Norwegian Residents Could Lose 50,000 NOK Due to Government Plans
The Consumer Council is urging Norwegians planning to buy a new car to exercise caution. The reason is the financial risk associated with possible delivery delays and the introduction of new VAT regulations. Many customers may end up paying more than expected if their vehicle is not delivered and registered before the end of the year.
Over two years, the regulatory change could cost Norwegians up to 125,000 NOK per vehicle.
Fot. materiały prasowe Portu w Drammen
Car dealerships in Norway are experiencing a surge in activity. Customers are rushing to make purchases before the New Year to avoid higher prices. The government proposal aims to lower the VAT exemption threshold for electric cars from 500,000 to 300,000 NOK. The average vehicle will become about 50,000 NOK more expensive. Although the budget has not yet been formally adopted, there is little indication that the government will change its plans.
Double Risk for Buyers
According to Thomas Iversen from the Consumer Council, buyers could find themselves in a difficult situation if their car is not delivered on time. Standard contracts allow dealers to add extra costs resulting from tax changes. The risk of a price increase often falls on the customer.
If the contract is canceled, the buyer may have to pay between 3 and 6 percent of the car's value, which could be as much as 30,000 NOK for a 500,000 NOK vehicle. Iversen advises choosing cars available from stock or demanding a delivery guarantee before the end of the year.
If the contract is canceled, the buyer may have to pay between 3 and 6 percent of the car's value, which could be as much as 30,000 NOK for a 500,000 NOK vehicle. Iversen advises choosing cars available from stock or demanding a delivery guarantee before the end of the year.
Customers face double risk. Most contracts include clauses that give the seller the right to add fees incurred between ordering and delivery.Photo: Wikimedia Commons/CC BY-SA 4.0/Wolfmann
Automotive Industry Responds to Consumer Concerns
Representatives of the automotive industry reassure that dealers are doing everything possible to meet deadlines. Stig Morten Nilsen from the Norwegian Automotive Industry Association emphasizes that dealerships do not make impossible promises and are honest with customers. The problems stem from the authorities' decision to change regulations on short notice. The Ministry of Finance estimates that maintaining the current VAT threshold would cost the state 2.2 billion NOK in 2026.
Record Year at Drammen Port
The Port of Drammen is preparing for a record year. About 75 percent of all cars imported to Norway arrive there. According to port director Arne Fosen, the number of delivered cars will exceed 135,000, setting a new record.
The increased activity is expected to last until Christmas, as importers try to deliver vehicles before higher fees are introduced. A similar situation occurred in 2021, when the first VAT on electric cars was announced.
The increased activity is expected to last until Christmas, as importers try to deliver vehicles before higher fees are introduced. A similar situation occurred in 2021, when the first VAT on electric cars was announced.
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