92002E1598

WRITTEN QUESTION E-1598/02

by Helena Torres Marques (PSE) to the Commission

(5 June 2002)

Subject: Levies on the purchase of motor vehicles

The application of the new regulation on the distribution of motor vehicles and the resulting increase in competition should lead to a reduction in the price of new cars and a more diversified range of vehicles. Since in a number of countries, especially Portugal, those working in the sector are forecasting price rises of up to 25 %, can the Commission say what taxes are levied on the purchase of new motor vehicles in each of the EU countries?

Answer given by Mr Bolkestein on behalf of the Commission

(30 July 2002)

The Commission informs the Honourable Member of the current rates of taxes applied to new cars in the Union. The source is a study undertaken by COWI Consulting Engineers and Planners SA in November 2001. This study is available under the website address: http://europa.eu.int/comm/taxation_customs/taxation/car_taxes/co2_cars_study_25-02-2002.pdf

Furthermore, three tables on the various taxes levied on the purchase of new cars in each of the Member States is sent direct to the Honourable Member and to Parliament's secretariat.