Car prices set to stay high despite EC directive

Consumer group, the European Consumer Centre, claims that a new European Commission directive will have little impact on reducing car prices in Ireland.

The warning comes as a new EC law, which aims to reduce car prices, comes into effect from October 1.

High vehicle registration tax (VRT) and value added tax (VAT) on cars in Ireland mean car prices here are among the most expensive in Europe.

Government taxes add more than half the manufacturers’ prices to the sale price.

A Toyota Yaris costs €18,700 in Ireland compared to €9,740 in France.