Feature article

Deep Dive: The Clean Car Standard — What it actually means for your next car

The CCS sets CO₂ targets for importers, leading to more hybrids & higher prices for high-emission imports.

Kyle Cassidy
Last updated: 24 October 2025 | 4 min read

What the Clean Car Standard actually is

The Carrot and the Stick: How importers balance the books

What It Means for Your Car Search on Trade Me

There are now more Clean Cars at dealerships

There are also fewer high-emission imports

Price shifts

The Tightening: what’s changing

How NZ’s car stock is changing

The Trade Me Verdict: Is the Clean Car Standard good for buyers?

The Bottom Line

Author

Kyle Cassidy Kyle Cassidy