Romanian PM Frowns On Used Car Purchases, Blames It On EU Laws

Tariceanu reminded that the government decided to introduce the pollution tax for cars on ecologic grounds to observe the principle “the more you pollute, the more you pay,” stressing he is displeased with the “loopholes” in the EU legislation.

Tariceanu urged Tuesday the officials of local car parts makers to invest in research projects and personnel training programs without staying focused only on low workforce costs.

The Premier pointed out carmakers should not rely on the government’s support as to keeping employees’ wages low, adding the government plans to do its best to allow the university education system to meet market requirements.

Romania’s used car registrations reached 112,054 units in the first seven months of 2008, double compared to the same period a year ago, while new car registrations lowered 2.3%, to 171,385 units, according to data offered by the Romanian Driving License and Car Registration Department (DRPCIV).

The total number of new and used car registrations rose 23.5%, to 283,439 units in the first seven months of 2008, compared with 229,469 units in the corresponding period a year ago.

New cars accounted for 60.47% of total car registrations in the first seven months of the year, while used cars accounted for 39.53%.

The DRPCIV data indicate the number of used car registrations in July exceeded the number of new car registrations for the first time this year, probably due to the decrease in car tax for imported used cars registered after July 1 and the slight increase in car tax for new cars.

Of total 58,261 cars registered in July this year, 36,711 were used cars, while 21,550 were new cars.

Of total 34,699 cars registered in June this year, only 6,493 were used cars, while 28,206 were new cars.