I, too, was intrigued by the title. Countries have some really peculiar laws about cars. In the US they vary by state, so it is even more confusing.

Japan charges more to register a car once it is six years old. This started as a way to boost their auto industry, but it has helped them a lot in controlling pollution. As cars become more efficient, they force the old ones, that pollute the most, off the road.

I know Singapore makes it as difficult and expensive as possible to own a car. Before they had the central business district charge, you could only drive into the center of the city three days a week, depending on the last letter on your license plate. Now you just pay. They charge huge duties on cars, and then charge a fortune to register them. They really don't want people to own cars, and have put a lot of money into expanding the subway system to reach people who live farther out on the island.