Source: European Parliament
Question for written answer E-000378/2025
to the Commission
Rule 144
Liesbet Sommen (PPE)
More than 60 million second-hand cars are sold every year in the EU. Unfortunately, every year, European consumers pay billions of euros too much as a result of odometer fraud. It is estimated on the basis of research that, in connection with domestic and cross-border sales, between 5% and 12% and between 30% and 50%, respectively, of used cars are being manipulated. In spite of the rules under Directive 2014/45/EU, odometer fraud is a criminal offence in only six EU Member States.
Some EU Member States have already set up schemes to combat odometer manipulation, such as ‘Car-Pass’ in Belgium and ‘Nationale Auto Pas’ in the Netherlands. Those schemes have made it more difficult for fraudsters to roll back odometers, without being detected, in vehicles exported to the countries concerned. In Belgium, garages have recently been required to submit descriptions of services carried out. Such schemes are of great value, especially in view of the emergence of the market for second-hand electric vehicles, for which battery integrity is all-important.
In this connection:
- 1.Are steps being taken to implement a similar scheme at European level?
- 2.Will such a scheme be developed as part of the revision of roadworthiness testing rules – the roadworthiness package – and will vehicle category L be included in the scope thereof?
Submitted: 28.1.2025