Historic vehicles are exempt - but lobbyists, MPs and YouTubers want younger cars protected too
The European Commission’s yet-to-beratified plans changing how scrap (ELV. or cars get recycled has come under fire from the classic car community. which is worried that it could stop restorations and dilute the pool of future classics.
Concerns grew when the website, EuroWeekly News, and YouTuber, Geoff Buys Cars, brought key documents (proposals to Regulations (EU) 2018/858 and (EU) 2019/1020 repealing Directives 2000/53/EC and 2005/64/EC) to the attention of historic vehide fans.
At their heart. the Regulation Proposals seek to increase the number of recycled old cars. retaining more key parts. components and raw materials that could be re-used within Member States, as well as reducing the number of potentially unsafe ELV cars being exported out of the European Union.
‘Right-to-repair’ has become a hot topic in recent years, and the EC’s criteria for defining a car ‘technically irreparable’ (i.e. scrap) contained inside the Regulation Proposal Annex., continues to ruffle feathers. Its documents speak of ‘what cannot be repaired or replaced.’
While the Regulation Proposals do not rule out the gathering and purchase of spares from scrapped cars, the Regulations deem a car ‘technically irreparable’ if repairs to its running gear exceed its market value, it burns out, or suffers water damage.
Stakeholders argued that the proposals needed more clarity. “Where would they draw the line?” asked classic car dealer Zak Mattin. of IGM Pedigree Classics. “Are they going to draw the line at us putting a new bulkhead in the car. which as you know, old Mercedes SLs and Land Rovers often need as part of a restoration? Who’s going to be appointed to decide what’s acceptable and what isn’t?”
YouTuber, Steph Holloway, agreed. -The EU risk ushering us into a world where cars are more disposable than ever, and with the Earth’s resources being more finite yearon-year, should we not look more towards preservation and repair than outright replacement?”
Worldwide historic vehide lobbyist group. the Federation International des Vehicules Anciens (FIVA), of which the Federation of British Historic Vehicle Groups (FBHVC) is a member. realised what the update ELV Regulations could mean for classic car enthusiasts. It sought — and got — exemptions for historic vehicles aged 30 and over (historic vehicle exemptions start at 40 years in the UK).
Gautam Sen, Vice President External Relations. FIVA. said: -This is about the renewal of existing vehicle waste legislation, in which there exists already an exemption for historic vehicles. As this exemption will remain, we don’t see a direct threat in this proposed legislation.”
Said exemptions, however, leave older, perfect, serviceable ca
