Polestar will not rejoin FCAI over regulation criticism
Electric vehicle maker Polestar will not rejoin the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI), Australia’s main industry body, citing the organisation’s opposition to emissions targets. Polestar left the group alongside Tesla in March 2024 in protest of FCAI's criticism of the government’s New Vehicle Efficiency Standard. The standard was implemented in January 2025, and sets an average carbon dioxide emissions target that automakers must meet by supplying low-emission vehicles. “I haven’t seen the FCAI say or do anything that would indicate that they’re being more progressive when it comes to the electrification of the Australian vehicle fleet,” said Polestar Australia managing director Scott Maynard in a media call. “In fact, most of the comments I’ve seen earlier out of the FCAI would indicate the opposite is true.” Maynard also called on the government to abolish Australia’s Luxury Car Tax. The tax adds A$0.33 to a car’s price for every dollar it costs above $91,387, for fuel-efficient vehicles. Australia’s government had reportedly discussed ending the tax during negotiations for a free trade deal with the European Union last month, as most cars impacted by the tax are from European brands. Polestar is
