Euro makes no difference to car prices

THE introduction of the euro has made no difference to the price of cars in the EU, with prices in some countries double what they are in others.

The annual review of car prices across the 15 member States shows huge variations both before and after national taxes are added to the cost of a car.

Cars in Ireland are generally up to 10% more expensive than in the cheapest country in the EU. Ireland is the most expensive country in which to buy a Ford Focus while it is cheapest for a Volkswagen Polo. While car manufacturers blame the taxes in each country for the differences, in practice they adjust their prices to take into account the rate of VAT and tax charged by governments.