The environmental impact of pollutive cars is becoming an increasingly discussed topic. Vehicles with high CO2 emissions significantly contribute to air pollution, smog, and the accumulation of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. As a result, reducing the number of older, high-emission cars on the roads has become a critical global concern.

The Association of Automotive Intelligence is actively working towards addressing this issue and enhancing the quality of used cars in different markets worldwide. In such countries as Romania, where the average age of used vehicles is among the highest in the EU, improving the condition and emissions performance of used cars is of paramount importance to create a more sustainable and healthier future.

How do pollutive vehicles land on Romanian roads, posing a risk not only for the planet but also for people’s health and wellbeing?

Why do Eastern markets absorb older cars with greater CO2 emissions?

Many countries in Western Europe are at the forefront of implementing policies to reduce pollution, encouraging the adoption of low-emission or alternative fuel vehicles. Compared to Eastern European countries, many of which have just started taking steps towards cleaner transportation, in the West, you’ll often find stricter emissions regulations and higher taxes on pollutive cars, making it challenging for used car sellers to sell them locally.

Another reason why Westerners see Eastern Europe as their go-to-market for selling used cars is potential future expenses. Pollutive cars, typically those with higher emissions and lower fuel efficiency, are more expensive to maintain in the long run. Older engines and car components are more prone to mechanical wear and tear, lack advanced emissions control systems, and, therefore, might require more frequent repairs and testing. Over time, such vehicles also consume more fuel to travel the same distance.

While drivers in the West choose not to invest in such cars, many Easterners may simply not have the purchasing power to buy newer, more fuel-efficient vehicles. Therefore, older, cheaper cars become more accessible to a larger population segment.

Westerners are also quicker to change their priorities as they experience a growing sense of sustainability in their daily lives, including the automotive sector. For instance, Volkswagen’s “Dieselgate” scandal in the US, when the automotive giant was discovered to use a “defeat device” in certain vehicles, allowing them to emit much higher levels of harmful pollutants than permitted by law, had not only financial consequences but also contributed to a significant shift in consumer attitude towards diesel vehicles.

“Exporting all these older vehicles from Western countries is mutually beneficial for drivers in the West as their car fleets gets cleaner but in the East, too. Drivers in Eastern markets get wider selection when the used car market is refreshed with fresh deliveries from West Europe” - explains Matas Buzelis, the President of the Association of Automotive Intelligence.

Romanians find a way around stricter regulations

Despite growing environmental concerns, the prevalence of older cars in the Romanian used car market is still high. Romanians buy pollutive vehicles for various reasons, including financial, cultural and social factors, and a lack of regulatory measures.

For instance, many Romanians find it more appealing to buy an older car due to lower costs and fewer taxes on the car purchase. More fuel-efficient and environmentally friendly cars, such as electric vehicles or hybrids, are more expensive upfront than traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, making older, affordable cars drivers’ first choice. The decision is additionally reinforced by lower labor costs compared to Western countries, enabling cheaper car repairs.

Another determining factor for buying older cars in Romania is the absence of low-emission zones (LEZ). In areas without LEZs, older cars “don’t need” to meet modern emissions standards and can operate freely; therefore, they might still have relatively high market value. Yet, to overcome existing regulations, some individuals might try registering their pollutive vehicles in regions or cities with more lenient emissions regulations or enforcement.

Some Romanian citizens bypass environmental taxes by registering cars in Bulgaria, exploiting a cost-saving loophole across borders, and driving higher polluting cars back in Romania." says Andrei Ursuleanu, CEO at Joydev. This E-commerce platform promotes the adoption of new and environmentally friendly cars in Romania.

Cultural and social factors also shape individual and societal preferences when buying older cars, as they influence people’s perceptions and values related to vehicle ownership. For example, certain types of cars might be seen as a symbol of status or carry specific cultural connotations, leading to purchasing older, pollutive cars.

Why drivers need to take fuel consumption and emissions into account

Buying an older car that you can afford may seem like a good idea at first, but it can have a significant impact on both the environment and your wallet. Higher mileage and engine stress caused by inefficient combustion often lead to more wear and tear, which, in turn, increases maintenance and repair costs over time. Not to mention the correlation between low fuel efficiency and rising fuel prices.

Moreover, older cars can have more historical accident records. This tendency is related to technological advancements in newer cars, different safety standards, structural integrity of a vehicle, natural wear and tear, etc. Therefore, older cars are typically less reliable and more prone to mechanical failures or malfunctions that increase the likelihood of accidents.

Beyond financial and safety issues, vehicles with higher fuel consumption and emissions reduce the efforts to combat climate change while also significantly contributing to health issues caused by harmful pollutants.

If you’re considering purchasing a used car, it’s recommended to thoroughly research its history, undergo a comprehensive inspection, and prioritize its efficiency, safety features, and maintenance to contribute to a healthier planet while also reaping the rewards of reduced running expenses.