Youngtimer scheme. Majority of House of Representatives supports easing of new measures.

The majority of the House of Representatives is in favor of a reconsideration and possible revision of the planned increase in the minimum age for the youngtimer scheme from 16 to 25 years in 2027. A motion by MPs Grinwis (ChristenUnie) and Oosterhuis (D66) was adopted by a large majority in The Hague on March 31. The motion argues for a revision of any potential changes, rather than a one-off and drastic step.

The House requests the government to develop various alternatives before the summer. This includes considering, among other things, freezing the scheme for a reference year, such as 2012. This could then potentially be combined with an adjusted tax addition system applying a higher percentage to the economic value of the car.

Concerns about effects on the car market

The motion is prompted by the recent changes to the youngtimer scheme via the 2026 Tax Plan. These adjustments were implemented shortly before its introduction. As a result, sellers and users of older company cars, for example, had insufficient time to adapt to the changes. In other words, the preparation time was short. At the same time, the rapid adjustment caused uncertainty in the market, specifically within the youngtimer segment. The proponents of the motion also warn against this. They state that a further, sudden increase to 25 years in 2027 could lead to further disruptions in the market for used company cars. They also foresee possible unexpected financial consequences for entrepreneurs and employees who make use of the scheme.

Plea for a gradual transition and e-timer scheme

According to the initiators, a phased transition is necessary to prevent these effects. They therefore propose developing alternative systems that are introduced more gradually and are more predictable for the market. In addition, the motion includes a call to develop a so-called e-timer scheme. This scheme is intended to prevent electric lease cars from being exported en masse after a few years once they come out of lease. The goal is to keep these vehicles more readily available for the Dutch second-hand market and thereby increase the accessibility of affordable electric cars.

Possible new perspective for the youngtimer industry

Wouter van Embden of Autobelangen, among others, played a role in the drafting of the motion, actively advocating for attention to the effects of the scheme on this specific segment of the automotive market. There may be renewed prospects for specialists in the youngtimer sector, and new fiscal prospects for those making use of the scheme. In any case, it is expected that more clarity regarding the possible implementation of the adopted Grinwis motion will emerge before the summer.