Toyota announces the discontinuation of production of the petrol Corolla and Yaris models, focusing on hybrid technology.
Toyota has raised the price of its smaller cars following a decision to focus on hybrid power.
Ο automotive giant has halted orders of conventionally powered Yaris and Corolla hatchbacks, causing prices to increase by about $5,000.
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The entry price for Toyota's compact Yaris went up from $24,800 to $30,190 plus road tax, or about $34,500 after market.
The previous Yaris model started at $15,390 plus road tax in 2019.
Sean Hanley, Toyota's vice-president of sales and marketing in Australia, said the changes to the hybrid focus for small cars were "due to natural consumer demand".
"It's driven by changing consumer behavior ... behavior and choices that Toyota has played a major role in encouraging," he said.
"It's not driven by a performance standard. The Albanese government is preparing to introduce a much-debated emissions standard designed to encourage Australians to buy more efficient cars. The proposed standards would impose fines on carmakers selling models that breach efficiency standards.
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Hanley says that "prices will rise" as a result of the environmental effort.
"What I will say is that there is no doubt that the environment in the Australian automotive industry is about to see a significant change," he said.
"While there are aspects of NVES today that we can live with, there are other aspects that will make life very difficult for both our agents, our customers and workers in Australia in the future.
"The reality is that this could, if we don't find a reasonable solution and a reasonable transition period, lead to increased car prices."
Toyota sold more than 400,000 hybrid cars in Australia before introducing its first electric car, the bZ4X.
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Speaking at the launch of the hybrid-only Toyota C-HR compact SUV, Hanley highlighted the success of Toyota hybrids, claiming that its range of hybrids attracted more customers than any other carmaker in the country last month.
Toyota's Camry sedan and Yaris Cross compact crossover have already been confirmed as hybrid-only offerings in Australia.
Larger cars such as the Toyota RAV4 and Kluger will remain available with a choice of petrol and hybrid power for the foreseeable future.
Hanley says this may change "over time."
After watching the slow initial development of hybrid cars before they became essential technology, Hanley urges the government to give car manufacturers and consumers time to switch to green cars.
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"It takes time in a car manufacturer to innovate and produce low-emission engines that are practical, capable and, above all, affordable.
"It takes time for people to understand new technologies, to overcome myths and appreciate them.
"And it takes time to change consumer behaviour so that people buy these vehicles in large numbers."
Information source: news.com.au
