France and Finland introduce emissions tax on cars

Autobloggreen‘s news from France and Finland today reports that both countries have introduced systems of tax and rebates based upon the CO2 emissions of new and used cars. The sheme is similar to Canada’s ecoAuto system.

In France beginning at the start of 2008, any vehicle that emits more than 160 g/km of carbon dioxide will be charged a tax ranging from €200 up to a maximum of €2,600 for vehicles that emit of 250 g/km. Cleaner cars that put out less than 130 g/km will get €200 back with rebates increasing to a maximum of €1,000 for cars like the Smart and VW Polo BlueMotion that produce less than 100 g/km. The Finns will base their tax rate on a percentage of the cars value and it will also be applied to used cars brought in from outside the country.