Italy Ponders Incentives to Aid Car Sales

Italy may offer tax incentives to bolster demand for new cars, Reuters reports.

The news service cites Transport Minister Maurizio Lupi, who says he will review several plans involving both public and private sector vehicles with Italy's industry minister. The measures would then go to the Economy Ministry before being forwarded to Prime Minister Matteo Renzi.

Car sales in Italy grew only 3% in the first half of 2014, half the pace for the EU overall, according to industry group ACEA.

Lupi says the average age of cars on Italian roads is 10 years, compared with a 7-year average for the EU overall.