The Times Australia
Small Business News

.
Men's Weekly

.

Metro launches green lending program to boost clean-tech uptake



Metro, one of Australia’s most popular non-bank auto and equipment finance lenders, is making it easier and more affordable for small-to-medium-sized businesses (SMEs) to invest in environmentally friendly assets with the launch of a new green loan program, MetroEco.

Working with Australia’s green bank, the Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC), MetroEco gives borrowers an ‘eco’ option when choosing financing for ‘green’ assets such as electric vehicles, solar panels and batteries. This will see the CEFC and Metro provide an interest discount to support consumer car loans to encourage the adoption of green technologies. Additionally, the eco option will include novated leasing options for electric vehicles.

The program has been made possible through a $50 million investment by the CEFC. The initiative will use CEFC finance to offer customers a 0.5 per cent discount on Metro’s standard finance rate to purchase eligible EVs, energy efficient equipment and battery technology. Metro will match this discount with an additional 0.5 per cent discount – totalling a 1 per cent discount on each eligible commercial loan.

The discounts apply to new battery electric vehicles and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles on a loan amount of up to $90,000. Under the program, Metro is also financing three new assets for the first time: batteries, solar and electric vehicle charging stations. Businesses can bundle any of these in a single loan to get the best interest rate discount.

The MetroEco announcement comes as Metro releases its own research forecasting the uptake of ‘green assets’ among motorists. A survey of an independent panel of 1000 Australians, commissioned by Metro, found that 66 per cent of Australian motorists, if they purchased an electric vehicle, would invest in a home battery or solar panels to charge the vehicle.

Almost a third (30%) of respondents said they would purchase one of the items when they bought the car, and 37 per cent would invest in these assets within 12 months of purchasing, or when they were able to afford it.

The impetus behind MetroEco is to further encourage uptake of green technologies and raise awareness of the benefits of choosing electric and energy efficient vehicle and equipment options.

Metro CEO Phillip Crossman says Metro is committed to supporting sustainability initiatives and creating a better future for the planet. “We are proud to be working with the CEFC again to provide financing for assets to help reduce carbon emissions. Our MetroEco initiative empowers Australian small-to-medium businesses and consumers to embrace green technologies and ultimately supports Australia’s transition to a net-zero economy. We believe our program is the most competitive in the green lending space.

“Government rebates on electric vehicle purchases were successful in increasing their adoption – with nearly one third of the incentives claimed by end of August 2023. By the end of 2023, Australian motorists purchased 98,436 new electric vehicles1.

“Metro is committed to providing financial incentives to borrowers looking to purchase not only electric vehicles but batteries, solar equipment and charging stations. There will be significant growth in the green lending sector through this kind of government support, which empowers businesses and individuals to invest in green technologies.”

CEFC CEO Ian Learmonth says: “Our work with Metro underscores our commitment to accelerating the adoption of clean energy assets in Australia. CEFC finance is incentivising businesses and individuals to choose technologies that support Australia’s transition to a low-carbon economy. We are keen to see the concept adopted broadly across the business community.”

Metro has launched a MetroEco information microsite, called the MetroEco Hub: https://metrofin.com.au/resources/eco-hub/ to inform accredited brokers and borrowers about the program, green technologies, emissions profiles and energy performance data to encourage adoption of green assets.

Visit metrofin.com.au. 

https://electricvehiclecouncil.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/EVC-Australian-EV-Industry-Recap-2023.pdf

Property Times

Choosing the Wrong Agent Is the #1 Regret Among Aussie Property Sellers

Selling your home is often one of the largest financial transactions you’ll make, and for many Australians, it’s also one of the most emotional. A new survey of Australian home sellers has revealed that their number one regret is having not selected...

Vietnam's "Gold Coast" Emerges as Extraordinary Investment Frontier and Australian Inspired Way of Life

$2 Billion super-city in Vung Tau set to replicate Australia's Gold Coast success story A culturally metamorphic development aptly named "Gold Coast" is set to reshape Vietnam's southern coast below Ho Chi Minh City, becoming a major investment...

First Home Buyers in Melbourne: 3 Key Statistics Proving Why Home & Land Packages Are Your Best Bet in 2025

Stepping into the Melbourne property market for the first time can feel like navigating a maze without a map. Prices, deposits, and decisions stack up fast. But here’s the good news: home and land packages are helping first home buyers get ahead in...

Off-the-Plan Sales Launched for $22 Million Ultra-Luxury Project ‘Vellora’ Set to Redefine Luxury Living in Brisbane’s St Lucia

A new standard of architectural distinction and elevated living is taking shape in one of Brisbane’s most coveted riverside suburbs, with off-the-plan sales officially launching for Vellora last night at an exclusive buyers’ event at The Powerh...

Food & Dining

International lager claims crown as Australia’s most preferred beer

Launching its inaugural ‘Brand Map of Australia’, Tracksuit reveals Corona as the nation’s most preferred beer  Sydney, Thursday, 29 May 2025 - From iconic mass-produced lagers to innovative craft brews, beer is woven into the fabric of Australi...

Hundreds line up in Sydney to try viral crispy chicken

Pappa Flock’s crispy crunch causes a frenzy in Bondi JunctionBondi Junction officially has chicken fever. Sydneysiders turned out in flocks over the weekend, with queues forming from 5AM - a full seven hours before doors opened - to be among the firs...

Unique Types of Food You'll Get to Try in Australia

The Australian food experience is a combination of Aboriginal traditions, recipes from British colonies, and the tastes of global food trends today. Besides traditional food, Australia offers visitors the chance to try unique food experiences that ...

From Home Kitchen to Coles: Ballarat Food Startup Makes Middle Eastern Cooking Easy

Exotic Bazaar brings regional innovation and migrant entrepreneurship to supermarket shelves A Ballarat-based food startup is celebrating a major milestone after Coles picked up its range of Middle Eastern recipe bases for national distribution. Ex...

Business Times

Launchd Acquires Huume, Strengthening Creative Firepower Across T…

Launchd, a leader in talent, technology and brand partnerships, has announced its acquisition of influencer talent manage...

Experts urge Australian businesses to prioritise cybersecurity

ACT NOW OR PAY MILLIONS LATER: PRIORITISE CYBERSECURITY TO  PREVENT CATASTROPHIC BUSINESS LOSSES  Australia’s leading cyb...

From Idea to Execution: Key Tips for B2B Business Launches

Launching a business-to-business (B2B) enterprise is no small feat. It requires a clear understanding of the market, a robu...

The Times Features

Running Across Australia: What Really Holds the Body Together?

How William Goodge’s 3,800km run reveals the connection between movement, mindset, and mental resilience As a business owner, I’ve come to realise that the biggest wins rarely com...

Telehealth is Transforming Healthcare Services in Australia

It has traditionally not been easy to access timely healthcare in Australia, particularly for people who live in remote areas. Many of them spend hours on the road just to see a...

Launchd Acquires Huume, Strengthening Creative Firepower Across Talent-Led Marketing

Launchd, a leader in talent, technology and brand partnerships, has announced its acquisition of influencer talent management agency Huume from IZEA. The move comes as the medi...

Vietnam's "Gold Coast" Emerges as Extraordinary Investment Frontier and Australian Inspired Way of Life

$2 Billion super-city in Vung Tau set to replicate Australia's Gold Coast success story A culturally metamorphic development aptly named "Gold Coast" is set to reshape Vietna...

Choosing the Wrong Agent Is the #1 Regret Among Aussie Property Sellers

Selling your home is often one of the largest financial transactions you’ll make, and for many Australians, it’s also one of the most emotional. A new survey of Australian home se...

Travel Insurance for Families: What Does it Cover and Why it’s Essential

Planning a family trip is exciting, but unexpected mishaps can turn your dream vacation into a stressful ordeal. That’s where travel insurance comes in—it’s your safety net when ...