New car dealers blast ‘unfair’ rules
IMPORTERS of new cars say they are being discriminated against by the current registration system, giving second-hand dealers an unfair edge.
Late last year, the car tax regime was altered so costs are now calculated based on pollution emissions. For new cars, all information is provided by their manufacturers. However, for used cars coming from countries such as Japan, this information is not provided.
Importers of new cars must comply with a string of EU requirements to have their automobiles registered. However, they claim second-hand dealers are exempt from these standards.
For example, it is not obligatory for used cars to pass airbags checks or pollution emissions controls before they are registered.
Having these checks entails higher costs for importers, which in turn translates into higher prices in the consumer product.
Second-hand dealers, though, do not incur these additional costs, and thus can sell at lower prices, making them more competitive.
New car dealers complain of double standards.
For example, an M1 class car – a saloon with a capacity for eight persons – and new motorbikes must be accompanied by a certificate of compliance proving that the vehicle complies with all relevant EU directives. READ MORE…