This is evident from figures from the Bovag and Rai Association for the month of June. Compared to last year, fewer cars were sold. For example, in June 2018, 46.746 new cars were sold, compared to 41.671 cars last June.
The best-selling car of the past six months is the Volkswagen Polo. The Tesla Model 3 was the most sold in June. Max Erich, automotive sector economist at ING, blames the decline on the business market, which is waiting for electric cars.
“Anyone who has a lease car will want to switch to an electric car, because you will have to pay less additional tax. But there are not enough electric cars yet. ”
The RAI Association and BOVAG themselves blame the poor figures on the higher purchase tax (the BPM), something that the sector organizations have been campaigning against for some time. According to Erich "the higher BPM will play a role", but the decrease is not entirely due to the higher tax.
According to Erichs, the significant decrease can still be partly reduced, although that will not be enough to make up for the arrears. Because the addition to electric cars will be increased in 2020, the sales figures are likely to increase somewhat in the second half of this year, he predicts.
Best-selling cars in the first half of 2019
- 1. Volkswagen Polo (6.607)
- 2. Ford Focus (6.443)
- 3. Tesla Model 3 (6.063)
- 4. Volkswagen Golf (5.609)
- 5. KIA Picanto (5.216)
The question is whether the car will remain in it for a long time, because the limit for a lower additional tax will be lowered to 45.000 next year and ultimately to 40.000 euros. From then on, the Model 3 will fall under the higher addition tax rate, which makes it less interesting for lease drivers.
