SYDNEY, March 7 Reuters Tesla said on Thursday it is quitting Australia39;s major auto lobby and resigning from its board, accusing the group of misleading consumers over the government39;s proposed fuel efficiency standards and the potential impact on car prices.

In a letter addressed to Australia39;s Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries FCAI, Tesla said the country39;s biggest auto industry body has repeatedly made claims that are demonstrably false.

Tesla is also concerned that it is inappropriate for the FCAI to foreshadow or coordinate whether and how competitor brands implement price changes in response to environmental regulations, the U.S. electric vehicle market leader said.

Tesla said it has requested Australia39;s competition regulator to investigate FCAI39;s comments.

The FCAI, which includes top leaders of major car brands, did not immediately respond to a request seeking comment. Tesla said it would cease to be a member in June.

Until recently, Australia was the only developed country apart from Russia to either not have or be developing fuel efficiency standards.

The current centreleft Labor government, which won power in 2022, plans to develop a fuel efficiency model that aims to limit the average carbon emissions of new vehicles sold from next year.

That could prompt manufacturers to send more EVs to Australia and further boost adoption, putting the country in line with standards adopted in most other developed economies.

The FCAI on…