Car sales rose 12% in June against June last year, the first rise in two years, but likely to also be the last one in 2010, considering the current economic circumstances. Companies in the automotive sector put the June growth down to the VAT increase announcement, which persuaded clients to sign contracts while the tax was still 19%, as well as to the "Rabla" car scrappage scheme.
The announcement in the last week of June that the value added tax would be raised was a breath of fresh air as far as new car sales are concerned - over 14,000 cars were sold in June, according to data of the Renault group.
On the other hand, last week, the first since the introduction of the 24% tax, saw showroom traffic seriously hurt, according to car dealers.
Car sales rose 12% in June against June last year, the first rise in two years, but likely to also be the last one in 2010, considering the current economic circumstances. Companies in the automotive sector put the June growth down to the VAT increase announcement, which persuaded clients to sign contracts while the tax was still 19%, as well as to the "Rabla" car scrappage scheme.
The announcement in the last week of June that the value added tax would be raised was a breath of fresh air as far as new car sales are concerned - over 14,000 cars were sold in June, according to data of the Renault group.
On the other hand, last week, the first since the introduction of the 24% tax, saw showroom traffic seriously hurt, according to car dealers.
