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Eco-friendly cars purchased by Romanians in the first four months of the year increased by 181 pct
The number of eco-friendly cars purchased by Romanians in the first four months of the year was almost two times higher (181 pct) compared to the same period of 2016, reaching 548 units, shows statistical data of Romania's Association of Automotive Manufacturers and Importers (APIA).
According to official data, green cars (electric and hybrid) accounted for 1.7 pct of total sales of new automobiles between January - April 2017. Within this margin, sales of 100 percent electric cars increased by 142.1 pct and hybrid car sales were up 185.2 pct.
Alone this April 141 eco-friendly cars were sold, down 22.9 pct from the 183 registered the previous month.
Topping the January through April 2017 ranking of best-selling 100 percent electric automobiles is BMW with 14 units, followed by Mercedes-Benz (11), Audi (7), Volkswagen (4), Volvo (3) and Porsche (2).
Most of the hybrid automobiles sold in Romania in the first four months of the year were Toyotas (451 units), followed by Lexus (45), Kia (3), Land Rover, Mercedes Benz and Ford (1 of each).
Official statistics show that last year the number of new electric and hybrid cars sold in Romania was 1,183, up 138 pct from 2015. Out of this total, 167 are 100 percent electric vehicles.
The Ministry of Environment announced that as of May 18 2017, individuals and legal entities can access the 'Rabla Clasic' and 'Rabla Plus' national car fleet renewal incentive programs.
The 'Rabla Clasic' program has 180 million lei allocated this year and the 'Rabla Plus' budget allocation is 45 million lei.
According to Minister of the Environment Gratiela Gavrilescu, the subsidy granted under the 'Rabla Plus' program for 100 percent electric cars is 10,000 euro, and the value of the voucher granted in 2017 stays at 6,500 lei, similar to the one in 2016 and 2015.
"The novelty of this program is that people who want to access Rabla Plus funding and who own a car older than 8 years are not required to scrap it. They can go directly to the car dealer and apply for the 10,000-euro subsidy. On the other hand, citizens who own a car aged over 8 years and want to dispose of it can add to the 10,000 euro the 6,500 lei scrapping bonus," explained the Environment Minister. The official also specified that in the case of the purchase of a plug-in hybrid vehicle, a subsidy of 4,500 lei will be granted this year. Another 6,500 lei can add to this amount if the customer wishes to scrap his more than 8-year-old car, the Minister of the Environment said.