With the so-called ELV (End of Life Vehicle) directive, the EU is proposing that vintage cars that fail a regular inspection must be scrapped. Associations are furious.
The Swedes believe that the EU is planning to scrap vintage cars that cannot pass a mandatory inspection.
At least that's how several car clubs are interpreting a proposal from the European Commission on the management of end-of-life vehicles , also known as the ELV (End of Life Vehicle) Directive. The proposal has met with great resistance, but has not yet been withdrawn.
Critics say the new rules could mean that owners of vintage cars could be forced to scrap their cars if they are not in perfect condition. Once vehicles are deemed end-of-life, they must be treated as waste and ownership could even be lost.
– Thinking about cars that don't pass inspection, or are expensive to repair, as waste makes the entire motor hobby impossible.
– You can compare it to other cultural treasures. It would take enormous efforts to restore the Colosseum in Rome or the Parthenon in Athens to their original standard.
– But no one would consider that kind of thing as waste, says Anders Ydstedt, chairman of KAK's Expert Council to, among others, Auto Motor och Sport .
KAK believes that the proposal threatens the rolling cultural heritage that vintage cars are. The association points out that the automotive industry has already made great progress when it comes to how end-of-life cars should be recycled in the best possible way.
– Currently, 95 percent of a car is recycled when it is scrapped, the automotive industry is a pioneer in circular business models.
– Responsibility for sustainability is already being taken, and a circular approach is already being used, in other words. This makes motoring a sector that is a pioneer in society, says Anders Ydstedt.
The National Motor History Association (MHRF) is also protesting the proposal. They believe that the EU Commission is attempting to criminalize a large activity and trade in parts for vintage cars.
– Reference is made to 'Umweltbundesamt, (2022), Illegal treatment of end-of-life vehicles – Assessment of the environmental, micro- and macroeconomic effects.'
– There is a picture of deep ignorance about the legitimacy of dismantling a vehicle. I am surprised that something is described as being illegal when there is currently no legal support for such an interpretation beyond the desire to make it illegal in the future, says Jan Tägt, vehicle and legislation expert at MHRF.
MHRF believes that the EU Commission lacks understanding of the value and importance of vintage cars. They call on the Commission to engage in dialogue with car clubs and the vintage car community to find a solution that protects vintage cars.
