The Xunta approves aid for buying new cars, diesel and petrol included

Galicia will also subsidise the purchase of new vehicles, and not only cars with alternative energy sources to traditional ones

The regional government joins initiatives such as the MOVES Plan, which backs aid for buying new cars as a measure to promote renewal of the vehicle fleet against its ageing, but adapts it to the characteristics of the vehicles that travel Galician roads.

In fact, the objectives of the published provision regulating the Plan for the transition to efficient mobility are set out through the Resolution of the Official Gazette of Galicia No. 128 “to publicise and highlight the main tools available to consumers for selecting a vehicle that is energy-efficient and respectful of the natural environment, in particular by distinguishing vehicles according to their energy rating and their level of CO2 emissions into the atmosphere.

To achieve this aim, the governing team sets as a priority the reduction of fuel consumption and focuses its interest on road transport, because it establishes that 31% of the energy consumed in Galicia is used by the transport sector and, of this percentage, around four-fifths is accounted for by road transport, which depends 95% on fossil fuels.

For this reason, and to encourage the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and other waste from combustion, the Xunta sees the renewal of the vehicle fleet as one of the keys to a comprehensive solution and, in economic support for buying new cars, regardless of their power source, a working tool.

The Xunta allocates aid to individuals, self-employed workers and companies

The fund available for subsidies to purchase more efficient cars will be managed by the Galician Energy Institute (Inega) and amounts to 1.1 million euros for this fleet renewal programme.

This aid will be distributed among individuals resident in Galicia (800,000 euros), where a maximum of one vehicle purchase will be subsidised, and self-employed workers or companies with a registered office or some workplace established in the Community (300,000 euros), in this case with a maximum of two vehicles per DNI or NIF.

Galicia supports the purchase of new diesel and petrol cars, in addition to

Far from being a measure that excludes passenger cars and vans with combustion engines, the Xunta supports the purchase of more efficient petrol or diesel cars.

The resolution sets a maximum of 40,000 euros for the price of the new car purchased, taxes included, and both passenger cars and vans or light lorries will be accepted.

For those interested in buying a car and applying for the subsidy, it must be a car with energy rating A, that is, with maximum emissions of up to 120 grams of carbon dioxide per kilometre travelled.

Thus, two aid scales are also distinguished: cars with emissions of up to 100 will receive Type A aid and those up to 120 will receive Type B.

For vans, eligible models must not exceed 137 grams of CO2 per kilometre.

It should be noted that these measurements will be based on the now-superseded NEDC cycle and not on the updated WLTP.

To receive the aid, it will be necessary to scrap a vehicle at least 10 years old, which will be destined for scrapping. The subsidy application will be made at the dealership itself, which will act as intermediary in the procedure.

These aid measures come into force from today, the day of publication in the Official Gazette of Galicia and will end on 15 October 2019 or when the allocated funds are exhausted.