Germany gives bonus to old car scrappers, prepares CO2-based road tax
Photo by Snowmanradio. Under CCL 2.0
The Federal Government of Germany has decided to offer something never seen before in the country: €2,500 cash when you purchase a new car, as long as you also get rid of a car which is at least nine years old and has held a German registration plate for at least six months. The measure is designed to help Germans to get rid of old cars, since 3.8 million vehicles that are between 16 and 25 years old are still being driven. The Government expects that up to 300,000 people per year will benefit from this measure. Compare this to the plan being considered for the U.S.
We also have news about the upcoming CO2-based road tax scheme in Germany. That news is, well, that lawmakers haven't reached an agreement yet. While some länder (states) still insist on a fixed tax for all cars, it looks like the new scheme will be a mix of a fixed amount plus €2 for each gram of CO2 that a vehicle emits above a set limit. Those limits are: 120 g/km for cars purchased between July of this year and 2012. In that year, the limit drops to 110 g/km, and it goes down to 95 g/km in 2014. How would this play out? Well, if you purchase a BMW 116d, rated at 118 g/km, in August, you will only have to pay the base amount this year, but you will have to pay an extra €16 in 2012 and an added €46 in 2014. We'll see how this evolves, because I'm sure the German car industry will have something to say about the plan before it goes into effect.
[Source: Le Blog Auto]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
noz 9:15PM (1/16/2009)
This is a good way to force people into doing the right thing and drive more efficient vehicles. Of course, such a proposal here won't work because of all the whiny bitches who will come out of the woodwork and cry about how they can't have all their toys at age 30-40.
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tifosiotaku 10:11PM (1/16/2009)
"Of course, such a proposal here won't work because of all the whiny bitches who will come out of the woodwork and cry about how they can't have all their toys at age 30-40."
Do you hate puppies, rainbows and sunshine? No? Then leave the muscle cars alone. Not everyone wants a Prius, or some other hybrid that needs a device to keep drivers from falling asleep at the wheel. Not everyone subscribes to the Greenpeace alarmist crap, either.
Ralph 2:34AM (1/17/2009)
"This is a good way to force people into doing the right thing and drive more efficient vehicles"
Wow, Noz...wow. I don't think that a country that allows its citizens freedom of choice is the right place for you.
Germany is not 'forcing' anyone to turn in their older cars, but they are giving them a cash incentive if they do so when they purchase a new vehicle. Perfectly fine idea.
However, I'm not a fan of the carbon tax. I'd much rather see the Gov't reward people with a cash incentive for purchasing a non or low polluting vehicle rather than penalizing those who don't. Not everyone can get by with a micro-car or a small hybrid (think large family or tradesman) and its unfair to try and economically force them to do so IMO.
noz 4:10AM (1/17/2009)
As I said, here come the whining little bitches shouting about their rights...poor old Tif...can't drive a muscle car...how sad.
Phil 3:12AM (1/17/2009)
Annual tax CO2 charges are unfair because a muscle car driven 100 miles per year is insignificant.
Fuel tax is the best, since it discourages high consumption whether miles driven or fuel used per mile.
Those who make lifestyle choices that involve lots of driving (e.g. living a long way from work) can do so, but would surely choose a more economical car. If you have a big engined car that sits in the garage for enjoyjent at weekends, a fuel tax would also be fair.
A tax on owning a car is wrong, it should be based on emissions when using it.
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stueck 9:17AM (1/17/2009)
amen.
dm789 1:49AM (3/07/2009)
Interesting, helping economy and help the environment that is why I call kill two birds with one bazooka. I heard UK also gonna follow this plan to boost the dying auto industry in UK. So when will America try or maybe America will always be the last one as usual.
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