MG adds to support of Australian new-vehicle emissions rules
Australia's top-selling Chinese car brand – which sells a range of hybrid and electric cars – has expressed its support for proposed new-vehicle emissions targets in Australia.
Chinese car maker MG has joined other top-selling manufacturers in supporting the Australian Government's proposed emissions targets for new vehicles.
The formerly British-owned brand is one of the few car makers to support the government's preferred version of the so-called New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES) without calling for any modifications.
However it comes as little surprise given MG is Australia's third-biggest seller of electric cars – as well as number two in plug-in hybrid sales – and it does not sell any large 4WDs, utes or vans that could place it at risk of fines as significant as other manufacturers.
Toyota, Nissan, Isuzu and Mitsubishi – which specialise in these high-pollution vehicles – have called for the standards to be weakened and delayed to provide time for low- or zero-emissions versions of 4WDs and utes to be developed.
They have warned customers will foot the bill – in the form of higher new-vehicle prices – for any fines the manufacturer faces for not meeting the emissions targets.
Meanwhile Hyundai and Volkswagen – which sell, or are soon to sell hybrid and electric vehicles in Australia – have supported the government's preferred version of the NVES, known as Option B, with less significant concessions.
MG Australia says it intends to roll out a hybrid or electric version of every car it sells.
Due later this year is a hybrid version of the new-generation MG 3 city hatch, alongside the existing electric MG 4 hatch and ZS EV, and plug-in hybrid HS Plus EV.
“With [the] majority of the international car market already covered by fuel efficiency standards, we are fully supportive of Australia’s move to help provide consumers with cleaner and more affordable cars to own and run,” MG Motor Australia Chief Operating Officer, Peter Ciao, said in a media statement.