End of incentives and microchip crisis sink the car market. In August, registrations recorded a new drastic decline of 27.3% (64,689 units) after the reduction in July (-19.4%). However, the balance for the first eight months remains positive. Overall, 1,060,182 cars were registered, 30.9% more than the 809,978 sold in the corresponding period of 2020. Stellantis registered 21,636 vehicles in August, 36.3% less than the 33,961 sold in the same month. of last year. In the eight months, registrations totaled 412,580, 31.3% more than the 314,329 registered in the corresponding period of 2020.
Industry experts indicate gloomy prospects: according to UNRAE (National Union of Foreign Motor Vehicles), the situation on the car market in the coming months “can only worsen given the rapid exhaustion of the eco-savings, with which even the complementary funds allocated remain unusable. to finance the extra bonus. “For Federauto, the Federation of car dealers, the sharp decline in August demonstrates the enormous difficulties the sector is experiencing, mainly due to the shortage of electronic components. Furthermore, the funds will not be able to cover purchases until as at 31 December, re-proposing the problem of stop and go measures and the inevitable regressive effects on the market.
The Promotor Study Center speaks of “a perfect storm” produced by the end of the budget for the eco-bonus, the usability of the extra-bonus and the lack of microchips. The situation of the car market appears “decidedly worse than that of the Italian economic context” and “the recovery in 2021 for the car is decidedly slower”. “The mess on the incentives for electric cars and the surrounding area – points out Promotor – risks compromising the work done to overcome people’s resistance to the ecological transition”.
Faced with this situation, Unrae requests the immediate refinancing of the Ecobonus for the 0-20 and 21-60 g / km CO2 ranges through any regulatory vehicle available in a short time, or, in an emergency, with a partial transfer in the Ecobonus of fixed resources in the Extrabonus. The Promotor Study Center considers it essential to immediately refinance eco-bonuses for green cars and incentives for cars from 61 to 135 gr / km of CO2 and then use the 2022 Budget Law to create the foundations for a car policy that gives a concrete perspective on the transition to the electric car. Federauto argues that it is necessary to find a quick solution to refinance the Ecobonus fund, as well as to continue with the incentive policies aimed at the renewal of the oldest and most polluting car fleet in a medium-long time horizon and review the term of 180 days to complete bookings in progress, together with a substantial reform of car taxation.
