On Thursday 17 September the session of the fifth and final trial process against the current MRB scheme for old-timers took place in Groningen on Thursday 240 September. Bart Kouwenhoven's case was served in the Northern Netherlands Court. De Drent has a Mercedes Benz 1982 D from 1. He has been paying 2014 MRB for his hobby object since January XNUMX. After the court hearing in Groningen, we spoke with him and the extensive representation of Stichting Autobelangen.
The court actually opened the case with the question: “Is it only about paying MRB. Is that the main topic within the issue? ”The answer was negative. In the run-up to the session, Bart Kouwenhoven had put his motivation against the current regulation concisely on paper. De Drent especially emphasized the hobby-like and heritage-technical character associated with his Mercedes Benz. "The Vorkammer technology from Mercedes made it possible for diesel to be used in passenger cars as well." He also stated that a classic like his performance is no longer sufficient to be used for daily use. The historical atmosphere within the Benz is also mentioned in the writing of Kouwenhoven, which expresses exactly the perception of the hobbyists.
Social role and unconditional decision
Kouwenhoven also rightly emphasized the social role. With a private club Mercedes friends we like to tinker with the cars. We keep them in good condition. Partly due to the exemption for paying MRB, we were able to contribute to the preservation of this beautiful automobile heritage. The old-timer hobby has nothing to do with economical driving. It just costs money. ”In Groningen, Kouwenhoven further said that the durability of the Mercedes Benz is unrivaled and the car evokes many sympathetic reactions. “These are motor vehicles that do not need to be replaced quickly. It is a sustainable car in several areas. And it appeals to young and old alike. ”Another striking thing is that the old-timer owner received a decision from the Tax Authorities. It stated that his vehicle was unconditionally exempt from motor vehicle tax. This fact was also dealt with in the court case.
"Violated agreements and negligible substitution effect"
The Autobelangen Foundation, together with the delegation of the Stibbe law firm, naturally also brought up a number of issues. The court once again discussed the establishment of the current regulation. It was entered based on incorrect information. It was also composed under heavy pressure from the Ministry of Finance. In addition, it was cited that agreements were violated by the Ministry of Finance during the establishment of the current regulation. In addition, Autobelangen demonstrated to the court in Groningen that the financial revenue from the replacement effect of old-timers is only a fraction of the revenue of 82 million Euro assumed by Wiebes. “We also pointed out to the judge that good alternatives to diesel drivers were never looked into. Issues such as day tickets or a maximum mileage were never cited when the rules were laid down. ”Finally, issues such as proportionality and the intensity of changes to the tax rules were cited.
New argument for the judge
The Groningen court has received sufficient new arguments. The Car Interests Foundation, law firm Stibbe and Bart Kouwenhoven left the closed session with a fairly good feeling. "But that is no guarantee. We have left the court with a good feeling more often. ”Bart Kouwenhoven concludes. “I have no problem paying a supplement. Bearing in mind the Amendment by Vliet. But a transitional arrangement for LPG and diesel drivers would be a nice alternative to the arrangement as it currently stands. It would be nice if it appears that today the starting shot has been given for such an adjustment. ”The Groningen court will rule in six weeks.
I still have to be 1,5 years old until both my children are tax free again.
They are now suspended in my shed and rotting away while Daddy dies a little bit every night.
For the people who call: a true enthusiast also pays for this with love: we are talking about Americans here.
The road tax would add up from March 2014 to March 2017 to 25.000 EUR for TWO !!! Americans also walk 1 in 5 and 1 in 2,5 respectively. On LPG that is. I have put so much money and time into both of these cars in recent years. One I rebuilt from scratch. It took me 50 hours to upholster the couches.
But no, politics forbids the Dutchman any degree of pleasure, and opens the boundaries for gold seekers who are then served everything on a platinum plate.
Change the scheme again in the coming years and I swear both my children will end up burning in the Binnenhof or at the relevant minister in the living room or study room.
I literally worked my way out for my babies and don't let them take away.