Increases a ‘slap in the face’ for greener drivers

MOTOR industry groups have criticised a range of increases in motor tax, VAT and fuel prices which they predict will add significantly to the annual cost of running a family car.

The Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI) expressed disappointment but little surprise at the tax increases, including an average 7.5% rise in motor tax, which it claimed will do nothing to help sales of new cars.

The VAT increase will add €450 to the cost of the country’s best selling model, the Ford Focus, while industry experts said it would add 1.5% to the cost of all new vehicles from January.