"For instance, we want to pay half the VAT for March 2009 in March 2011 and we’ve asked the government for a delay in the payment of 50% of the VAT for 2010 as well. We require VAT payment delays for 2009 and 2010 because we don’t know how long the crisis will last," association president Constantin Stroe said Thursday during the conference Mediafax Talks about Auto Industry.
He said a payment delay would help car part makers, who have serious trouble getting financing.
"Without them, there would be no car. (…) Instead of having hundreds of companies taking loans, the government should postpone the VAT payment. We’re not asking for an exemption, we jut want to pay later (…). If the finance minister analyzes this proposal thoroughly, he will reach the conclusion that applying this proposal is a win-win situation,” Stroe said.
He added the carmakers’ association also requested support for small and medium-sized car part makers, to ease their access to loans and help them fund research and development activities.
"We’ve tried to get funds for innovation in 2007 and 2008 under the Sectorial Operating Program, but to no avail,” Stroe said.