Australia’s peak motoring body says the falsification of emissions test data by Hino Motors* again shows laboratory tests and our current regulatory regime, are unable to protect consumers.

Hino Motors has in recent days halted global shipments of medium-to heavy-duty trucks and buses with three types of engines now linked to manipulation of emissions test data.

AAA Managing Director Michael Bradley said: “Increasingly stringent emissions standards around the world are pressuring carmakers to produce cleaner cars, and this is just the latest example of a manufacturer being caught manipulating results to avoid commercial pain.

“This scandal again highlights the inability of the current laboratory-based testing regime to catch such misconduct and once again it shows consumers deserve a cop on the beat, that’s able to properly scrutinise vehicles entering the Australian market.

“Rising fuel prices mean Australian motorists deserve to know exactly how their vehicles perform in the real world; how much fuel they will actually use; and the veracity of their claimed green credentials.”

The AAA is again asking the Australian Government to establish a real world emissions test program, like those established in the European Union and other overseas markets, to catch emissions cheats and improve consumer information.

A 2017 AAA pilot study used the European Union’s real world emissions testing methodology to test 30 popular Australian vehicles and found they used up to 59% more fuel than advertised. It also found cars emitted noxious emissions such as carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides at more than six-times Australia’s regulatory limits.

“Reporting real world performance will inform consumers and ultimately crush demand for vehicles that fail to deliver promised fuel savings and environmental performance,” Mr Bradley said.

“Australians desire a clean environment, but with petrol prices around $2 per litre and the typical Australian city household now paying more than $20,000 on annual transport costs, voters also want policies that reduce cost-of-living pressures.

“By promoting real world fuel consumption, the Government can change consumer demand and reduce Australian emissions, while improving motoring affordability and Australia’s environmental performance.”

*HINO is a subsidiary of Toyota Motor Corporation

Media contact: Shaun Rigby
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