Suzuki Vitara, S-Cross axed in major Australian market
Likewise, in this part of the country the axe has fallen on Suzuki's other small SUV, the S-Cross.
"At this stage, once our current stock of Vitara and S-Cross is gone, we don't intend to bring it back," Suzuki Queensland general manager Paul Dillon told CarExpert.
"Maybe down the track [if] Suzuki come up with another upgrade, we might review it down the track. But at this stage, we're not planning on bringing Vitara and S-Cross back.
CarExpert can save you thousands on a new car. Click here to get a great deal.
"They do have a hybrid version, but we're not planning on [bringing it]," he added, noting the Vitara Hybrid had already been confirmed for a first-quarter 2026 launch by Suzuki Australia.
But why is Suzuki Queensland axing two small SUVs when the segment has continued to grow?
"Vitara has been in our market for quite a while, so it's not a decision we've made lightly. But we have to assess what works in our market, and at the moment Vitara Hybrid on paper doesn't work in our market," explained Mr Dillon.
"There wasn't a lot of demand for [the Vitara Hybrid], and if you look at VFACTS that's an extremely competitive segment of the market and it just wasn't selling the volume we needed to sell and wasn't achieving the goals we needed to achieve," Mr Dillon continued.
Shipments to Australia of the petrol-powered Vitara and S-Cross ceased earlier this year because the outgoing models were not compliant with new Australian Design Rules (ADRs) surrounding autonomous emergency braking (AEB).
It's expected that when shipments of the Vitara resume, they will be solely hybrid-powered vehicles, with petrol Vitaras axed nationwide.
The S-Cross' Australian future appears less certain, with Suzuki Australia not confirming local launch timing.
That will leave Suzuki Queensland showrooms with just three models: the Jimny compact off-roader, Swift light hatch, and the just-launched Fronx light SUV.
The Ignis and Swift Sport have been axed nationwide, and Suzuki is running out existing stock.
The eVitara electric SUV's launch in Queensland isn't set in stone, though Mr Dillon said: "it's certainly our intention [to release it] assuming the numbers from Japan stack up".
Suzuki Australia, in contrast, has confirmed the electric SUV for release in the first quarter of 2026.
While Suzuki is losing models locally, the company's Queensland distributor has teased new product in the pipeline.
"They've come out and shown us some product. It's probably too early for us to talk about at this stage, but another SUV that kind of looks like the eVitara but maybe not electric. Hybrid," said Mr Dillon.
"We've certainly asked for consideration of that car when it becomes available. It's still in development at this stage.
"They've got another light electric car coming down the path, maybe another year."
The current, Hungarian-built S-Cross launched here in 2022, but it was a heavy update of a model that entered production in 2013.
Suzuki Australia had previously confirmed it would bring a hybrid version of the S-Cross to Australia in 2024, but it never eventuated.
The Vitara is almost as old, entering production in 2015 and receiving a Series II update in 2019.
ABOVE: Updated Vitara Hybrid
A hybrid version was also confirmed for a 2024 launch, before being delayed to the first quarter of 2025 and then to the first quarter of 2026.
In the UK, the Vitara Hybrid features a 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine delivering 75kW of power and 101Nm of torque, mated with a 24.6kW electric motor and a six-speed automated manual transmission. It's offered with either front- or all-wheel drive.
Claimed fuel economy is between 5.0L/100km and 5.6L/100km, but it's significantly slower than the 1.4-litre mild-hybrid also offered in the UK.
Suzuki UK claims a 0-100km/h time of 12.7 seconds with front-wheel drive and 13.5 seconds with all-wheel drive, against sprint times of 9.5 and 10.2 seconds for the mild-hybrid.
Both the Vitara and S-Cross sit in the Small SUV segment in VFACTS sales reports, but the Vitara has always been a stronger seller in Australia.
Last year Suzuki recorded 2934 deliveries nationwide of the Vitara (up 45.5 per cent) against 706 for the S-Cross (up 18.1 per cent).
That saw the Vitara outsell rivals like the Toyota C-HR (2828) and Skoda Kamiq (1284), and record its best sales year since 2022 when Suzuki shifted 3114 examples.
MORE: Explore the Suzuki Vitara showroom
MORE: Explore the Suzuki S-Cross showroom
Content originally sourced from: CarExpert.com.au
Suzuki may be bringing a traditional 'full' hybrid version of its Vitara to Australia, but it won't be offered in Queensland or the Northern Rivers region of New South Wales.
Likewise, in this part of the country the axe has fallen on Suzuki's other small SUV, the S-Cross.
"At this stage, once our current stock of Vitara and S-Cross is gone, we don't intend to bring it back," Suzuki Queensland general manager Paul Dillon told CarExpert.
"Maybe down the track [if] Suzuki come up with another upgrade, we might review it down the track. But at this stage, we're not planning on bringing Vitara and S-Cross back.
CarExpert can save you thousands on a new car. Click here to get a great deal.
"They do have a hybrid version, but we're not planning on [bringing it]," he added, noting the Vitara Hybrid had already been confirmed for a first-quarter 2026 launch by Suzuki Australia.
But why is Suzuki Queensland axing two small SUVs when the segment has continued to grow?
"Vitara has been in our market for quite a while, so it's not a decision we've made lightly. But we have to assess what works in our market, and at the moment Vitara Hybrid on paper doesn't work in our market," explained Mr Dillon.
"There wasn't a lot of demand for [the Vitara Hybrid], and if you look at VFACTS that's an extremely competitive segment of the market and it just wasn't selling the volume we needed to sell and wasn't achieving the goals we needed to achieve," Mr Dillon continued.
Shipments to Australia of the petrol-powered Vitara and S-Cross ceased earlier this year because the outgoing models were not compliant with new Australian Design Rules (ADRs) surrounding autonomous emergency braking (AEB).
It's expected that when shipments of the Vitara resume, they will be solely hybrid-powered vehicles, with petrol Vitaras axed nationwide.
The S-Cross' Australian future appears less certain, with Suzuki Australia not confirming local launch timing.
That will leave Suzuki Queensland showrooms with just three models: the Jimny compact off-roader, Swift light hatch, and the just-launched Fronx light SUV.
The Ignis and Swift Sport have been axed nationwide, and Suzuki is running out existing stock.
The eVitara electric SUV's launch in Queensland isn't set in stone, though Mr Dillon said: "it's certainly our intention [to release it] assuming the numbers from Japan stack up".
Suzuki Australia, in contrast, has confirmed the electric SUV for release in the first quarter of 2026.
While Suzuki is losing models locally, the company's Queensland distributor has teased new product in the pipeline.
"They've come out and shown us some product. It's probably too early for us to talk about at this stage, but another SUV that kind of looks like the eVitara but maybe not electric. Hybrid," said Mr Dillon.
"We've certainly asked for consideration of that car when it becomes available. It's still in development at this stage.
"They've got another light electric car coming down the path, maybe another year."
The current, Hungarian-built S-Cross launched here in 2022, but it was a heavy update of a model that entered production in 2013.
Suzuki Australia had previously confirmed it would bring a hybrid version of the S-Cross to Australia in 2024, but it never eventuated.
The Vitara is almost as old, entering production in 2015 and receiving a Series II update in 2019.
ABOVE: Updated Vitara Hybrid
A hybrid version was also confirmed for a 2024 launch, before being delayed to the first quarter of 2025 and then to the first quarter of 2026.
In the UK, the Vitara Hybrid features a 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine delivering 75kW of power and 101Nm of torque, mated with a 24.6kW electric motor and a six-speed automated manual transmission. It's offered with either front- or all-wheel drive.
Claimed fuel economy is between 5.0L/100km and 5.6L/100km, but it's significantly slower than the 1.4-litre mild-hybrid also offered in the UK.
Suzuki UK claims a 0-100km/h time of 12.7 seconds with front-wheel drive and 13.5 seconds with all-wheel drive, against sprint times of 9.5 and 10.2 seconds for the mild-hybrid.
Both the Vitara and S-Cross sit in the Small SUV segment in VFACTS sales reports, but the Vitara has always been a stronger seller in Australia.
Last year Suzuki recorded 2934 deliveries nationwide of the Vitara (up 45.5 per cent) against 706 for the S-Cross (up 18.1 per cent).
That saw the Vitara outsell rivals like the Toyota C-HR (2828) and Skoda Kamiq (1284), and record its best sales year since 2022 when Suzuki shifted 3114 examples.
MORE: Explore the Suzuki Vitara showroom
MORE: Explore the Suzuki S-Cross showroom
Content originally sourced from: CarExpert.com.au
Suzuki may be bringing a traditional 'full' hybrid version of its Vitara to Australia, but it won't be offered in Queensland or the Northern Rivers region of New South Wales.
Likewise, in this part of the country the axe has fallen on Suzuki's other small SUV, the S-Cross.
"At this stage, once our current stock of Vitara and S-Cross is gone, we don't intend to bring it back," Suzuki Queensland general manager Paul Dillon told CarExpert.
"Maybe down the track [if] Suzuki come up with another upgrade, we might review it down the track. But at this stage, we're not planning on bringing Vitara and S-Cross back.
CarExpert can save you thousands on a new car. Click here to get a great deal.
"They do have a hybrid version, but we're not planning on [bringing it]," he added, noting the Vitara Hybrid had already been confirmed for a first-quarter 2026 launch by Suzuki Australia.
But why is Suzuki Queensland axing two small SUVs when the segment has continued to grow?
"Vitara has been in our market for quite a while, so it's not a decision we've made lightly. But we have to assess what works in our market, and at the moment Vitara Hybrid on paper doesn't work in our market," explained Mr Dillon.
"There wasn't a lot of demand for [the Vitara Hybrid], and if you look at VFACTS that's an extremely competitive segment of the market and it just wasn't selling the volume we needed to sell and wasn't achieving the goals we needed to achieve," Mr Dillon continued.
Shipments to Australia of the petrol-powered Vitara and S-Cross ceased earlier this year because the outgoing models were not compliant with new Australian Design Rules (ADRs) surrounding autonomous emergency braking (AEB).
It's expected that when shipments of the Vitara resume, they will be solely hybrid-powered vehicles, with petrol Vitaras axed nationwide.
The S-Cross' Australian future appears less certain, with Suzuki Australia not confirming local launch timing.
That will leave Suzuki Queensland showrooms with just three models: the Jimny compact off-roader, Swift light hatch, and the just-launched Fronx light SUV.
The Ignis and Swift Sport have been axed nationwide, and Suzuki is running out existing stock.
The eVitara electric SUV's launch in Queensland isn't set in stone, though Mr Dillon said: "it's certainly our intention [to release it] assuming the numbers from Japan stack up".
Suzuki Australia, in contrast, has confirmed the electric SUV for release in the first quarter of 2026.
While Suzuki is losing models locally, the company's Queensland distributor has teased new product in the pipeline.
"They've come out and shown us some product. It's probably too early for us to talk about at this stage, but another SUV that kind of looks like the eVitara but maybe not electric. Hybrid," said Mr Dillon.
"We've certainly asked for consideration of that car when it becomes available. It's still in development at this stage.
"They've got another light electric car coming down the path, maybe another year."
The current, Hungarian-built S-Cross launched here in 2022, but it was a heavy update of a model that entered production in 2013.
Suzuki Australia had previously confirmed it would bring a hybrid version of the S-Cross to Australia in 2024, but it never eventuated.
The Vitara is almost as old, entering production in 2015 and receiving a Series II update in 2019.
ABOVE: Updated Vitara Hybrid
A hybrid version was also confirmed for a 2024 launch, before being delayed to the first quarter of 2025 and then to the first quarter of 2026.
In the UK, the Vitara Hybrid features a 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine delivering 75kW of power and 101Nm of torque, mated with a 24.6kW electric motor and a six-speed automated manual transmission. It's offered with either front- or all-wheel drive.
Claimed fuel economy is between 5.0L/100km and 5.6L/100km, but it's significantly slower than the 1.4-litre mild-hybrid also offered in the UK.
Suzuki UK claims a 0-100km/h time of 12.7 seconds with front-wheel drive and 13.5 seconds with all-wheel drive, against sprint times of 9.5 and 10.2 seconds for the mild-hybrid.
Both the Vitara and S-Cross sit in the Small SUV segment in VFACTS sales reports, but the Vitara has always been a stronger seller in Australia.
Last year Suzuki recorded 2934 deliveries nationwide of the Vitara (up 45.5 per cent) against 706 for the S-Cross (up 18.1 per cent).
That saw the Vitara outsell rivals like the Toyota C-HR (2828) and Skoda Kamiq (1284), and record its best sales year since 2022 when Suzuki shifted 3114 examples.
MORE: Explore the Suzuki Vitara showroom
MORE: Explore the Suzuki S-Cross showroom
Content originally sourced from: CarExpert.com.au
Suzuki may be bringing a traditional 'full' hybrid version of its Vitara to Australia, but it won't be offered in Queensland or the Northern Rivers region of New South Wales.
Likewise, in this part of the country the axe has fallen on Suzuki's other small SUV, the S-Cross.
"At this stage, once our current stock of Vitara and S-Cross is gone, we don't intend to bring it back," Suzuki Queensland general manager Paul Dillon told CarExpert.
"Maybe down the track [if] Suzuki come up with another upgrade, we might review it down the track. But at this stage, we're not planning on bringing Vitara and S-Cross back.
CarExpert can save you thousands on a new car. Click here to get a great deal.
"They do have a hybrid version, but we're not planning on [bringing it]," he added, noting the Vitara Hybrid had already been confirmed for a first-quarter 2026 launch by Suzuki Australia.
But why is Suzuki Queensland axing two small SUVs when the segment has continued to grow?
"Vitara has been in our market for quite a while, so it's not a decision we've made lightly. But we have to assess what works in our market, and at the moment Vitara Hybrid on paper doesn't work in our market," explained Mr Dillon.
"There wasn't a lot of demand for [the Vitara Hybrid], and if you look at VFACTS that's an extremely competitive segment of the market and it just wasn't selling the volume we needed to sell and wasn't achieving the goals we needed to achieve," Mr Dillon continued.
Shipments to Australia of the petrol-powered Vitara and S-Cross ceased earlier this year because the outgoing models were not compliant with new Australian Design Rules (ADRs) surrounding autonomous emergency braking (AEB).
It's expected that when shipments of the Vitara resume, they will be solely hybrid-powered vehicles, with petrol Vitaras axed nationwide.
The S-Cross' Australian future appears less certain, with Suzuki Australia not confirming local launch timing.
That will leave Suzuki Queensland showrooms with just three models: the Jimny compact off-roader, Swift light hatch, and the just-launched Fronx light SUV.
The Ignis and Swift Sport have been axed nationwide, and Suzuki is running out existing stock.
The eVitara electric SUV's launch in Queensland isn't set in stone, though Mr Dillon said: "it's certainly our intention [to release it] assuming the numbers from Japan stack up".
Suzuki Australia, in contrast, has confirmed the electric SUV for release in the first quarter of 2026.
While Suzuki is losing models locally, the company's Queensland distributor has teased new product in the pipeline.
"They've come out and shown us some product. It's probably too early for us to talk about at this stage, but another SUV that kind of looks like the eVitara but maybe not electric. Hybrid," said Mr Dillon.
"We've certainly asked for consideration of that car when it becomes available. It's still in development at this stage.
"They've got another light electric car coming down the path, maybe another year."
The current, Hungarian-built S-Cross launched here in 2022, but it was a heavy update of a model that entered production in 2013.
Suzuki Australia had previously confirmed it would bring a hybrid version of the S-Cross to Australia in 2024, but it never eventuated.
The Vitara is almost as old, entering production in 2015 and receiving a Series II update in 2019.
ABOVE: Updated Vitara Hybrid
A hybrid version was also confirmed for a 2024 launch, before being delayed to the first quarter of 2025 and then to the first quarter of 2026.
In the UK, the Vitara Hybrid features a 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine delivering 75kW of power and 101Nm of torque, mated with a 24.6kW electric motor and a six-speed automated manual transmission. It's offered with either front- or all-wheel drive.
Claimed fuel economy is between 5.0L/100km and 5.6L/100km, but it's significantly slower than the 1.4-litre mild-hybrid also offered in the UK.
Suzuki UK claims a 0-100km/h time of 12.7 seconds with front-wheel drive and 13.5 seconds with all-wheel drive, against sprint times of 9.5 and 10.2 seconds for the mild-hybrid.
Both the Vitara and S-Cross sit in the Small SUV segment in VFACTS sales reports, but the Vitara has always been a stronger seller in Australia.
Last year Suzuki recorded 2934 deliveries nationwide of the Vitara (up 45.5 per cent) against 706 for the S-Cross (up 18.1 per cent).
That saw the Vitara outsell rivals like the Toyota C-HR (2828) and Skoda Kamiq (1284), and record its best sales year since 2022 when Suzuki shifted 3114 examples.
MORE: Explore the Suzuki Vitara showroom
MORE: Explore the Suzuki S-Cross showroom
Content originally sourced from: CarExpert.com.au
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
7NEWS
42 minutes ago
- 7NEWS
Suzuki Australia 'ready' for new emissions regulations
Despite Suzuki's relatively slow rollout of electrified vehicles, the brand's local arm says it's prepared to deal with Australia's New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES) as it readies additional mild-hybrids and its first electric vehicle (EV). Suzuki, like every other manufacturer operating in Australia, is now obliged to meet set average carbon emissions targets across its fleet each year, or be penalised $100 per g/km of CO2 for every vehicle that exceeds the target. The brand's entire Australian fleet falls into the Type 1 passenger car category, which means each car is subject to a CO2 limit of 141g/km for 2025. This limit will drop to 117g/km in 2026, 92g/km in 2027, and eventually 58g/km in 2029. Though Suzuki's Australian lineup currently features only two mild-hybrids and no EVs, general manager Michael Pachota maintains NVES is simply another regulatory hurdle for the brand to overcome. 'We've been here for a long time. We're not going anywhere,' he told CarExpert. CarExpert can save you thousands on a new car. Click here to get a great deal. 'NVES is just another thing that we have to adapt and evolve our product portfolio to meet. With that said, the Australian consumer will decide.' Suzuki's model range in Australia is currently undergoing a revamp after several vehicles fell victim to new safety regulations last year. With its up-to-date cars, Suzuki is, on average, in the clear for 2025 – the Swift Hybrid has maximum claimed emissions of 90g/km of CO2, while the Fronx Hybrid produces 113g/km. Only the Jimny exceeds the target with a minimum of 146g/km across its lineup. The defunct S-Cross, Vitara, and Swift Sport are all on the bubble of the current 141g/km target, while the Ignis is on par with the Fronx Hybrid. Only limited dealer stock of these models remains. The emissions of these vehicles means Suzuki will likely exceed the average fleet-wide CO2 limit in three year's time, which means more efficient models will be required to offset the 'dirtier' ones. These efforts will be bolstered by the Vitara Hybrid – albeit with mild-hybrid or 'strong' hybrid powertrains as-yet unconfirmed – and electric eVitara in early 2026, while Suzuki could look overseas for additional hybrid models. In the UK, Suzuki sells the Across plug-in hybrid (PHEV) – a rebadged version of the outgoing Toyota RAV4 – that produces a claimed 26g/km of CO2. There's also the full-hybrid Swace – a rebadged Toyota Corolla Touring Sports wagon – with claimed emissions of 102g/km. This, in theory, could provide Australian customers with more choice in Suzuki models than ever, and Mr Pachota maintains buyer attitudes will shape the brand's direction beyond its initial plans. 'Our plan is quite good, I've gotta say. We're ready for it,' he told CarExpert. 'As the market changes or there's different conditions in the market with competitors and so forth, and if that actual measurement of NVES changes because it's constantly up in the air, or whatever it may be, we'll adapt and evolve, and we're very prepared to do so.' Mr Pachota's confident sentiment is in contrast with recent comments made by Suzuki Queensland – a separate entity in charge of the Sunshine State and New South Wales' Northern Rivers region – general manager Paul Dillon. In a separate CarExpert article published this week, Mr Dillon claimed NVES will boost Chinese brands, raise prices, punish makers of small cars, and end up forcing many buyers to shop for less efficient used cars. 'I would say, 'Would you consider a Suzuki to be a reasonably efficient car?',' Mr Dillon told CarExpert. 'And to consider that next year there will be penalties on cars like Fronx, for a 1.5-litre hybrid vehicle with [an integrated starter generator], there are still penalties on that car next year.' He continued by saying Suzuki Queensland would have to raise the prices of its vehicles if NVES fines begin to stack up – a fate he also expects to befall other non-Chinese carmakers – making cheaper Chinese cars look more appealing. 'The legislation's almost leaning towards [Chinese brands], isn't it?' Mr Dillon said. Asked whether the eVitara would be able to offset Suzuki's average CO2 emissions, Mr Dillon says he believes 'there will be a small market for EVs'. 'Unfortunately, I don't think the government fully considered that. I think there's issues with the NVES they haven't fully considered, unless they specifically are out to raise more tax from the consumers.'
Perth Now
42 minutes ago
- Perth Now
Suzuki Australia 'ready' for new emissions regulations
Despite Suzuki's relatively slow rollout of electrified vehicles, the brand's local arm says it's prepared to deal with Australia's New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES) as it readies additional mild-hybrids and its first electric vehicle (EV). Suzuki, like every other manufacturer operating in Australia, is now obliged to meet set average carbon emissions targets across its fleet each year, or be penalised $100 per g/km of CO2 for every vehicle that exceeds the target. The brand's entire Australian fleet falls into the Type 1 passenger car category, which means each car is subject to a CO2 limit of 141g/km for 2025. This limit will drop to 117g/km in 2026, 92g/km in 2027, and eventually 58g/km in 2029. Though Suzuki's Australian lineup currently features only two mild-hybrids and no EVs, general manager Michael Pachota maintains NVES is simply another regulatory hurdle for the brand to overcome. 'We've been here for a long time. We're not going anywhere,' he told CarExpert. CarExpert can save you thousands on a new car. Click here to get a great deal. Supplied Credit: CarExpert 'NVES is just another thing that we have to adapt and evolve our product portfolio to meet. With that said, the Australian consumer will decide.' Suzuki's model range in Australia is currently undergoing a revamp after several vehicles fell victim to new safety regulations last year. With its up-to-date cars, Suzuki is, on average, in the clear for 2025 – the Swift Hybrid has maximum claimed emissions of 90g/km of CO2, while the Fronx Hybrid produces 113g/km. Only the Jimny exceeds the target with a minimum of 146g/km across its lineup. The defunct S-Cross, Vitara, and Swift Sport are all on the bubble of the current 141g/km target, while the Ignis is on par with the Fronx Hybrid. Only limited dealer stock of these models remains. The emissions of these vehicles means Suzuki will likely exceed the average fleet-wide CO2 limit in three year's time, which means more efficient models will be required to offset the 'dirtier' ones. Supplied Credit: CarExpert These efforts will be bolstered by the Vitara Hybrid – albeit with mild-hybrid or 'strong' hybrid powertrains as-yet unconfirmed – and electric eVitara in early 2026, while Suzuki could look overseas for additional hybrid models. In the UK, Suzuki sells the Across plug-in hybrid (PHEV) – a rebadged version of the outgoing Toyota RAV4 – that produces a claimed 26g/km of CO2. There's also the full-hybrid Swace – a rebadged Toyota Corolla Touring Sports wagon – with claimed emissions of 102g/km. This, in theory, could provide Australian customers with more choice in Suzuki models than ever, and Mr Pachota maintains buyer attitudes will shape the brand's direction beyond its initial plans. 'Our plan is quite good, I've gotta say. We're ready for it,' he told CarExpert. 'As the market changes or there's different conditions in the market with competitors and so forth, and if that actual measurement of NVES changes because it's constantly up in the air, or whatever it may be, we'll adapt and evolve, and we're very prepared to do so.' Supplied Credit: CarExpert Mr Pachota's confident sentiment is in contrast with recent comments made by Suzuki Queensland – a separate entity in charge of the Sunshine State and New South Wales' Northern Rivers region – general manager Paul Dillon. In a separate CarExpert article published this week, Mr Dillon claimed NVES will boost Chinese brands, raise prices, punish makers of small cars, and end up forcing many buyers to shop for less efficient used cars. 'I would say, 'Would you consider a Suzuki to be a reasonably efficient car?',' Mr Dillon told CarExpert. 'And to consider that next year there will be penalties on cars like Fronx, for a 1.5-litre hybrid vehicle with [an integrated starter generator], there are still penalties on that car next year.' Supplied Credit: CarExpert He continued by saying Suzuki Queensland would have to raise the prices of its vehicles if NVES fines begin to stack up – a fate he also expects to befall other non-Chinese carmakers – making cheaper Chinese cars look more appealing. 'The legislation's almost leaning towards [Chinese brands], isn't it?' Mr Dillon said. Asked whether the eVitara would be able to offset Suzuki's average CO2 emissions, Mr Dillon says he believes 'there will be a small market for EVs'. 'Unfortunately, I don't think the government fully considered that. I think there's issues with the NVES they haven't fully considered, unless they specifically are out to raise more tax from the consumers.' MORE: Australia's new emissions regulations are poorly thought out, says local car brand boss MORE: Suzuki Vitara electric, hybrid SUVs locked in for Australia MORE: What the first federal emission standard means for Aussie car buyers MORE: Everything Suzuki
Perth Now
3 hours ago
- Perth Now
Markets plummet as Trump issues more steep tariffs
US President Donald Trump's latest wave of tariffs on exports from dozens of trading partners sent global stock markets tumbling and countries and companies scrambling to seek ways to strike better deals. As Trump presses ahead with plans to reorder the global economy with the highest tariff rates since the early 1930s, Switzerland, "stunned" by 39 per cent tariffs, sought more talks, as did India, hit with a 25 per cent rate. New tariffs announced on Friday also included a 35 per cent duty on many goods from Canada, 50 per cent for Brazil, 20 per cent for Taiwan, which said its rate was "temporary" and it expected to reach a lower figure. The presidential order listed higher import duty rates of 10 per cent to 41 per cent starting in a week's time for 69 trading partners, taking the US effective tariff rate to about 18 per cent, from 2.3 per cent last year, according to analysts at Capital Economics. US stocks took a hit. By afternoon on Friday, the Dow Jones Industrial Average had dropped 1.46 per cent to 43,486.45, the S&P 500 1.8 per cent to 6,225.55 and the Nasdaq Composite 2.42 per cent to 20,610.91. Markets were also reacting to a disappointing jobs report. Data showed US job growth slowed more than expected in July while the prior month's data was revised sharply lower, pointing to a slowdown in the labour market. Global shares stumbled, with Europe's STOXX 600 tumbling 1.89 per cent on the day. Trump's new tariffs have created yet more uncertainty, with many details unclear. They are set to take effect on August 7, a White House official said. Trump administration officials defended the president's approach saying the uncertainty was "critical" for him to be able to leverage a better deal. "The trade deals we've seen over the last few weeks... have been nothing short of monumental," Council of Economic Advisers Chair Stephen Miran said on CNBC. Trump's tariff rollout also comes amid evidence they have begun driving up prices of home furnishings and household equipment. Australian products could become more competitive in the US market, helping businesses boost exports, Trade Minister Don Farrell said, after Trump kept the minimum tariff rate of 10 per cent for Australia. The European Union, which struck a framework deal with Trump on Sunday, is still awaiting more Trump orders to deliver on agreed carve-outs, including on cars and aircraft, EU officials said, saying the latest executive orders did not cover that. Switzerland said it would push for a "negotiated solution" with the US, with industry insiders saying they were "stunned" by the 39 per cent tariffs. South Africa's Trade Minister Parks Tau said he was seeking "real, practical interventions" to defend jobs and the economy against the 30 per cent US tariff it faces. Southeast Asian countries largely breathed a sigh of relief after the US tariffs on their exports that were lower than threatened and leveled the playing field with a rate of about 19 per cent across the region's biggest economies. Thailand's finance minister said a reduction from 36 per cent to 19 per cent would help his country's economy. While India is in talks after being slapped with a 25 per cent tariff, which could impact about $US40 billion ($A62 billion) worth of its exports. Trump issued a separate order for Canada that raises the rate on Canadian goods subject to fentanyl-related tariffs to 35 per cent, from 25 per cent previously, saying Canada had "failed to cooperate" in curbing illicit narcotics flows into the US. This is contrast to his decision to allow Mexico a 90-day reprieve from higher tariffs to allow time to negotiate. Businesses and analysts said the impact of Trump's new trade regime would not be positive for economic growth. "No real winners in trade conflicts," said Thomas Rupf, co-head Singapore and CIO Asia at VP Bank. "Despite some countries securing better terms, the overall impact is negative."
