Information provision BOVAG mainly selective and contradictory

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Purchasing classics there

The BOVAG regularly made the headlines in the first weeks of 2014. The interest group came out this week with the message that they very much wanted a uniform European tax system. The BOVAG also responded to developments within the old-timer industry and presented the calculated consequences of the excise tax increases. What is again striking in the media appearance of the BOVAG is the contradiction and arbitrariness of the messages presented.

European car tax uniformity
This week, spokesman Tom Huyskens of the BOVAG told that the club from Bunnik has the wish to standardize European taxes. For the motorist, the European tax system is mainly a patchwork of various tolls, fuel prices, new prices and road tax variants. Those facts have been known for some years, but nevertheless it seemed good that BOVAG should draw attention to them.

Empty sleeve
Because in itself there is nothing wrong with European uniformity. But the way in which the wish was expressed raises questions. Because according to spokesperson Huyskens, it is not up to them to think about the interpretation of harmonization measures. According to the Limburger, politicians should do that. It is precisely this statement that makes the BOVAG wish an empty shell, because it sends out a signal that one has not thought about the content of the expressed wish.

The BOVAG has recently attracted attention due to selective and contradictory reporting.
The BOVAG has recently attracted attention due to selective and contradictory reporting.

Uniformization requirement is contradictory with old-timer arrangement
From a classic car perspective, this desire for uniformity also raises questions. Because if European mobility taxes are to radiate unity of uniform, then the international age limit for classics must also be respected. And that is at 30 year. But it was also the BOVAG who - as a member of the old-timer alliance - argued for the increase of the age limit for old-timers on diesel and LPG to 40 years. This has become an important part of the amended exemption scheme. This is embraced by the BOVAG. And that is why the desire for harmonization contradicts the measure that BOVAG supports to this day

The BOVAG head office with electric cars on the doorstep. A few of them are from the RAI Association, which was visiting there this week.
The BOVAG head office with electric cars on the doorstep. A few of them are from the RAI Association, which was visiting there this week. (Photo: BOVAG / Twitter)

Market distortion
In other respects, the BOVAG also acts arbitrarily. As is known, the RAI Association is an ardent advocate of new driving and associated subsidies. The lobby for the (semi) electric car fits in perfectly with this. Of course, the record sales of 2013 were reported. That sale was of course prompted by the changes in the addition. But the tax system for the plug-in car is still extremely favorable. Attractive tax measures have also applied in recent years to clean and efficient petrol and diesel cars, which were allowed to drive free of road tax for a number of years. But in 2011 the BOVAG and the RAI Association stated that the road tax exemption for these cars disrupted the market and put pressure on the prices of the used cars - often sold by organizations affiliated with the BOVAG. To date, no position has been taken on the degree of market disruption caused by the favorable tax addition and subsidies for the (semi) electric car.

BOVAG CEO Koos Burgman broke the line for the border region entrepreneur, but ignored the numerical consequences of tightening up the old-timer scheme
BOVAG CEO Koos Burgman broke the line for the border region entrepreneur, but ignored the numerical consequences of tightening up the old-timer scheme

Old-timer scheme not with most important measures from 2013
The refined old-timer scheme is not classified by BOVAG as one of the most important mobility measures and subjects of 2013. In the BOVAG article "Calling Burgman" General Director Koos Burgman calls the tax levies on fuel an important topic for the mobility sector. That is right, but Burgman ignores the fact that the financial consequences of the tightened old-timer regulation are at least as great for the State Treasury as those of the introduced excise increases.

Tax dependence selectively reported
A week ago the BOVAG reported in an interview with the FD that classic car companies that have responded to the tax exemption are now getting the lid on the nose. It will come as no surprise that the tax dependence on rechargeable car sales - which, in part due to a lack of a decent public charging infrastructure that cannot be paid by The Hague, overshoots the so-called environmental goal - has not yet been touched upon. As well as the gap caused by the modified old-timer scheme and the tax benefits on EVs to the state of the state finances.

Exercise objectivity
In relation to the aforementioned issues, the BOVAG has been presenting selective and conflicting information for some time. If the BOVAG wants to achieve credibility in 2014, objectivity must be exercised and the supporters must be informed fully and in perspective. And wishes must be provided with content instead of form. As long as this is not done, the appearance that serving one's own interest is a priority over the original core activities - objective representation of interests for motorists and industry - also stands firm in 2014. And the BOVAG is not an objective partner. Because, among other things, the open support for an unlawfully adopted old-timer measure means a restraint with a scheme in which so-called preservation of cultural heritage is central. In reality, the BOVAG has an interest in the adjusted exemption for cars of 25 years and older because it reduces the risk of displacement within the business of the affiliated independent garage companies.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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9 comments

  1. Bovag… Nothing more and less than a bunch of over-earning people who have nothing to do with mobility, let alone understand anything about it. Abolish that club and continue with the daily worries.

  2. It's been known for years and years that the BOVAG is a hypocritical club where you CAN'T HAVE ANYTHING !! EXCITING THE ILLUSION that they are doing a great job that is REALLY THE ONLY thing the BOVAG is good at !!! this applies to both companies and individuals .. Correct me iff I am wrong!

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