A New Mandate Removes Certain Vehicles from Australian Roads

Motoring News

A major update to Australian Design Rules (ADR) has come into effect from March 1, requiring nearly all new vehicles sold in Australia to be equipped with autonomous emergency braking (AEB). This technology automatically applies the brakes if a collision is imminent, reducing impact severity or preventing crashes altogether.

The ADR body regulates vehicle safety, emissions, and performance standards for passenger cars, motorcycles, and trucks. The latest change aims to address the persistently high road toll by improving crash protection, braking systems, lighting, and fuel efficiency. Safety experts believe this mandate will significantly reduce fatalities and serious injuries nationwide.

The rule aligns Australian regulations with the United Nations Regulation 152, already enforced in Europe. The long lead time provided to manufacturers allowed most to comply, with many brands incorporating AEB as a standard feature. However, some models without AEB will no longer be available for sale in Australia.

Vehicles Affected by the New AEB Mandate

Several mainstream and luxury models will be discontinued due to non-compliance with the AEB requirement. According to the Australasian Fleet Management Association (AfMA), the following vehicles are among those no longer available:

• Mainstream Vehicles:
  • Mitsubishi ASX, Eclipse Cross, Pajero Sport
  • Suzuki Baleno, Ignis, S-Cross
  • Mazda 6 (production ended)
  • Renault Kangoo and Trafic (older models)
  • LDV G10, V80
  • Mahindra Pik-Up (certain variants)
• Luxury and Performance Vehicles:
  • Fiat 500 (petrol-powered) and Abarth models
  • Aston Martin DB11, DBS
  • Lamborghini Aventador, Huracan
  • Porsche 718 (some versions)

Despite the removal of these models, Australian consumers will benefit from enhanced safety features across the automotive market. Most manufacturers have adapted by updating their fleets with AEB-equipped vehicles, ensuring a higher safety standard moving forward. Suzuki, for example, is replacing its Ignis model with the new AEB-compliant Suzuki Fronx.

The automotive industry has supported this transition for years. The Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP) has advocated for voluntary AEB adoption since 2012 and incorporated it into safety testing criteria in 2015. Volvo pioneered AEB in 2008, setting a benchmark that other manufacturers have since followed.

With the new mandate in place, Australian roads are expected to become safer as vehicle technology continues to evolve.