All the Cars Axed by Australia’s Rule Changes – And the Surprising Survivors
The Australian Government’s new vehicle safety regulations, ADR 98/00, set to take effect from March 1, 2025, are already making waves in the automotive industry. The mandate, requiring all new vehicles to be equipped with automatic emergency braking (AEB), is intended to improve road safety but has instead led to a mass exodus of models from the market. While some manufacturers have stepped up to meet the new standards, others have chosen to walk away entirely, leaving Australian buyers with fewer choices.
The Casualties: Popular Models Discontinued
Mitsubishi is the biggest loser under the new regulations. The beloved Pajero Sport off-roader and Eclipse Cross SUV will no longer be available, leaving Mitsubishi without a direct competitor to the Ford Everest or Isuzu MU-X. The long-running ASX is also affected, though Mitsubishi plans to introduce a replacement model soon.
Suzuki is another brand feeling the pinch. The budget-friendly Ignis is getting the axe, with the new Fronx expected to take its place—though at a higher price. Entry-level variants of the Vitara are also at risk, though Suzuki has yet to confirm their fate.
Luxury brands are not immune either. The Porsche 718 would have been non-compliant, but its production ended in September, making way for an electric successor with AEB. LDV’s budget-friendly lineup, including the V80 van, entry-level T60 ute, and all G10 van trims, also fails to meet the new safety standards.
The Survivors: Surprising Models That Made the Cut
Some models have managed to navigate the regulatory minefield. Toyota, for instance, found a way to keep its 40-year-old LandCruiser 70 Series alive by adding AEB with pedestrian, cyclist, and motorcycle detection. A clever reclassification trick—bumping its Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) beyond 3500kg—allowed it to sidestep stricter side impact regulations.
The Toyota Fortuner, HiLux, and GR86 manual are also safe for now, with AEB systems ensuring their continued availability. Nissan has managed to keep the ageing Y62 Patrol compliant with its ‘Intelligent Emergency Braking’ system, introduced in 2019. Meanwhile, British off-roader Ineos Grenadier initially skirted the rules by opening orders before the mandate took effect, though future compliance remains unclear.
The Future of ADRs and What’s Next
With no local car manufacturing to protect, the government is reviewing ADR regulations to align with global standards. The next big change, ADR 98/01, is set for August 2026, mandating AEB systems that detect and intervene for pedestrians. Some manufacturers, including Nissan and Mitsubishi, support this shift, citing improved affordability and faster adoption of efficient vehicles.
While road safety is paramount, the rigid implementation of these rules is reducing consumer choice. Australians deserve both safety and variety—something the government must consider in future policy decisions.
