The new safety regulation that’s killing multiple models in Australia

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A federal government regulation with strict technical specifications for automated emergency braking systems in new vehicles is being cited as the reason for multiple models being axed.

Australian Design Rule 98/00, first released in November 2021, requires that all new vehicle models launched between March 1, 2023 to follow specific Advanced Emergency Braking system requirements.

From 1st March, 2025, this rule will apply to every vehicle on the market.

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New vehicles need to meet the compliance requirements by that date in order to be sold after that date.

It's not the only new rule covering AEB, with ADR 98/01 – requiring AEB systems with pedestrian detection – kicking in from August 1, 2024 for all new vehicle releases.

This will also come into effect for all new vehicles sold from the 1st of August, 2026.

These rules apply to all vehicles in the following categories: passenger cars, SUVs and vans, as well as utes with a gross vehicle mass of under 3.5 tonnes.

Australian Design Rule 98/00 is based on United Nations Regulation No. 152, which requires Antilock Braking Systems to detect another vehicle and hit the brakes if necessary at speeds between 10 and 60kms per hour, and between 20 and 60kms per hour for pedestrians and cyclists.

This regulation also states that the system cannot be manually turned off if the vehicle is travelling above 10km/h, however, vehicles are allowed to have an automatic override feature available for situations like off-road use provided these scenarios are clearly communicated to the owner.

What vehicle models have been impacted?

Fiat

Hatchbacks don't meet the requirements of the Australian Design Rules.

It's no longer pumping out petrol for non-electric vehicles, but they're still going by price on the lists while stock remains.

Mahindra

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We've tried contacting Mahindra Australia to follow up, but they still haven't given us any more clarity on the issue.

Mazda

almost 13 years after it was first released.

The mid-sizer's AEB system hadn't been assessed to meet road safety standard ADR 98/00.

Production for our market has wrapped up, but Mazda have confirmed there's a "healthy supply" of all Mazda 6 models across dealerships right across the country.

Mazda still hasn't officially confirmed whether a replacement is on the cards.

A smaller SUV that used a less advanced automatic emergency braking system.

Mitsubishi

A large SUV, as its AEB systems didn't meet the standards outlined in ADR 98/00.

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The current Pajero Sport, ASX and Eclipse Cross are reportedly done for production as of December 2024 in Australia, however Mitsubishi claims it's managed to secure a steady supply of these vehicles into 2025.

"Given the stage ASX, Eclipse Cross and Pajero Sport are at in their lifecycle, spending on giving them a makeover with the new ADRs wasn't financially practical," said Mitsubishi Motors Australia Limited CEO Shaun Westcott.

“Because of this, Australian production of these vehicles has stopped. This hasn't happened before, but we've gone through similar situations in the past, and our teams are ready to handle this changeover.”

We've been working closely with our dealer partners to make sure each model line gets the right amount ordered well ahead of time. This will help our customers while we finalise our future model plans as a core part of our Mitsubishi business in Australia.

“We will make an official announcement about these future models at a later time.”

A replacement for the Pajero Sport is anticipated, with Mitsubishi Motors Australia having confirmed its intention to persist in each market segment in which it is currently competing.

Suzuki

They've reached the end of their local lifespans.

Suzuki Australia confirms they'll have sufficient stock of the aforementioned models to keep selling them this year.

"While we've stopped making these vehicles, we'll still have a stockpile to keep selling them in 2025," said Mr Pachota.

“Essentially, the product's not being Cancelled, but each specific model has reached the end of its lifespan, which was part of our product strategy from the start.”

currently doesn't meet the new ADR requirements, but we're already working on ways to fix it – our stance on this product's suitability will be determined soon – sales will go ahead as planned for now in 2025," Mr Pachota said.

G'day mate, the Jimny's the best-seller for Suzuki, and if the three-door version doesn't hit the market too soon, it'll give the brand's sales a fair dinkum fright, sales-wise.

Out of the other vehicles impacted, the Ignis didn't have AEB and was at the end of its lifecycle.

The Swift Sport does have the feature, but it seems this system doesn't meet the ADR requirements, and besides, this model's days are numbered 'cause the previous Swift generation on which it's based has been done and dusted.

At last, hybrid models of the Vitara and S-Cross "will be the subject of an announcement in Q3", according to Mr Pachota, with the former confirmed to have a more advanced autonomous emergency braking system.