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https://thedriven.io/2024/05/15/surge-in-australian-fossil-car-advertising-undermining-efforts-to-clean-up-transport/>
"Despite the federal government forecasting transport will be the highest
emitting sector by 2030, the rapid growth in advertising of highly polluting
SUVs is undermining Australia’s efforts to decarbonise the passenger vehicle
fleet, according to a new report by Comms Declare.
The report – titled
Rammed: The advertising that’s killing our climate goals
– says advertising of gas-guzzling SUVs jumped 29% from 2022 to 2023, up $28
million to $125 million, well ahead of the 5.6% increase in the Consumer Price
Index (CPI).
Magazine advertising for the segment tripled, while radio and outdoor
advertising more than doubled. All while the federal government consulted on
vehicle efficiency standards.
Comms Declare conducted an analysis of Standard Media Index (SMI) data which
revealed that car importers are undermining government attempts to reduce
emissions by heavily marketing the most polluting, profitable vehicles.
“Car importers are pushing sales of ever-larger gas guzzlers while motorists
are being kept in the dark about the running costs.” said Comms Declare founder
Belinda Noble.
“To ensure the new fuel efficiency laws help people save money on petrol and
stop greenwashing, car importers must be forced to show whether cars meet the
NEVS requirement up front, on their ads and websites.”
Dr Chris Jones, president of the Australian Electric Vehicle Association
agrees.
“It’s absolutely essential when you’re advertising a car that you disclose the
emissions up front. Just like cigarette advertising, people should be aware
that they’re buying a potentially dangerous product – dangerous for the planet
and dangerous for pedestrians.” said Jones."
Disclosure: I am an AEVA member.
Cheers,
*** Xanni ***
