd probably get sent out of the room." MORE: Everything Polestar MORE: What the first federal emission standard means for Aussie car buyers MORE: Mitsubishi boss slams federal emissions regulations, "naivety" around EVs MORE: Polestar won't rejoin Australia's top auto industry body Content originally sourced from: Polestar Australia managing director Scott Maynard says the 'scaremongering' that took place ahead of the implementation of the New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES) has failed. The NVES was introduced on January 1, 2025, and limits the overall carbon-dioxide emissions across a brand's lineup – with automakers facing financial penalties if they exceed the targets. Penalties came into effect on July 1, 2025, and fleet emissions targets will get more stringent every year until 2029. When asked if perhaps NVES could have been pitched better by the politicians who were publicly in favour of it, Mr Maynard was positive. "It turns out it didn't kill the weekend," the Polestar boss said. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. ABOVE: Polestar Australia managing director Scott Maynard "We got it through, so I don't think I'm a good enough politician to say that they went about the wrong way. "I do think that there was perhaps some scaremongering whipped up from some of its opponents that did land a few blows, and some of the benefits of a market that responds to NVES legislation – like cleaner air and a move towards vehicles that that are cheaper to run – were perhaps lost in some of that messaging." Former opposition leader Peter Dutton had pledged to scrap the NVES – which he called a 'ute tax' – if the Coalition won last November's federal election (which it didn't). "We will abolish Labor's tax on family cars and utes. Saving you thousands when buying a new car," Mr Dutton posted on social media. "Labor's new car and ute tax will hit families and small businesses with thousands in extra costs." The Australian Government proposed three iterations of NVES – A, B and C options – in February 2024 for feedback from industry bodies and automakers. Of the three, the "fast but flexible" B proposal was the government's preferred option. Though it wasn't the most stringent of the three, the B proposal was criticised by some Australian car companies, with Toyota – the best-selling brand here since 2008 – saying it would force new vehicle prices up and hurt 'middle Australia'. Sean Hanley, Toyota Australia vice president of sales and marketing, said the company didn't have the model range available globally on hand to replace popular vehicles like the LandCruiser. Mr Hanley also said sales of smaller, lower-emission Toyota models would not be enough to offset fines from sales of larger vehicles. Similar objections were voiced by other car companies, such as Mitsubishi Australia CEO Shaun Westcott who also appealed to 'middle Australia'. "We do want a standard, we're not against a standard," Mr Westcott told CarExpert. "What we want is a standard that is practical and achievable against the pace of technology, aligned with what consumers want and what consumers can afford." The Australian Government subsequently made key concessions to automakers ahead of introducing the legislation to parliament in March 2024, including changing how large off-roaders were categorised – something which Toyota had called for. Both Toyota and Mitsubishi are members of the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI), which issued statements critical of NVES – something that saw Polestar and rival electric car brand Tesla quit the industry body. Mr Maynard recently said the brand is no closer to rejoining the FCAI, saying the industry body is less progressive than when Polestar left it in protest in March 2024. When asked by CarExpert if Polestar Australia could better effect change by being a member of the FCAI, Mr Maynard was blunt. "If I thought that the volume of vehicles that we sell – [Polestar] being a premium and relatively exclusive player – would give us a fair voice inside the FCAI, then perhaps that logic would run. "But I think it's still the case that the FCAI services those members that fund it, and I can understand why they would do that. They're a representative body of the manufacturers that sit inside it, and so no, I think I'd probably get sent out of the room." MORE: Everything Polestar MORE: What the first federal emission standard means for Aussie car buyers MORE: Mitsubishi boss slams federal emissions regulations, "naivety" around EVs MORE: Polestar won't rejoin Australia's top auto industry body Content originally sourced from: Polestar Australia managing director Scott Maynard says the 'scaremongering' that took place ahead of the implementation of the New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES) has failed. The NVES was introduced on January 1, 2025, and limits the overall carbon-dioxide emissions across a brand's lineup – with automakers facing financial penalties if they exceed the targets. Penalties came into effect on July 1, 2025, and fleet emissions targets will get more stringent every year until 2029. When asked if perhaps NVES could have been pitched better by the politicians who were publicly in favour of it, Mr Maynard was positive. "It turns out it didn't kill the weekend," the Polestar boss said. Hundreds of new car deals are available through CarExpert right now. Get the experts on your side and score a great deal. Browse now. ABOVE: Polestar Australia managing director Scott Maynard "We got it through, so I don't think I'm a good enough politician to say that they went about the wrong way. "I do think that there was perhaps some scaremongering whipped up from some of its opponents that did land a few blows, and some of the benefits of a market that responds to NVES legislation – like cleaner air and a move towards vehicles that that are cheaper to run – were perhaps lost in some of that messaging." Former opposition leader Peter Dutton had pledged to scrap the NVES – which he called a 'ute tax' – if the Coalition won last November's federal election (which it didn't). "We will abolish Labor's tax on family cars and utes. Saving you thousands when buying a new car," Mr Dutton posted on social media. "Labor's new car and ute tax will hit families and small businesses with thousands in extra costs." The Australian Government proposed three iterations of NVES – A, B and C options – in February 2024 for feedback from industry bodies and automakers. Of the three, the "fast but flexible" B proposal was the government's preferred option. Though it wasn't the most stringent of the three, the B proposal was criticised by some Australian car companies, with Toyota – the best-selling brand here since 2008 – saying it would force new vehicle prices up and hurt 'middle Australia'. Sean Hanley, Toyota Australia vice president of sales and marketing, said the company didn't have the model range available globally on hand to replace popular vehicles like the LandCruiser. Mr Hanley also said sales of smaller, lower-emission Toyota models would not be enough to offset fines from sales of larger vehicles. Similar objections were voiced by other car companies, such as Mitsubishi Australia CEO Shaun Westcott who also appealed to 'middle Australia'. "We do want a standard, we're not against a standard," Mr Westcott told CarExpert. "What we want is a standard that is practical and achievable against the pace of technology, aligned with what consumers want and what consumers can afford." The Australian Government subsequently made key concessions to automakers ahead of introducing the legislation to parliament in March 2024, including changing how large off-roaders were categorised – something which Toyota had called for. Both Toyota and Mitsubishi are members of the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI), which issued statements critical of NVES – something that saw Polestar and rival electric car brand Tesla quit the industry body. Mr Maynard recently said the brand is no closer to rejoining the FCAI, saying the industry body is less progressive than when Polestar left it in protest in March 2024. When asked by CarExpert if Polestar Australia could better effect change by being a member of the FCAI, Mr Maynard was blunt. "If I thought that the volume of vehicles that we sell – [Polestar] being a premium and relatively exclusive player – would give us a fair voice inside the FCAI, then perhaps that logic would run. "But I think it's still the case that the FCAI services those members that fund it, and I can understand why they would do that. They're a representative body of the manufacturers that sit inside it, and so no, I think I'd probably get sent out of the room." MORE: Everything Polestar MORE: What the first federal emission standard means for Aussie car buyers MORE: Mitsubishi boss slams federal emissions regulations, "naivety" around EVs MORE: Polestar won't rejoin Australia's top auto industry body Content originally sourced from:


The Advertiser
10 hours ago
- The Advertiser
Tesla makes India debut with upscale showroom launch
Tesla has opened its first showroom in India, marking the electric vehicle maker's long-anticipated debut in the world's third-biggest automotive market. In the Bandra-Kurla Complex, an upscale business centre in the financial capital Mumbai, the showroom will serve as Tesla's flagship retail and experience outlet as the company introduces its EV line-up to Indian customers. Tesla's entry to India comes after years of delays and policy friction, marking a pivotal expansion in a fast-growing consumer base while global sales are plunging and the company faces challenges in its two core markets, China and the US. Sales of Tesla electric cars fell sharply from April to June as boycotts over tech billionaire Elon Musk's political views continued keeping buyers away. For India, Tesla's entry signals rising investor confidence and strengthens its move towards clean mobility. The country's nascent electric vehicle market made up a little more than two per cent of total car sales in 2024. But the government wants to change that and increase the electric vehicle share to 30 per cent by 2030. Tesla will begin by importing and selling its popular Y model cars in India. The base price would be 6.78 million rupees ($A120,000) for the long-range, rear-wheel drive vehicle, according to a presentation by the company during the showroom launch on Tuesday. By comparison, the price tag is about $US44,990 ($A69,000) in the US without a federal tax credit. The rear-wheel drive will sell for about six million rupees in India. Delivery was expected to start from the third quarter, Tesla officials said. Tesla's higher pricing is likely to make its cars unaffordable for most Indians. Tesla will compete mostly with German luxury car makers such as BMW and Mercedes Benz Group AG, and not budget Indian players such as Tata Motors and Mahindra & Mahindra. The luxury car market makes up just about one per cent of total vehicle sales The debut by American EV giant, however, would bring in world-class technology to the country, auto analysts said. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government has wooed Tesla for years for its global brand value and to boost the country's clean energy endeavours. Tesla has opened its first showroom in India, marking the electric vehicle maker's long-anticipated debut in the world's third-biggest automotive market. In the Bandra-Kurla Complex, an upscale business centre in the financial capital Mumbai, the showroom will serve as Tesla's flagship retail and experience outlet as the company introduces its EV line-up to Indian customers. Tesla's entry to India comes after years of delays and policy friction, marking a pivotal expansion in a fast-growing consumer base while global sales are plunging and the company faces challenges in its two core markets, China and the US. Sales of Tesla electric cars fell sharply from April to June as boycotts over tech billionaire Elon Musk's political views continued keeping buyers away. For India, Tesla's entry signals rising investor confidence and strengthens its move towards clean mobility. The country's nascent electric vehicle market made up a little more than two per cent of total car sales in 2024. But the government wants to change that and increase the electric vehicle share to 30 per cent by 2030. Tesla will begin by importing and selling its popular Y model cars in India. The base price would be 6.78 million rupees ($A120,000) for the long-range, rear-wheel drive vehicle, according to a presentation by the company during the showroom launch on Tuesday. By comparison, the price tag is about $US44,990 ($A69,000) in the US without a federal tax credit. The rear-wheel drive will sell for about six million rupees in India. Delivery was expected to start from the third quarter, Tesla officials said. Tesla's higher pricing is likely to make its cars unaffordable for most Indians. Tesla will compete mostly with German luxury car makers such as BMW and Mercedes Benz Group AG, and not budget Indian players such as Tata Motors and Mahindra & Mahindra. The luxury car market makes up just about one per cent of total vehicle sales The debut by American EV giant, however, would bring in world-class technology to the country, auto analysts said. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government has wooed Tesla for years for its global brand value and to boost the country's clean energy endeavours. Tesla has opened its first showroom in India, marking the electric vehicle maker's long-anticipated debut in the world's third-biggest automotive market. In the Bandra-Kurla Complex, an upscale business centre in the financial capital Mumbai, the showroom will serve as Tesla's flagship retail and experience outlet as the company introduces its EV line-up to Indian customers. Tesla's entry to India comes after years of delays and policy friction, marking a pivotal expansion in a fast-growing consumer base while global sales are plunging and the company faces challenges in its two core markets, China and the US. Sales of Tesla electric cars fell sharply from April to June as boycotts over tech billionaire Elon Musk's political views continued keeping buyers away. For India, Tesla's entry signals rising investor confidence and strengthens its move towards clean mobility. The country's nascent electric vehicle market made up a little more than two per cent of total car sales in 2024. But the government wants to change that and increase the electric vehicle share to 30 per cent by 2030. Tesla will begin by importing and selling its popular Y model cars in India. The base price would be 6.78 million rupees ($A120,000) for the long-range, rear-wheel drive vehicle, according to a presentation by the company during the showroom launch on Tuesday. By comparison, the price tag is about $US44,990 ($A69,000) in the US without a federal tax credit. The rear-wheel drive will sell for about six million rupees in India. Delivery was expected to start from the third quarter, Tesla officials said. Tesla's higher pricing is likely to make its cars unaffordable for most Indians. Tesla will compete mostly with German luxury car makers such as BMW and Mercedes Benz Group AG, and not budget Indian players such as Tata Motors and Mahindra & Mahindra. The luxury car market makes up just about one per cent of total vehicle sales The debut by American EV giant, however, would bring in world-class technology to the country, auto analysts said. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government has wooed Tesla for years for its global brand value and to boost the country's clean energy endeavours. Tesla has opened its first showroom in India, marking the electric vehicle maker's long-anticipated debut in the world's third-biggest automotive market. In the Bandra-Kurla Complex, an upscale business centre in the financial capital Mumbai, the showroom will serve as Tesla's flagship retail and experience outlet as the company introduces its EV line-up to Indian customers. Tesla's entry to India comes after years of delays and policy friction, marking a pivotal expansion in a fast-growing consumer base while global sales are plunging and the company faces challenges in its two core markets, China and the US. Sales of Tesla electric cars fell sharply from April to June as boycotts over tech billionaire Elon Musk's political views continued keeping buyers away. For India, Tesla's entry signals rising investor confidence and strengthens its move towards clean mobility. The country's nascent electric vehicle market made up a little more than two per cent of total car sales in 2024. But the government wants to change that and increase the electric vehicle share to 30 per cent by 2030. Tesla will begin by importing and selling its popular Y model cars in India. The base price would be 6.78 million rupees ($A120,000) for the long-range, rear-wheel drive vehicle, according to a presentation by the company during the showroom launch on Tuesday. By comparison, the price tag is about $US44,990 ($A69,000) in the US without a federal tax credit. The rear-wheel drive will sell for about six million rupees in India. Delivery was expected to start from the third quarter, Tesla officials said. Tesla's higher pricing is likely to make its cars unaffordable for most Indians. Tesla will compete mostly with German luxury car makers such as BMW and Mercedes Benz Group AG, and not budget Indian players such as Tata Motors and Mahindra & Mahindra. The luxury car market makes up just about one per cent of total vehicle sales The debut by American EV giant, however, would bring in world-class technology to the country, auto analysts said. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government has wooed Tesla for years for its global brand value and to boost the country's clean energy endeavours.