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Used imports face mixed impact

Figures for some of the top-selling used vehicles from 2020 reveal a more than $6,000 swing between the level of discounts or fees that would have been imposed.
Posted on 15 June, 2021
Used imports face mixed impact

The leading used imports face a wide range of rebates or fees when the clean-car discount scheme comes into force next year, according to new figures from the Ministry of Transport (MoT).

Officials have compiled a chart of the likely costs of the scheme for some of the top sellers from last year based on their average carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions at the time.

The Mazda Axela, pictured, was number one on the sales charts in 2020 for used imports and would have attracted no discount or fee for its emissions as it sits in what is called the “zero band”.

In contrast, the Nissan Leaf EV would have attracted a $3,450 rebate, while the Subaru Impreza and petrol version of the Toyota Hiace would have copped a $2,875 penalty.

The MoT has been calculating the extra costs or rebates that will come into force from 2022 based on emissions under the World Harmonised Light-duty Vehicles Test Procedure (WLTP). Discounts for electric vehicles (EVs) and plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) will start six months earlier and can be claimed from July 1, 2021.

The figures in the table below are as of June 9 based on total registrations from the 2020 calendar year, but the MoT notes the rebates and fees are indicative at this stage and subject to legislation being passed.