TNO: ‘Leaks in Dutch vehicle fleet disposal policy’

TNO studied for years what the consequences of the Dutch car tax system are for air quality. This shows that there are some flaws in the current approach. To start with, subsidizing clean cars does not have a very sustainable effect. “After a short period of use (often lease), a third to half of these subsidized clean cars disappear abroad, because they are too expensive for the Dutch used-car buyer.” What is happening in the meantime on the used car market has an extra negative effect: The used car buyer “…prefers to get his young, cheaper, but often less clean second-hand car from abroad. Older, more polluting models are also more often imported as an affordable means of transport.”

In the market for delivery vans, TNO also sees a trend that works against the change. “Finally, the favorable tax treatment of diesel delivery vans is also unfavorable for our environment (no addition, different BPM basis, but deductible costs, lower MRB rates).”

Simply put, TNO is arguing for an approach that ensures that clean cars do not immediately disappear across the border and that the import of clean cars is encouraged. In the case of fuel-driven cars, according to TNO, the weight must be carefully considered in order to clean up the fleet: “Consistent weight management gives a climate advantage, comparable for younger and older cars. It makes purchasing a new, light and environmentally friendly car easier.” more attractive, also for the lease driver and in the second-hand market.” TNO also states that the cost differences between clean and polluting cars should remain noticeable for longer. This should discourage the import of polluting cars and at the same time make it more rewarding to buy a relatively young but clean second-hand car in the Netherlands.

The entire TNO white paper can be found here.