Major car makers Mazda, Nissan, and Subaru may face millions in penalties for failing to meet Australia's vehicle climate targets. The first six months of data under the Albanese government's new vehicle efficiency standard show that 40 companies, or 68%, met their emissions goals. Brands like BYD, Toyota, Tesla, Kia, Ford, Volkswagen, BMW, and Polestar sold cars that released less carbon dioxide than required. However, 19 companies missed their targets and may need to buy credits or pay fines if they do not improve. Mazda's potential fine is about $25 million, Nissan's over $10 million, and Subaru's $7 million. Other companies missing goals include Hyundai, General Motors, Honda, Porsche, Ferrari, and Jaguar. Federal Transport Minister Catherine King said, "These results make it clear the [standard] supports both lower emissions and consumer affordability." Electric vehicles accounted for 12% of new car sales in the second half of last year, a rise but still below global figures. Petrol and hybrid vehicles made up 88% of sales. Globally, 25% of new cars sold are electric, with China leading by capturing over 60% of global EV sales. Australia's vehicle efficiency standard sets average per-kilometre emissions targets for new vehicles. The targets will tighten over time to promote cleaner cars. No cars are banned; polluting models can still be sold but must be offset by cleaner vehicles. Companies that meet targets earn credits to sell to those who exceed emissions. In six months, 17.2 million credits were earned, and potential liabilities from missed targets reached 1.3 million tonnes, leaving a net surplus of 15.9 million credits. Julie Delvecchio, CEO of the Electric Vehicle Council, said the data shows the standard is a success. She noted critics feared "supply shortages, soaring prices and market disruption," but the opposite is happening: emissions are dropping, car choices are growing, and EV sales are rising. "Clear, predictable standards drive innovation and investment. They don’t break markets, they modernise them," she said. She urged stronger future targets to maintain momentum. The National Automotive Leasing and Salary Packaging Association sees the results as encouraging but warns Australia might miss EV and climate goals if a key tax exemption on clean cars is removed.