SIMI: Budget 2020 gives Motor Industry breathing space
Brian Cooke, SIMI Budget 2020, announced this afternoon by Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe, contains a number of measures specific to motoring, writes Trish Whelan . SIMI's Director General Brian Cooke has responded to matters relating to the Motor Industry. In his Budget speech, Minister Donohoe said: *No changes to C02 element of VRT. VRT will continue to be based on NEDC for 2020. *Replacement of 1 per cent diesel surcharge with a nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions based charge. This surcharge will apply to all passenger cars registered for the first time in the State from 1 January 2020. *Extend the Benefit-In-Kind zero rate on electric vehicles to 2020. *Extend VRT reliefs for conventional and plug-in-hybrids to 2020, subject to C02 thresholds. *Provide additional relief through the Diesel Rebate Scheme to hauliers to compensate that sector for the increased cost of fuel; and *Increase of the carbon levy on motor fuels of €6, adding €2 for a ta...