The Clean Car Scheme

The world is changing and we are on the road to a more sustainable future in New Zealand. The Clean Car Programme is one of the Government’s transport initiatives to help reduce climate change and lower CO₂ emissions to net zero by 2050.

The Clean Car Programme is made up of the following:

Clean Car Discount (CCD) – When you buy a zero or low emission vehicle under 80 g/ CO₂, you can claim a rebate. If the vehicle emits emissions above 150g/ CO₂, you will incur a fee, while those vehicles in between remain neutral with no fee or rebate applied.

Clean Car Standard (CCS) – Aimed at vehicle importers and distributors, every car brought into New Zealand is assigned a credit or penalty based on its emissions and vehicle weight. A small, light vehicle has a much tougher CO₂ emission target to achieve than a heavier vehicle.

Buying a car is a big investment, and with a starting price of around $50,000, a new PHEV or EV is out of reach for many of us.

However, you can still make a difference. By choosing Suzuki, you not only get innovative lightweight design, advanced engine technology and self-charging hybrid options, you can reduce your carbon footprint without breaking the bank. Delivering loads of value without compromising performance, Suzuki cars, SUVs and hybrids are affordable, economical and safe – and sooooo much fun to drive.

Starting from 106g/km CO₂ (3P-WLTP), take a look below to see how a new Suzuki sits under the Clean Car Discount scheme. Then get in touch with your local Suzuki dealer to discuss what type of Suzuki best suits the direction you want to go.

The Clean Car Programme is there to encourage us to consider the car we drive. Downsizing your vehicle or considering efficient petrol or hybrid vehicles can not only help you save on running costs but also reduce your vehicle emissions.

To see how far you can go on $100 worth of fuel try our easy-to-use Fuel Economy Calculator.

Fuel economy and CO₂ emission results are from official NEDC assessments.

Try Our Fuel Economy Calculator

If you are buying a new car that has a Clean Car Discount fee, you will need to arrange for it to be paid at the time of registration. The dealership you are working with will be able to provide further guidance on the process.

To claim a Clean Car Discount rebate, apply online on the Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency websiteby uploading the following supporting information – the vehicle’s number plate, a copy of the vehicle sale agreement and your bank account details as the registered owner. The rebate is paid directly to the registered owner after Waka Kotahi has verified the information provided is correct.

How the Clean Car Discount is calculated

For consistency, the Government has converted all of the car manufacturer's fuel economy and CO₂ emission figures to the Worldwide Harmonised Light Vehicle Test Procedure (3P-WLTP) emissions testing regime. The Clean Car rebate or fee is then calculated using these figures.

The higher the CO₂ g/km rating the greater the fee you will have to pay - up to $6,900 for a new car. The lower the CO₂ g/km rating the greater the rebate you can claim back - up to $7,015 for new car. With a vehicle over 100 CO₂ g/km and under 150 CO₂ g/km, there is no fee or rebate.