The purpose of the scrappage subsidy is to renew the car fleet

This opinion piece counters a recent Helsingin Sanomat editorial that criticized the car scrappage subsidy. The author contends that the subsidy's emissions reduction impact, estimated at 10,000 tons of carbon dioxide annually, is significant, especially given the challenges in reducing transport emissions. The piece highlights that approximately half of the cars acquired through the subsidy are fully electric, zero-emission vehicles, demonstrating a substantial difference in emissions compared to older cars being scrapped. These older vehicles, averaging 23 years in age, also contribute disproportionately to local air pollution. Contrary to the editorial's assertion that the subsidy favors the wealthy, the author cites three follow-up studies on the scrappage scheme. These studies indicate that recipients are typically younger, have lower incomes, and are often women compared to the average new car buyer. The article also addresses the suggestion that the subsidy should target used electric cars to enhance social equity. It argues that such a redirection would not increase the number of electric cars in the fleet, as it relies on someone first purchasing a new electric vehicle. Furthermore, the author points out that subsidies for new cars generate significant tax revenue for the state, unlike those for used vehicles. Ultimately, the piece reiterates that the car scrappage subsidy's core purpose is to renew the vehicle fleet, cut emissions, and improve road safety, while also stimulating demand in the automotive market. It clarifies that the subsidy is not intended as a social policy instrument.