Industry news

The Federal Government is soon set to announce the carmakers that have and haven’t met the first phase of its tightening CO2 emissions standards.The New Vehicle Emissions Standard (NVES) came into effect on January 1, 2025, with mandatory compliance and fines coming into effect from July 1, 2025.As of December 31, 2025, the first performance period will end and the findings will be published by the NVES Regulator in February 2026.In this forthcoming report every carmaker will receive its so-called interim emissions value (IEV) which will indicate whether it is either above or below the predetermined CO2 emissions target.It’s worth noting that each vehicle has its CO2 target adjusted in terms of its vehicle type and weight. It’s currently a two-tiered system providing separate CO2 limits for smaller and larger vehicles.For brands that are under the CO2 emissions target they will also receive NVES credits. These can be used to offset higher CO2 polluting vehicles, or sold to other carmakers that aren’t meeting the CO2 targets at a price they determine.Polestar CEO Scott Maynard has previously told CarsGuide the company will be opting for the latter as it only sells electric vehicles (EVs) which don’t emit any CO2. However, it won’t be selling its credits to every car brand.While fines for carmakers that are above the tightening CO2 targets are now in effect, they have until December 31, 2027 to “extinguish units against a 2025 final emissions value (FEV)”.This means carmakers have until the end of 2027 to offset the fines they have incurred with either more hybrids or EVs, or by purchasing credits from other brands.If a carmaker is still above the 2025 FEV by this point it will be issued an infringement notice in February 2028.This will be charged to the carmakers, however a number of brands have previously noted some or all of the cost will be passed onto the consumer.Brands like Ford, Hyundai and Nissan have previously admitted, at least in part, that their price increases are due to the tightening CO2 standards.The companies have also started to axe certain models and engine types with high CO2 emissions. Examples include the 2.0-litre bi-turbo four-cylinder diesel engine in the Ford Ranger and Everest, as well as the 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine in the Hyundai Kona.Nissan also delayed the local introduction of the Ariya electric SUV, but the introduction of the NVES prompted its arrival.The Japanese carmaker is also set to make its Qashqai small SUV hybrid-only in Australia during 2026 when it introduces the new-generation version of its e-Power hybrid powertrain.

It’s no secret now that Audi is looking to have its own rival to the likes of the Land Rover Defender and Mercedes-Benz G-Class.

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Toyota put a lot of effort into developing the current wide-track version of its top-selling HiLux ute and for now it’s a notable absence in the new-generation model line-up.

The LandCruiser is Toyota’s longest-running production nameplate and it has had many iterations over the years.

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BYD is plotting a huge move that could make it just about unstoppable in Australia, with the brand's top executives confirming a local ride and handling project is coming that will properly tailor the Chinese brand's vehicles for our market.

Whether BYD wants to confirm its existence or not, the Chinese carmaker has clearly been working on a smaller, more lifestyle-oriented dual-cab ute to sit under the Shark 6 plug-in hybrid (PHEV) ute.

The Kia Tasman has made its mark.In the slow-burn lead-up to the launch of Kia’s new ute there were doubters, haters and those who were simply nonplussed about the whole thing.It didn’t help that Kia’s ad campaign – which tapped into Australia’s love of sporting icons and starred the likes of Ash Barty, Dylan Alcott, Steve Waugh and numerous others – left a lot of Aussies feeling decidedly unexcited about the launch of the new ute.But surely UFC world featherweight champion Alex Volkanovski, who featured in the ad, didn’t back a dud, did he? Of course, he didn’t.The Kia Tasman is a body-on-frame 4WD with a ladder chassis, rear diff lock (mechanical in all 4WD Tasmans, except the top-spec which has an electronic rear diff lock) and off-road drive modes. It has the latest-generation all-aluminium Smartstream 2.2-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel engine – producing 154kW at 3800rpm and 440Nm from 1750-2750rpm – and that’s paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It’s not a hardcore 4WD as is, but the Tasman has ample appeal as a daily driver and that’s ultimately far more important than its 4WD capabilities.In terms of engine and transmission, useable power and torque output, effective driver-assist technology and overall off-road performance, the Tasman is very impressive.Kia may have experienced a slower-than-hoped start to sales of its ute but the Tasman is an intriguing entry in the dual-cab ute market: it’s a premium utility vehicle and at the very top of the class in terms of refinement, comfort and all-around driveability. Attention to detail is impressive, build quality is great, and everything inside and outside of the cabin looks and feels premium.Sure, it could do with more power and torque but it performs ably with what it has. This is an impressive all-round package – functional, comfortable and capable – and it’s a decent 4WD for light-to-moderate off-road touring straight out of the dealership.It can actually tackle reasonable-use off-road scenarios without compromising any of its day-to-day useability and, as such, it’s a strong indication of just what future 4x4s should be like.But to enhance its off-road potential even more, you’ll either opt for some of Kia’s genuine accessories or you’ll tap into the lively Australian off-road aftermarket industry.Kia’s genuine accessories range from tailored rubber floor mats, roadside assist kit and matt black bonnet protector through to a roof rack packing kit, towball-mounted three-bike carrier and electric roller shutter cover.So, why is the Tasman so well suited to an ongoing positive collaboration with our 4WD aftermarket industry? Well, it’s ripe for enhancement, that’s why.For one, Tasman owners can cover up the front end that so many naysayers and style masters have been complaining about – apparently they’re not at all keen on the Tasman’s wide-set headlights. According to those same people, the Tasman either has a ‘face’ only a mother could love, or a ‘face’ that is inherently punchable.Easily fixed. Throw on a bullbar (maybe a Summit MKII from ARB, which doesn’t affect the driver-assist safety systems), a UHF antenna mount, front recovery points and an LED light bar to disguise the nose, as well as, a bit further back, a snorkel (for those pesky creek crossings).And the good news there’s a whole lot more where that came from as top-notch Aussie aftermarket companies such as ARB have led the charge here with a full range of accessories for the Tasman, designed and engineered to make the Kia ute even better off-road than it is as standard.Start off with essential gear such as that aforementioned snorkel and a set of aggressive all-terrain tyres.The Taman’s standard suspension – double wishbone and coil springs upfront, live axle and leaf springs at the rear – is a traditional ute set-up made for heavy loads, but it’s better tuned for a softer, more compliant ride, even unladen, on all surfaces.But it can always be improved: get some aftermarket suspension, a new leaf pack tuned to suit your load-carrying requirements wouldn’t go astray, and a GVM (gross vehicle mass) upgrade while you’re at it.In terms of off-road angles the Tasman does well, especially the X-Pro with approach (32.2 ), ramp-over (25.8), and departure (26.2) angles that are better than standard, especially for a ute with a long wheelbase. It has 252mm of ground clearance and a listed wading depth of 800mm, which is plenty on both counts. However, under-vehicle protection is crucial to shield the vehicle’s vital components (think control arms, sump, transfer case and more) from damaging rock strikes while you steer your Tasman through challenging terrain on your way to Adventure Town! … or at least Bundaberg.For touring and storage, the aftermarket can provide the Tasman with an alloy canopy over the tub to keep your camping gear or work tools secure from thieves and protected from the elements if the weather turns ugly.That same canopy may have a spare wheel carrier at the rear if you so desire and a foldaway ladder so you can access your roof-top tent or whatever camping gear you have stowed away up top on the cargo platform atop the canopy.If your Tasman doesn’t come out of the factory equipped with side steps – as is the case with the top-shelf X-Pro variant – you can treat yourself to some of those (replete with anti-slip tread plates) and also get a set of sturdy side rails to protect the ute’s wheel arches and panels from damage while rock-crawling.Don’t forget to include all-important vehicle-recovery gear onboard, including soft shackles, snatch strap, vehicle recovery tracks and more.There’s plenty of work you can do on – and accessories you can add to – the Tasman (or any 4WD for the matter) via Australia’s aftermarket industry, so crack open your wallet and go for it.

Nissan has clarified its two-pronged ute strategy for Australia from 2027, while potentially introducing a third contender in the process.Nissan Oceania Managing Director Andrew Humberstone suggested the traditional diesel approach with the Mitsubishi Triton-based N27 would not be enough if market growth goals are to be achieved.This comes as all brands scramble to make the right product decisions now that electrified competition as well as carbon legislation are demanding different solutions than before.“In terms of going forward, this segment is very much a key pillar in our brand portfolio, as is Patrol (full-sized 4WD SUV),” Humberstone said.“It's then, ‘how do we manage these two core products?’, which are very strong in terms of brand awareness in the market and strength of our brand, and manage the NVES (New Vehicle Efficiency Standard) and CAFE (Corporate Average Fuel Economy US federal regulations) on the other side of the spectrum?’“How do we create that balance? So of course, we have to look at other options, which is why we're looking at product portfolio going forward.”This builds on what the global car industry veteran told CarsGuide a few weeks earlier, where he mentioned the Frontier Pro plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) that debuted at last April’s Shanghai auto show, as a strong proposition.“New Navara and Frontier Pro together? Oh, yeah, absolutely,” Humberstone revealed. “And it wouldn't be one or the other. I would absolutely see an opportunity for both of them (in Australia).”Since then, Nissan confirmed the Frontier Pro for Australia at a gala event in Adelaide by flying one out especially for the evening, just one day after pulling the covers off the D27 Navara in the same city.Additionally, and quite unexpectedly, turbo-charged petrol and diesel variations of the Frontier Pro were announced.This suggests that premium and possibly high-performance versions of the ute, which is based on partner Dongfeng’s Z9 dual-cab pick-up, may also join the local line-up to wrestle head-on with the Ford Ranger Wildtrak.Such an ambitious ute strategy is in line with the steps Nissan is taking on its road to rebuilding in Australia.“We've had a lot of work to do, one on building brand, one on building customer retention,” Humberstone admitted.“And, in between, the key component here is around sourcing a product… but (with reduced supply and profitability) we're looking at is a new product portfolio.”Finally, while the new (D27) Navara will arrive as dual-cab 4x4 diesel auto-only proposition initially, other styles and variations are at the ready should Nissan require them.This could include a version of the hybrid powertrain that supplier Mitsubishi is developing for its Triton fraternal twin.“Where we stand today, (that specification) represent 90 per cent of the portfolio,” Humberstone said.“(But) given shifts in regulation, given shifts in customer demand, given shifts in opportunities and profitabilities, we have the flexibility to look at that over the lifecycle of the product.“But the starting point, almost top-down strategy in essence, is ‘let’s go with 90 per cent of the volume is in the market’. It doesn’t mean we don’t re-evaluate over time, but that’s certainly the starting point.”And, this, of course, is not including the Navara Warrior flagship, more of which will be announced sometime during 2026.If nothing else, Nissan will be very busy in the ute segment over the next couple of years. Watch this space.