A major update to Australia’s vehicle safety regulations has taken effect from March 1, 2025, making autonomous emergency braking (AEB) mandatory for nearly all new vehicles sold in the country. According to Yahoo News, this rule, which aligns Australia with European safety standards, means that cars lacking AEB can no longer be sold, forcing several popular models off the market.
The change is expected to have a significant impact on road safety, with experts predicting a reduction in fatalities and serious injuries from car crashes. However, the phase-out of non-compliant vehicles means some consumers may have fewer options when purchasing a new car.
Why Australia Is Enforcing AEB Requirements
The Australian Design Rules (ADR), which regulate vehicle safety, emissions, and performance, now require that all new cars, vans, and light trucks be equipped with autonomous emergency braking technology. AEB systems automatically apply the brakes when they detect a potential collision, helping to reduce impact severity or prevent crashes entirely.
Experts have long advocated for this change, citing studies that show AEB significantly reduces road fatalities. Dr Angelo D’Elia, from the Monash University Accident Research Centre, highlighted the system’s effectiveness:
“For low-speed crashes (60 km/h and under), our research has found AEB to reduce fatalities and serious injuries by 28%,” he said. “For high-speed crashes (over 60 km/h), AEB reduces fatalities and serious injuries by 45%.”
By enforcing this rule, Australia joins Europe in making AEB a standard safety feature, ensuring that new vehicles meet global safety benchmarks.
Which Cars Will No Longer Be Available?
Most major automakers have already introduced AEB as a standard feature in recent years. However, some vehicles have not been updated to comply with the new regulations and will be discontinued from the Australian market.
According to the Australasian Fleet Management Association (AfMA), the following models will no longer be sold:
- Mainstream models: Mitsubishi ASX, Eclipse Cross, Pajero Sport, older Renault Kangoo and Trafic vans
- Compact and economy cars: Suzuki Baleno, Ignis, S-Cross
- European models: Fiat 500, Abarth models, LDV G10, V80, Mahindra Pik-Up
- Luxury and sports cars: Aston Martin DB11, DBS, Lamborghini Aventador, Huracan, certain Porsche 718 versions
- Mazda: The Mazda 6 has also been discontinued, marking the end of its 22-year run in Australia.
Despite these changes, some automakers are introducing AEB-equipped replacements. For example, Suzuki Australia is replacing the Ignis with the new Fronx, which includes AEB as a standard feature.
What This Means for Australian Drivers
For consumers, the mandatory inclusion of AEB means that new cars will be safer, reducing the risk of collisions. However, those looking to purchase non-compliant vehicles will need to act quickly before existing stock sells out, or consider alternative models that meet the new standards.
The automotive industry has largely supported this change, with safety organizations such as ANCAP pushing for the widespread adoption of AEB since 2012. As automakers continue to update their fleets, the shift toward advanced vehicle safety technology is expected to improve overall road safety in Australia.
