Romanian car dealers raise alarm over suspended scrappage grant scheme amid deficit concerns
<p>Romania’s major automotive associations have voiced concern after the Government suspended its flagship 2025 scrappage grant scheme, citing fiscal constraints.</p>

<p>The Association of Motorcycle Importers and Distributors in Romania (AIDMM) and the Association of Automobile Manufacturers and Importers of Romania (APIA) have criticized the move, calling it a political decision that threatens both industry stability and public trust. There is, however, a silver line: with the car dealers’ turnover, the country’s trade deficit will narrow.</p>

<p>The suspension, which comes amid a widening budget deficit, affects the Rabla Clasic and Rabla Plus programs—key initiatives that supported the purchase of low-emission vehicles through subsidies and scrappage incentives (grants).&nbsp;</p>

<p>The announcement follows earlier protests from individual electricity producers—known as prosumers—over delays in receiving grants for photovoltaic (PV) panels. These initiatives were part of a wider package of green subsidies targeting households and companies, affected by the energy transition.</p>

<p>The Government has not specified whether the scrappage scheme or PV grants will be permanently canceled or resumed later in the year.<br />
Critics argue that while green subsidies benefit recipients, they risk distorting market dynamics.</p>

<p>(Photo: <a href="https://www.dreamstime.com/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">Cateyeperspective/ Dreamstime</a>)</p>

<p><em>iulian@romania-insider.com</em></p>