Polestar follows Tesla and quits Australian car industry representative body over its opposition to stricter vehicle emissions laws 

Electric vehicle maker Polestar has become the latest car manufacturer to quit Australia's peak motoring body, the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI), over its opposition to the Federal Government’s proposed emission reduction legislation.

In a letter sent today to the FCAI’s CEO, Tony Weber, Head of Polestar Australia Samantha Johnson said the brand would be ending its membership immediately, stating that it did not support the motoring body’s opposition to the government’s New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NEVS), which will come into effect on January 1, 2025.

“Polestar is committed to working with the Australian Government in support of the long-term health, environmental, and cost benefits offered by a robust New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES),” Johnson writes.

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“The FCAI’s commentary against the proposed ‘Option B’ framework of a NVES does not represent the position of Polestar and may have irrevocably damaged consumer perception and trust in the proposed policy.”

Option B refers to the second of three alternative emission strategies proposed by the government. It’s stricter on emissions than Option A but not as strict as Option C. Option B is the government’s preferred scenario and a course of action the FCAI is opposed to. 

“The brand cannot in good faith continue to allow its membership fees to fund a campaign designed to deliberately slow the car industry’s contribution to Australia’s emissions reduction potential. Such a campaign is not aligned with Polestar’s focus, and we cannot support it.” continues Johnson.

“Delaying the implementation of a NVES, or changing the emissions reduction impact, only makes other sectors of the economy wear an additional emissions reduction burden. Further, it will most likely ensure that Australia continues to be a dumping ground for old automotive technology. Consequently, Polestar Australia intends to cease its membership of the FCAI, with this letter being notice of its resignation as a member in accordance with clause 14.1(a) of the Constitution of the FCAI. 

“When the FCAI commits to representing all voices in the automotive industry, fairly, Polestar will consider returning as a full member.”

Polestar’s exit follows Tesla’s announcement that it would leave the FCAI, too, but at the end of this financial year. 

In a letter to the FCAI, Tesla said it is "concerned that the FCAI has engaged in behaviours that are likely to mislead or deceive Australian consumers".

CarsGuide understands that other vehicle manufacturers may be on the verge of following Polestar and Tesla and leave the FCAI as well if the body doesn’t accept the proposed emissions strategy.

Meanwhile, the maker of the D-Max ute and MU-X SUV - Isuzu Ute - has expressed concern it won’t be able to meet the government’s new emissions targets and may have to pull out of Australia altogether.