12-24-2005, 11:16 AM
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2006 Hybrid Tax Credits... Stinks of Politics!!
http://www.cnn.com/2005/AUTOS/tipsan...its/index.html
OK. Tax credits on hybrids is always good, especially if they can offset the cost of the hybrid system (and make it free to the consumer). But if you read this article, one thing will probably jump out at you...
The amount of the credit is based on the vehicle's fuel economy as compared to a similar 2002 model-year vehicle. To get any credits at all, a vehicle must get at least 25 percent better fuel economy than a similar 2002 vehicle.
I find that restriction a bit alarming. Obviously, lawmakers are favoring US manufacturers with this 2002 rule. Japan has been selling innovative and efficient hybrids long before 2002, and therefore will NOT qualify for these big tax breaks. Lagging US companies to date only have the Escape, which itself is licensed Toyota technology. And the rule will make it so that GM's planned hybrid trucks and SUVs that make a 2-3mpg improvement will receive heavy tax credits, but buyers of 70mpg Insights will get NOTHING. I wouldn't be surprised at all if US corporations have been doing some heavy lobbying to get this rule put into the law, so that their inferior cars can actually compete with the Prius, Civic, and upcoming hybrids like the Camry.
This is ridiculous. Lawmakers are swayed by special interests (US auto companies) at the cost of true progress (actually setting MPG standards).
[edit] OOPS, could a mod please change the title? It's misspelled and I don't want to look like a total fool in my first forum post... 
Last edited by Jason; 12-24-2005 at 01:39 PM.
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