Romanian Association of Automobile Producers and Importers (APIA), the main voice of the local industry, supports the increase of the subsidy granted through the Rabla Plus Program to a level of 8,500 euro in 2025 and 7,500 euro in 2026.
“The increase in the subsidy in the first two years is essential to regain consumer confidence in electromobility, affected by the reduction of the subsidy to 5,100 euros/car in 2024 – a decision that had a devastating impact on the Romanian automotive market. According to ACEA (European Automobile Manufacturers Association) data, this decrease placed Romania in last place in the European Union in terms of the evolution of the electric vehicle market, with a 32.2% reduction in registrations (…) Starting with 2027, the subsidy would gradually decrease, and by 2030 it would be completely eliminated”, claim the representatives of automobile manufacturers and importers, in a press release quoted by Agerpres.
In contrast, other member states reported significant positive results: Belgium recorded an increase in sales of 36.9%, Cyprus of 51.4%, the Czech Republic of 63.5%, Hungary of 47.7% and Malta, of 90.5%.
“In parallel, the European Commission is exploring the introduction of a pan-European subsidy program to support the European automotive industry and to encourage demand for electric vehicles (EVs). Teresa Ribera, Vice-President of the European Commission, stressed the importance of a coordinated approach to prevent the fragmentation of subsidies at national level and unfair competition between Member States. Regarding the sales targets for electric vehicles and the associated regulations, Ribera stated that the 2035 deadline for the phase-out of internal combustion engines remains firm, but highlighted the openness to adjusting the annual targets and fines for non-compliance. European manufacturers consider that the current fines discourage investment in electric vehicles and favor competition from outside the Union,” the statement said.
On the other hand, APIA appreciates the decision of the Ministry of Environment, Waters and Forests (MMAP) to eliminate the subsidy for diesel cars from the “Rabla” Program, “an initiative that the association has been supporting for more than a year and a half.”
“The elimination of the subsidy for diesel cars is a courageous and necessary measure. This is a direction that APIA has been actively supporting for more than a year and a half, and this step contributes to accelerating the transition to more environmentally friendly electric and hybrid engines”, said Dan Vardie, APIA President.
In this context, the Association supports a detailed and predictable plan for the gradual elimination of the subsidy granted to different types of engines, through the “Rabla” Program: exclusion of the subsidy for cars with diesel engines in 2025; exclusion of the subsidy for cars with gasoline engines in 2026; exclusion of the subsidy for cars with mild hybrid engines in 2027; exclusion of the subsidy for cars with full hybrid engines in 2028; exclusion of the subsidy for cars with plug-in hybrid engines in 2029; complete elimination, starting with 2030, of the subsidy, including for electric vehicles.
APIA also advocates increasing the maximum value of eligible cars from 75,000 euros to 80,000 euros.
“(…) APIA draws attention to the proposed 3-year term for maintaining ownership of a car purchased through the Rabla Program, considering that this period is excessively long. According to APIA’s expertise, a 1-year term would be more appropriate, allowing greater flexibility for consumers and contributing to increasing the rate of electric cars being put into circulation on the streets of Romania. This measure would stimulate market dynamics and encourage faster renewal of the car fleet,” the association emphasizes.
Another proposal from industry representatives refers to the development of a “Rabla Comercial” program, dedicated to commercial fleets, to address the problem of major polluters in Romania.
“This initiative targets carriers, courier companies and taxi companies, who travel four times more kilometers annually compared to an individual owner. In this regard, APIA was mandated by the Ministry of Environment to develop a first detailed proposal for this program, which could have a significant impact on reducing polluting emissions generated by these categories of vehicles (…) Increasing the subsidy for electric vehicles to 8,500 euros/car, together with measures such as the development of the Commercial Junk program, reducing the ownership term and investing in charging infrastructure, are concrete steps that can position Romania on the right path of electro-mobility. Through these initiatives, APIA reaffirms its role as a trusted partner of authorities and consumers, actively contributing to the transformation of the automotive industry and achieving European decarbonization objectives. Romania can become an example in the region, but this requires firm measures and rapid implementation. “It is time to act together for a greener and more sustainable future,” APIA specialists add.