2013 Audi A3

EU considering incentive program to scrap older cars

 
3 2,593 views Oct 30, 2008

36% of cars on Western European roads are more than eight years old

36% of cars on Western European roads are more than eight years old

Enlarge Photo
The European commission put forward a proposal on Wednesday to introduce a scheme to offer motorists incentives to scrap their old cars in order to boost sales of new fuel-efficient models. The latest proposal is just one of a number of government backed schemes being considered to help carmakers overcome the current sales slump and meet tough new emissions regulations.

Also under consideration are €40 billion in low-interest loans similar to the $25 billion aid package offered by the U.S. government to the Detroit 3. Once again, the move is intended to help the car industry develop new green technologies, reports The Telegraph. However, it is also likely to improve the overall safety of cars on European roads as newer cars tend to be safer thanks to advanced crash-safety technology.

More than 36% of the cars on Western European roads are more than eight years old, with many older than 15 years.

The new proposal emerged from a meeting of commissioners, motor industry chief executives, ministers and parliament members on Wednesday. EU industry commissioner Günter Verheugen said the proposed scheme would have to be financed by national governments but could operate on a pan-European basis.

While the European Investment Bank is hesitant to offer direct loans, a scheme, similar to one already used in France, could see the price of more fuel-efficient vehicles reduced and the opposite occur for gas-guzzlers.



Tags:
Posted in:
 
Contribute
Send us a tip Comment Contact the editor
Follow Us

 

Have an opinion?Join the conversation!

  • Posting indicates you have read this site's Privacy Policy and Terms of Use
  • Notify me when there are more comments
Comments (3)

  1. ma_Mike avatar Mike Posted: 10/31/2008 8:01am PDT

    So they're ensuring that future generations of Europeans have no classic cars to enjoy. This lack of foresight is apalling.
     
    Post Reply
    Vote
    Bad stuff?

  2. ma_NaBUru38 avatar NaBUru38 Posted: 10/31/2008 7:23pm PDT

    Mike, the proposal is for incentives, if some don't want to scrape their car, they won't. Besides, not every old car deserves to survive. It's a great measure to increase road safety.
     
    Post Reply
    Vote
    Bad stuff?

  3. ma_NoNameDenton avatar NoNameDenton Posted: 10/31/2008 10:29pm PDT

    The New Europe, reminding us why our American ancestors left the Old Europe
     
    Post Reply
    Vote
    Bad stuff?

 

Have an opinion?Join the conversation!

Connect with Facebook

Motor Authority. Now with your friends.

Discover stories your friends read.
Share stories more easily.
You control what you share.
Learn more

Research New Cars

Go!


More from High Gear Media

 
 
MotorAuthority
  • Follow Us
  • Twiiter
  • Facebook
 
 
© 2011 MotorAuthority. All Rights Reserved. MotorAuthority is published by High Gear Media. Stock photography by Homestar, LLC. Send us feedback.