Everest 2WD axed as NVES nears

FORD AUSTRALIA has made the decision to cut two-wheel drive versions of its popular Everest SUV range rather than pay fines associated with imminent New Vehicle Efficiency Standards (NVES) regulations.

The decision was made to satisfy a clause within the NVES regulations that classifies the utility-based vehicles like the Everest two-wheel drive as a Type 1 passenger vehicle, rather than a Type 2 light commercial vehicle.

The decision highlights something of a double-standard from the NVES rulebook, the more affordable, more fuel efficient and therefore ‘greener’ two-wheel drive Everest model facing fines that do not apply to the heavier, and ‘dirtier’ four-wheel drive line-up.

By way of comparison, the two-wheel drive Everest emits some 187 grams of CO2 per kilometre, well short of the targeted 173g/100km proposed by NVES regulations for a vehicle of its size and weight.

Four-wheel drive Everest models can emit up to 218g/km before being penalised, the flagship Everest Platinum emitting 224g/km on the ADR Combined cycle.

Speaking at the launch of the Everest Tremor in Melbourne this week, Ford Australia marketing director Ambrose Henderson said the decision to axe the two-wheel drive Everest was multifaceted, citing not only NVES regulations but also slowing uptake.

“We completely understand the need for NVES, and we support the policy in Australia,” he said.

“We are working very closely with industry and government bodies that are continuing to refine that policy to make sure our voice is heard, and importantly, to make sure our Australian customers’ needs and wants are included in any consideration.

“We are working across our portfolio to minimise any impact that NVES might have on our most popular models – that being Ranger and Everest – but it (NVES) is just one of a range of factors we need to consider,” he said referencing exchange rates, shipping, and logistics.

“There have been two key actions that we have announced over the last little while that have some relation to NVES regulations and one of those is that we have elected to stop production on the rear-wheel drive Everest, and that will cease production in May.

“We made that very difficult decision through a range of factors, and yes, NVES was one of those factors that we considered.”

Mr Ambrose said that two-wheel drive Everest variants made up less than 10 per cent of the total number of Everest models sold – roughly the same percentage he expects the newly introduced Everest Tremor to sell.

“What it (the decision to axe the two-wheel drive Everest) allows us to do is to double-down on our four-wheel drive product,” he said.

“That is the majority of our sales, and we are obviously looking forward to see what we can do to continue the growth of Everest.

“Part of that strategy is models like the Tremor, and continuing to deliver new and updated product, to keep it fresh, and to keep delivering what our customers tell us they want.”

Despite the assertion, Mr Ambrose said there will be no effort made to offer a lower priced four-wheel drive Everest to replace the cheaper two-wheel drive, stating simply that Ford Australia does not have any other plans.

“We apologise to the Australian customer that have been impacted by this decision. It certainly wasn’t one we made lightly,” he added.

“We don’t have any plans that we’ll be announcing today in terms of other variants ... we think it (the current line-up) is the right range to serve the segment.”

Visit GoAuto again soon for our Australian launch review of the 2025 Ford Everest Tremor.

2025 Ford Everest line-up and pricing*:

*Pricing excludes on-road costs.