[WATCH] Car importers: more scrapping schemes for motorists to buy new cars

More scrapping schemes for motorists to buy new cars

The association of car importers Malta (ACIM) has urged the government to keep issuing vehicle scrapping schemes in the interest of encouraging more people to consider buying new vehicles that create fewer emissions. 

Speaking at a press conference at Villa Arrigo earlier today, ACIM chairman Joseph A. Gasan said that the association had been involved in new car ownership for over 50 years but that the association felt it was important to raise its own profile in recent years.

“We believe we could have done more on the communication front, and we are committed to further increasing campaigning to inform the general public about the benefits of opting for a new cehicle rather than older ones,” he said, adding that the association would launch a new advertising campaign to raise awareness.

“You might think that the cost of the vehicle is lower when it isn't a new car, but in the long run an older car will end up costing people more,” he said, pointing out that the association had focused on the environment and emission control, as well as educating consumers on vehicle safety and emission choices in recent months.

The association, made up of 13 companies, employs some 660 people directly, with continuous investment in technology and training staff to be up-to-date with technical requirements. 

“The number of vehicles licensed every year had presented something of a challenge, with the majority going to used cars, and the association trying to achieve a balance in their favour,” he said, adding that the first five months of the year ahead presented promising results, with more new cars than used cars being licensed.

He added that the demand for vehicles was ever present with hundreds already being licensed in the first few months of the year. 

“The ageing problem has not been helped,” Gasan said, adding that 60% of the cars licensed in the last seven years, were cars of an average of five years, but that the trend looked to be changing.

Gasan pointed out that buying new vehicles presents a number of advantages to the economy and to consumers, including the latest technology, the warranty for the cars in question. 

“The cost of ownership has also dropped significantly given the ecological value and the lower cost of repair given the warranty,” he said, adding that the older the car, the lower the annual road licence.

He added that the scrapping scheme had had a very important effect on the sector and that the association had emphasised the need to pursue the schemes over the years. 

“The importance of genuine parts and official technology is also essential to point out,” Gasan said, pointing out that using unofficial technology could ultimately end up being more costly.

He added that cars were becoming increasingly environmentally friendly, a fact that would bring great benefits to the country allowing it to reach emissions limits and standards set by the international platform.

Gasan said that the association would be pushing to achieve more environmentally friendly cars, as well as making the scrapping scheme a permanent fixture. 

“The intention is to also increase incentives for electric and hybrid cars,” he said describing the recommendations made by the association. 

Transport minister Joe Mizzi reiterated the government’s commitment to developing the local car importing industry. “Car importers play an important role in environment protection,” he said, adding that car importers opting for environment friendly vehicles was essential in achieving fewer emissions on a national level.

He went on to encourage the public and stakeholders in the sector to continue to push for more environmentally friendly options.