Cars sold in Australia in 2023 emitted as much CO2 as 156 coalmines, analysis shows

Traffic in Melbourne. The government’s preferred model for a fuel efficiency standard is predicted to deliver a reduction of 369m tonnes of CO2 by 2050. Photograph: Con Chronis/AAP

Cars sold in Australia by just five companies emitted as much carbon dioxide in 2023 as 156 standard coalmines, analysis shows, as advocates eager for the government’s proposed fuel efficiency standard warn of a loophole for SUVs.

However, as the Albanese government considers the views of industry players on its proposed fuel efficiency standard, tensions are firming between auto manufacturers and environmental groups about how strict the new rules should be.