Get your Geld ready: Germany issues final draft on CO₂-based taxes

Changing the road tax legislation in Germany wasn't an easy thing to do. This tax is managed at the state level, but a nationwide modification will be enforced now that the German federal government has decided to give €9 billion in compensation to the states. The new road tax, like similar legislation in other European countries, is aimed at stimulating motorists to drive fuel-efficient cars. Here's how the new tax works, starting July 1st:

First, there's a base tax based on displacement: €2 per each 100 cubic centimeters if it's a gasoline car or €9.5 if it's a diesel car. Additional taxes are based on CO₂: for each gram over 120 that your car emits per kilometer, your tax will be increased by €2. That CO₂ limit will drop to 110 grams in 2012 and, from 2014 onwards, it will be 95 grams. So, for example, the new Toyota IQ 1.33, which emits 113 gm/km. The 1.3-liter gas engine will be taxed at 13 * 2 = €26 and the number will stay the same until 2012. At that time, its owner will be charged an extra €6 additional (€32 in total) because 113-110 = 3 grams at €2 each. Then, in 2014, the tax will be even higher: 113-95 = 18 grams, at €2 each, €36 additional (€62 total). I'll let you do the math with a Porsche Cayenne S.

[Source: Auto News]
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