Edition: International | Greek
MENU

Home » Business

SUVs Under Fire in Europe

By: EBR - Posted: Friday, August 26, 2005

SUVs Under Fire in Europe
SUVs Under Fire in Europe

At a time when SUVs are rapidly growing in popularity in Europe and several auto manufacturers, including Volkswagen's Audi and General Motors' Opel, have plans to launch new models, the vehicles have come under legislative and rhetorical fire in both France and the United Kingdom.

France is imposing a new tax on vehicles that emit the most greenhouse gases ranging from 1600 Euro to 3200 Euro. This tax is aimed primarily at SUVs, but includes large passenger cars as well. Smaller vehicles that still emit the gases will be taxed from 400 Euro to 800 Euro, while purchasers of "clean" cars will be given a tax break ranging from 200 Euro to 700 Euro. In the United Kingdom, Professor David Begg, chairman of the Commission for Integrated Transport, an independent advisory body to the Government, has said that the current average tax on SUVs of £165 ($421) per year is too low. He recommends raising that three- or fourfold to reduce greenhouse emissions by "giving customers a disincentive for buying such cars." According to the Wall Street Journal, "The number of SUVs on UK roads is about 200,000, up 40 per cent from five years ago, Begg said. 'The government's got to act for what's right for society generally, rather than a really small percentage of car owners,' he said." The authorities in the capital cities of both countries reflect their national governments' attitudes. The Paris City Council has proposed banning all SUVs from the city in order to reduce congestion (although such an act would likely prove illegal), while recently re-elected Mayor of London has called people who drive SUVs in London "complete idiots."

READ ALSO

EU Actually

Danish social democratic prime minister Mette Frederiksen sometimes tougher on migration than Giorgia Meloni

N. Peter KramerBy: N. Peter Kramer

With her country holding the rotating EU presidency the second half of 2025, Danish prime minister Mette Frederiksen is advocating a stronger EU with more defence and less migration

View 04/2021 2021 Digital edition

Magazine

Current Issue

04/2021 2021

View past issues
Subscribe
Advertise
Digital edition

Europe

Greek MEPs demand tariff-free trade in medicines as new deadline looms

Greek MEPs demand tariff-free trade in medicines as new deadline looms

Greek MEPs Papandreou and Tsiodras warn that US pharma tariffs threaten health and supply chains, urging the Commission to react accordingly.

Business

To save the Single Market, bring back Delors’ 1992 playbook

To save the Single Market, bring back Delors’ 1992 playbook

Most people familiar with EU affairs know the single market is a myth. Hailed as the bedrock of the European Union, it was never completed and is now crumbling.

MARKET INDICES

Powered by Investing.com
All contents © Copyright EMG Strategic Consulting Ltd. 1997-2025. All Rights Reserved   |   Home Page  |   Disclaimer  |   Website by Theratron