The Impact of New Vehicle Emissions Policies on Collision Repair

The automotive industry is undergoing significant changes, and new vehicle emissions policies are at the forefront. The New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES), which has passed in Australian Parliament, will provide Australian motorists with a wider range of more fuel-efficient vehicles, including diesel, petrol, hybrid and EV, while aiming to cut emissions from new passenger cars by over 60% and halving emissions from new light commercial vehicles, all by 2030.

These new vehicle emission policies in Australia will not only save motorists money on fuel and significantly reduce greenhouse gases, but it will also align Australia with most of the global car markets, particularly the United States.

The NVES starts on January 2025, and while it will only apply to new cars, it means Australians can still buy their favourite vehicles while getting access to safer, cleaner cars; customer choice will also be preserved thanks to the targets being set applying to an average across the fleet as a whole, rather than to individual vehicles.

All this is good news, but as the new vehicle emission policy kicks in and regulations are tightened, collision repair workshops are faced with the challenge of adapting to these evolving requirements. Staying updated on these changes is crucial in order to keep up with the ever-evolving emissions technology in the auto repair industry. So how will the new vehicle emissions policy affect us all in the collision repair industry, now and moving forward?

Repairify is here to give you the low emission lowdown!

The Need for Cutting-Edge Technology

The introduction of stricter vehicle emissions policies, such as the NVES, has direct implications for the collision repair industry. Emission policies not only change the requirements for how new vehicles are manufactured; they affect the whole lifespan of the car, in particular the repair and maintenance processes.

New policies introduce complexities that can make it difficult to meet emission standards during repairs, especially for vehicles with advanced systems. Collision repair workshops must keep up with the auto industry regulations, and be equipped to handle the relevant modern technology, including advanced emissions systems and diagnostic technologies, to ensure the vehicles they repair remain compliant post-collision.

For instance, vehicles equipped with ADAS require precise calibrations to ensure emission standards are met – any misalignment can result in non-compliance or inefficiencies in the vehicle’s systems. Collision repair businesses need to evolve their processes and technology to ensure compliance; ignoring these changes could lead to inefficient repairs or lost business opportunities.

Another cutting-edge tool to support workshops in the auto repair industry is Repairify’s Remote Services. Our advanced diagnostic solutions allow vehicle collision repairers to accurately assess and calibrate vehicles, ensuring that all repairs align with emission standards. The benefits of having access to Remote Services for advanced diagnostics include saving time and reducing the need for outsourcing, making it easier for workshops to maintain compliance and improve efficiency

Getting Started

There are three simple steps any collision repair workshop can undertake to ensure they stay up to date with the new emissions policies and auto industry regulations:

1. Invest in Training: Ensure your team understands the latest emissions technology and ADAS repair requirements.
2. Upgrade Your Diagnostic Tools: Leverage the technology Repairify has already invested in, like remote diagnostics and ADAS, to keep your workshop up to date with the latest emission standards.
3. Regular Calibration: Regularly calibrate tools and systems to ensure accurate diagnostics and repairs.

The Outlook

New vehicle emissions policies are reshaping the collision repair industry, but with the right technology and knowledge, your workshop can stay ahead. By partnering with Repairify, you gain access to the tools, training, and support necessary to navigate these changes effectively. We can keep you informed with the latest policy changes through auto industry publications and events.

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