Garden State Times

Jim Appleton, president of the New Jersey Coalition of Automotive Retailers (NJCAR), said the adoption of the Advanced Clean Cars II (ACCII) act would limit consumer choice and increase vehicle costs for New Jersey residents. He made this statement in a press release on July 18, 2023.

"Adopting ACCII, when other options are available, will harm New Jersey consumers," said Appleton. "The Governor's plan will make new cars virtually unaffordable for working and middle-class consumers and will severely limit vehicle consumer choice. ACCII requires manufacturers to deliver sharply increasing numbers of electric vehicles — and eventually ONLY electric vehicles — into the State, regardless of what consumers want to buy, what they can afford or what vehicle meets their specific needs."

The ACCII proposal, filed in New Jersey on July 17, 2023, mandates that vehicle manufacturers increase the percentage of zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) in their new light-duty vehicle sales, with a target of achieving 100% ZEVs by 2035. This initiative is part of a broader effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the transportation sector and aligns with similar regulations adopted by other states.

According to RTO Insider, the ACCII regulation outlines a plan for increasing ZEV sales, starting with a 35% requirement in 2026, escalating to 68% by 2030, and reaching 100% by 2035. These targets aim to systematically phase out internal combustion engine vehicles in favor of electric alternatives over the next decade.

The Institute for Energy Research reports that manufacturing lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles (EVs) generates more carbon emissions than producing gasoline-powered cars. Additionally, Earth.org highlights that mining critical minerals like lithium, cobalt, and nickel contributes to deforestation, water depletion, and toxic waste.

CBT News reports that Appleton served as president of NJCAR from 1997 until his retirement in November 2024. During his tenure, he was a prominent advocate for automotive retailers in New Jersey, addressing challenges such as economic downturns and the transition to electric vehicles.

According to NJCAR, the organization was established in 1918 and represents over 500 neighborhood new car and truck dealerships across New Jersey. NJCAR focuses on promoting commercial honor and integrity in vehicle sales and service while advocating for policies beneficial to both auto retailers and consumers.