According to a press release from the VDA, the number of classic cars with H license plates in Germany rose again in 2013. At the turn of the year, 279,250 cars were registered with H license plates. This means that the number of vehicles grew by 9.9 percent last year compared to the previous year.
In total, there are around 314,000 historic motor vehicles with H license plates in Germany - in addition to passenger cars, this also includes motorcycles, commercial vehicles, tractors and other vehicles. H license plates are intended for classic vehicles that are at least 30 years old.
"We are delighted about the constantly growing interest in historic vehicles. Classic cars are technical cultural assets and deserve special protection," explained Matthias Wissmann, President of the German Association of the Automotive Industry (VDA). The distinguishing feature of a genuine classic car is the H license plate. Classic cars with an H license plate have a standard, reduced rate of motor vehicle tax of 191 euros. Wissmann emphasized: "Classic cars are a small minority of all motor vehicles. They should continue to be able to drive on public roads without any problems, because they are great popular vehicles and 'driving proof' of our successful automotive history."
VW Beetle at the top
The VW Beetle remains at the top of the list of models with H license plates: 29,135 Beetles with H license plates were registered on January 1, 2014 (up 7.9 percent).
Mercedes-Benz W123 vehicles built between 1975 and 1986 remain in second place. On the reporting date, 11,704 W123s were registered with H license plates (up 32 percent) - the number is currently rising sharply because many of these vehicles are over the 30-year age limit.
This is followed by another Mercedes-Benz: the number of"SL" model series 107 (9,051 vehicles) grew by 12.5 percent. The Porsche 911/912 has climbed to fourth place, with the number of registered 911s and 912s with H license plates rising by a good 17 percent to 7,618 vehicles.
Generation change?
The Mercedes-Benz "Stroke Eight" took fifth place with 6,778 units. The declining trend for this type, which is also evident in vehicles such as the Opel Rekord, Ford Taunus and Mercedes-Benz "tail fins", indicates that vehicles from the 1960s have apparently passed their popularity peak. Accordingly, there is also a "generation change" in the favor of owners of classic cars.
2/3 with H license plates
On behalf of the VDA, the Federal Motor Transport Authority regularly compiles a detailed analysis of vehicles with H license plates. 62.2 percent of all registered passenger cars older than 30 years have an H license plate. Only these vehicles are subject to special exemptions, such as exemption from driving bans in low emission zones. In addition to the minimum age of 30 years, the vehicles must be technically flawless and in their original condition.
The top 15
| Rank | Make | Type | H license plate as of 1.1.2014 | H-Cz. as at 1.1.2013 | Change % |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Volkswagen | VW Beetle | 29135 | 27002 | 7.9 |
| 2 | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes W 123 | 11704 | 8869 | 32 |
| 3 | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes SLR 107 | 9051 | 8048 | 12.5 |
| 4 | Porsche | Porsche 911/912 | 7618 | 6489 | 17.4 |
| 5 | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes ,,/8" | 6778 | 7145 | -5.1 |
| 6 | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes "tail fin" | 4905 | 4987 | -1.6 |
| 7 | Volkswagen | VW Bus and Trapo | 4418 | 4418 | 0 |
| 8 | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes "Pagoda" | 4140 | 4155 | -0.4 |
| 9 | Opel | Opel Kadett | 3390 | 3313 | 2.3 |
| 10 | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes W 116 | 3231 | 3195 | 1.1 |
| 11 | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes W 108/109 | 3052 | 3064 | -0.4 |
| 12 | BMW | Series 02 | 2786 | 2748 | 1.4 |
| 13 | Opel | Opel Rekord/Olympia | 2658 | 2758 | -3.6 |
| 14 | Alfa Romeo | Spider | 2610 | 2368 | 10.2 |
| 15 | Volkswagen | Karmann Ghia | 2366 | 2332 | 1.5 |
Further information can be found on the VDA website.
