Govt to keep Labour's clean car standard for high-emission vehicle imports

The Government will retain a clean car standard that charges importers a fee for bringing high-emissions vehicles into the country. <b>By Kate Newton of </b><a href="https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/environment_climate/1076355/government-to-retain-labour-s-clean-car-standard-for-imported-high-emissions-vehicles"><b>RNZ</b></a> However, it has not yet decided on the new limits that will be in force, saying it will work with the motor industry to develop settings that are "realistic and achievable". Introduced by the previous government, the Clean Vehicle Standard charges importers a penalty for cars that exceed the target emissions level, but that can be offset by also importing cars with lower emissions. Transport Minister Chris Bishop slashed the penalty by nearly 80% last November, saying supply constraints meant importers could not source enough low-emissions vehicles to avoid being penalised. That could result in buyers paying thousands of dollars extra, Bishop said at the time.