While the automotive industry across Europe may be floundering, at least one country can boast a rise in sales of green cars.
Figures from the Belgian Federation of Carmakers, Febiac, show that 14,000 new green cars were registered in the country last year. According to Febiac spokesman Joost Kaesemans, this was due to a number of factors including more vehicles complying with stringent environmental legislation creating greater choice and the increase in the number of green cars linked to stricter carbon dioxide (CO2) norms that are now being introduced.
Sales of green cars have also been boosted by tax incentives – up to 15 per cent of a car buyer’s outlay can be refunded. During the credit crunch, this represents a significant boost to the sales power of car buyers.
According to Febiac, the rise in the sales of green cars has continued during the first few months of 2009 although there are concerns that the tax incentive may soon become unaffordable for the authorities.
Currently, Febiac is requesting a review of car taxes that take environmental and ecological considerations into account.
