Budget 2020 gives motor industry breathing space
BUDGET implications for the Motor Industry Budget 2020, announced last month by Minister for Finance Paschal Donohoe, contains a number of measures specific to motoring:
No changes to CO2 element of VRT in 2020. 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 2022;
Extend VRT reliefs for conventional and plug in hybrids to 2020, subject to CO2 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 tank full of either petrol or diesel. This will increase the cost of doing business in Ireland.
Introduce an environmental rationale for Benefit In Kind for commercial vehicles from 2023;
Reduce qualifying CO2 thresholds for reliefs in respect of Capital Allowances and VAT reclaim on commercial vehicles;
Commenting on Budget 2020, SIMI Director General Brian Cooke;
“In the context of both an already depressed new car market and the likely impact of Brexit, there is a real fear that car sales will further deteriorate that will only slow down the renewal of Ireland’s car fleet, which is vital in our attempt to drive down emissions. In this regard, SIMI is relieved that the Minister has not increased VRT for new cars in Budget 2020.
The replacement of the 1% diesel surcharge introduced last year on new cars with a nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions-based charge to all passenger cars registering for the first time in the State from 1 January 2020 is a welcome announcement. The NOx charge will impact on older higher emitting cars which, unlike last year’s diesel surcharge, will penalise older cars with higher levels of pollutants. The Minister has recognised that newer vehicle technology is cleaner and better for the fleet.
In addition, the extension of the BIK relief for Electric Vehicles out to 2022 will incentivise the choice of electric cars for companies for the duration of the normal 3 year replacement cycle. This Budget does allow the Industry some breathing space in what is likely to be a challenging 2020. It is now important that the Industry and Government use this time to work closely together to in relation to VRT into the future and the drive towards zero-emissions.”
THE Audi e-tron Quattro is a combination of the Audi Q5 and Q7 SUVs in terms of size and style, with defining features including striking LED headlights and charging ports on either side for easy access.
The e-tron ’s side profile is sleek and sporty, while the standard adaptive air suspension system allows you to raise and lower the ride height at the touch of a button. As standard, the e-tron is equipped with 20-inch alloy wheels and black roof rails.
Inside, the e-tron is suitably premium with one of the highest grade interiors in its class. The driver’s area is dominated by Audi ’s Virtual Cockpit system and two further touch screens in the centre console for controlling infotainment and heating. The system offers intuitive layouts and haptic feedback when you touch buttons, while Audi’s smartphone interface offers seamless connectivity.
The driving position is immensely comfortable and offers a commanding view of the road.
Family buyers will be pleased by the e-tron ’s full five star Euro NCAP rating and it also features ISOFIX mounts on all seats.
The e-tron is powered by a 95kWh battery and can sprint from 0-100km/h in just 5.7 seconds and it accelerates swiftly despite its weight and size.
It’s smooth and quiet on the move, with an unusual airplane-style gear leaver and several different driving modes to choose from, including efficient, dynamic and off-road modes. While it isn’t quite as fast as rivals such as the Tesla Model S or Jaguar I-Pace, the e-tron offers more than enough perfornance for daily driving.
The Audi e-tron offers 391 kilometres of range from a single charge. It supports rapid charging at the new IONITY charging network which will include six locations around Ireland, meaning the battery can be charged from empty to full in around 50 minutes on a 150 kilowatt station. The e-tron can also be charged at home.
Prices start from just under €99,810, excluding the SEAI grant and VRT rebate.