Contents of article "Buying a new car"
Buying a new car in France? Watch out - there’s a lot to think about!
February 2008
Buying a new car in France? Watch out - there’s a lot to think about!
A new scheme introduced on 1st January 2008 means that you could end up paying a large chunk of ’eco tax’ if the car you have chosen is not eco-friendly, or receive a sizeable rebate on your new car if it complies with the ’green’ code. The aim of the scheme is to penalise drivers who continue to favour large, fuel-guzzling cars and reward drivers who opt for smaller, cleaner vehicles.
From January 1, any driver who buys a new car emitting more than 160 grams of carbon dioxide per kilometre will be charged a one-off penalty of up to 2,600 euros.
Under the scheme, new cars sold in France each year will be divided into five classes, according to their emission levels. Most mid-sized cars will fall into a "neutral" band and be liable for neither a tax penalty nor a cash bonus. Most mid-sized family cars, such as the Renault Scenic, should fall into this "neutral" band, category C. Smaller runabouts that emit less than 140g per kilometre of carbon monoxide, (the main greenhouse effect gas), will benefit from a rebate ranging from €200 to €700, as will diesel cars fitted with filters to remove harmful fine particles from their exhaust and there will be an extra cash award for scrapping a polluting old vehicle at the same time rather than handing it in for part exchange.
For the cleanest of all — those emitting less than 60 grams of carbon dioxide, currently mainly electric cars — the state will pay out a special super-bonus of 5,000 euros!!!
On the other hand, drivers who opt for a large car with powerful engine, or for a diesel-driven four-by-four not fitted with a particle filter, could face charges ranging from €1,500 to €2,600+.
According to the ministry of transport, the scheme is designed to steer drivers towards cleaner transport, and should pay for itself, with the levy on polluters used to pay out bonuses for the rest.
Do not necessarily rely on your car showroom to advise you - it may not always be in their best interest to direct you towards a smaller or cheaper model!!
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