France Introduces Annual Carbon Tax on Cars, Etc.

Frank Williams
by Frank Williams

Last year, France introduced a system known as "bonus-malus." Under the scheme, people who buy gas guzzlers have to pay a €200 – €2600 penalty. Consumers option for something more "environmentally friendly" get a €200 – €1,000 bonus. Automotive News [sub] reports Environment Minister Jean-Louis Borloo plans to "amplify" the program. Car buyers who purchase "extremely polluting" vehicles will soon pay an additional annual fee. As in carbon tax. Borloo didn't say when he plans to start the extortion new program. But here's the best part: "Borloo has said in the past that the system of penalties and rewards applied to vehicles could be extended to other products such as electronic goods." Liberté, Egalité, Fraternité!

Frank Williams
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  • Hal Hal on Jul 01, 2008

    The switch to taxing cars based on carbon emissions rather than engine displacement has happened broadly across Europe, not just in France but in many other countries most of whom don't have a car industry. The possible benefit to PSA and Renault is a nice bonus from the French point of view not the raison d'etre of this law. There are plenty of other manufacturers making small cars in Europe who are just as well placed to benefit from this change.

  • Geeber Geeber on Jul 02, 2008
    hal: The possible benefit to PSA and Renault is a nice bonus from the French point of view not the raison d’etre of this law. Sure... hal: There are plenty of other manufacturers making small cars in Europe who are just as well placed to benefit from this change. And, amazingly enough, the manufacturers who will be hurt are largely located in Germany and Great Britain.
  • Anonymous Anonymous on Apr 17, 2009

    [...] http://www.parkers.co.uk/News/Road-tax/Guide-to-tax-changes/ (new British emissions tax rates) http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/france-to-tax-guzzlers-annually/ (French “bonus-malus” emmissions tax) [...]

  • Anonymous Anonymous on Apr 07, 2011

    [...] [...]

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