There is still no clarification on the CO2-based ownership tax that the German government is hoping to bring in to replace the current tax system based on engine size.
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Automobilwoche reported that yesterday German environment minister, Sigmar Gabriel, said that an agreement had been reached with the individual states that are responsible for administering car ownership taxation. Negotiations with the states has slowed decision-making over the new tax. However, Gabriel added that next week’s announcement of a package of environmental protection measures due on Wednesday will not include an outline of the proposed tax system, as might have been expected.
Vehicle manufacturers are keen for a decision soon as the private car market has been in the doldrums because of consumer uncertainty surrounding the new tax.
Gabriel said that the government, ADAC (the German road and driver’s association) and Verband der Automobilindustrie (VDA, the German motor industry trade association) had reached an agreement on a common proposal.
Separately Gabriel told a regional newspaper that he does expect a general speed limit to be imposed during the next legislative period. Around 10% of German motorways currently have no speed limit. Gabriel’s social democratic party is supporting a limit of 130km/h, but this has not gained the support of the coalition conservative party.
