BOVAG: "Withheld information in a classic car file is irrelevant"

The BOVAG stated yesterday in a publication in its online BOVAG newspaper that it fully supports Frans Weekers. Among other things, BOVAG spokesman Tom Huyskens reports that the current import figures are irrelevant, but that these are absolute numbers that are now used tax-free for daily use. He also calls the 40 year compromise a reasonable agreement in which the polluting old-timers are tackled. The statements are at least remarkable, because the State Secretary for Finance withheld crucial information. The BOVAG thinks differently about this and does not find the information withheld important.

Absolute numbers
With the publication, the interest group is especially surprising. And the correctness of the excellent research of Vrijstellingoldtimer.nl is questioned. According to BOVAG spokesperson Tom Huyskens, the information collected by Van Embden cs about, among other things, the withheld import figures is irrelevant. That is strange, because - just like Vrijstellingoldtimer.nl - people speak of absolute numbers. It is striking that initiator Wouter van Embden of Autobelangen acknowledged last Friday in the National Auto Show of BNR that something must be done with the young timer diesels from the years 1984 to 1986. In other words: people are not unwelcome to measures for diesels. BOVAG spokesman Tom Huyskens has not yet commented on this.

Spawn
It is striking that in its publication the BOVAG only picks out the diesels, while the 40 annual compromise - which is behind it - also affects the LPG and petrol cars. It is therefore a lot like the BOVAG makes use of the prevailing "Mercedes diesel spirit" within the old-timer file, in particular to spawn the cabinet. Indeed, "The Hague" is considering examining the announced increase in excise duties. The BOVAG, of course, supports this because the majority of its supporters will receive a reduction with open arms. But should the BOVAG think that the "84-86 diesel owner" is making the switch to a younger car, then it would be advisable to review the file of Vrijstellingoldtimer.nl or to visit her website. Car interests already demonstrated that only a small part of the 'affected group' makes the switch to a non-old-timer for daily use.

Younger cars
Speaking of younger cars: fuel-efficient cars were tested in the TROS Radar broadcast of 23 last September. It turned out that all cars - with the 3 cylinder VW TDI engine - did not nearly meet the stated test consumption. To date, the BOVAG has not responded, while those cars drive around tax-free until 1 January 2014 or fall under a very favorable additional tax rate. In any case, it is likely that this category of cars as a whole has a higher share in the Dutch annual mileage on an annual basis compared to the diesel old-timers. BOVAG has a greater interest in this.

No new arguments
That is another reason why the publication on support for the 40 year compromise is one-sided. The fact that BOVAG makes choices to support a measure is so far. But that has not happened with new arguments. That was already demonstrated by Vrijstellingoldtimer.nl. Just as it was demonstrated - thanks in particular to the old-timer file - that many hundreds of million are wasted every year due to incorrect calculations by the Ministry of Finance. It had boasted that BOVAG should pay attention to this instead of making an effort to put Vrijstellingoldtimer.nl in a different light on a political level.

Answers Weekers in Room find out BOVAG truth
In the meantime, Frans Weekers has this afternoon in the House of Representatives answered the questions that PVV MP Roland van Vliet asked about the withheld and incomplete information. In it, Weekers stated that “he did not have the correct data at the time of informing the House in April 2013”. Weekers did, however, promise that substantive treatment of the Tax Plan will take place on the basis of the correct information. To this end, he is taking the step towards TNO, in order to still get the correct figures. That is a superfluous step, because Wouter van Embden has demonstrated those figures for a long time. Nevertheless, Weekers indicates that he has provided the incorrect information. It also indicates that nothing has ever been done with the import figures from 1 January 2012 and that the Secretary of State has let things run their course. That is very bad. Fortunately, the State Secretary seems to be turning around. Weekers expects - as he now says himself - to have the correct figures in mid-October. With that he also indicates that - contrary to what the BOVAG claims - the correct figures are simply important. Although he should have realized that in April 2013.