Five car companies whose fleets are responsible for more climate pollution than some of Australia’s biggest coal mines have been identified in new analysis by the Climate Council.

According to the Climate Council, Toyota’s 2023 new car sales are estimated to produce more climate pollution in a year than 46 big coal mines, while sales of four other big brands – Ford, Hyundai, Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi, and Mazda – also put them on par with dozens coal mines.

Transport is Australia’s fastest growing source of climate pollution, with cars, vans and utes making up almost two-thirds of transport pollution, said Climate Council CEO, Amanda McKenzie.

“The cars these multinational corporations sell are responsible for as much climate pollution in a year as dozens of big, dirty coal mines. Right now, they are getting off scot-free because that pollution isn’t being regulated,” Ms McKenzie said.

“It is no surprise that the ‘Filthy Five’ car companies like Toyota and Mazda have been some of the most vocal critics of regulating vehicle pollution. They’ve used Australia as a dumping ground for their most polluting vehicles for years, while offering more efficient vehicles in countries that have regulation.

“The transport industry needs to pull its weight in cutting climate pollution. That starts with the ‘Filthy Five’ giving Aussies more access to cleaner cars that are cheaper to run.”

Climate Council Head of Advocacy, Dr Jennifer Rayner, said, “All of these major car brands have made public commitments to reduce climate pollution from their fleets. At the same time, they are trying to water down an effective New Vehicle Efficiency Standard that could help them get there. It’s hypocritical and dishonest.

“The ‘Filthy Five’ are already selling a wide range of lower and zero emissions cars overseas. We need strong rules now to make them bring these cars to Australia as well, so our new vehicles are no longer competing with coal mines when it comes to how much pollution they pump into our air, our lungs and our climate.” 

The Climate Council describes itself as Australia’s leading community-funded climate change communications organisation. It was founded through community donations in 2013, immediately after the then-Abbott Government dismantled the Climate Commission.

Get local, national and world news, plus sport, entertainment, lifestyle, competitions and more delivered straight to your inbox with the Canberra Daily newsletter. Sign up here.