How is the hybrid tax credit going to be effected by the new EPA tests for the 2008 models?

Looking at how they figure the credit, the hybrid fuel economy is compared to the fuel economy of a similar car in 2002. Since they can't test a 2002 model with the new tests, how will the do the calculations? Will they continue to use the current tests for the purpose of determining the credit only or will they use the new numbers?

I am planning on purchasing a 2008 Mercury Mariner Hybrid and this has been a worry of mine since I heard of the new tests last month.

I wouldn't worry about it. The new EPA test shouldn't affect Ford as much as say Toyota. If you look at the Mileage database, the Ford's are pretty close to the EPA rating already.
When I have some time, I'll review the IRS test procedures to confirm my assumption and I'll post some numbers.

After some thought, I realized that they would probably adjust the 2002 numbers to reflect the new test. If they didn't it would be apples & oranges. The new test incorporates the old, so maybe they would use the old numbers for purposes of the credit calculation.

Assuming they make no adjustments and use the new EPA numbers, after some rough (really rough) calculations you may see a reduction in the credit at about 30mpg to around $1700. At 26mpg you'd probably get a credit of $650.

Again, these are very rough estimates based on unknown variables.

Enjoy the vehicle for what it is. There are better reasons to buy a hybrid vehicle than getting a tax credit.

Thanks for your help. I know there are more reasons than the tax credit. I've wanted a hybrid for about 6 years now (I'm an engineer so the technology thing has really driven me to them) since i saw the mods that my college did for the Future Car/Truck competitions. The tax credit just helps to make it more affordable.

I emailed Ford and they said according to their resources, the tax credit will be $3000 for the FWD and $2200 for the AWD. That's an increase over the last year's models. The press release last week about pricing stated that the MPG of the hybrids is improved by 3 mpg. Based on this, I am assuming they are using the old tests to determine that tax credit, but there's still no definite answer.

Thanks again for your help nomorebenz.