Barf, gag.

But Toyota has the highest credits on those 60,000 units-and they actually will benefit now and next quarter from everyone who wants to take advantage of the credits.

Technically they could sell 1,000,000 hybrids between today and August 31, 2006 if they have them to sell and all 1,000,000 would be eligible for the credits at 100%. After that quarter, the next cars would get 50% and then 25% the next quarter. So it still is a benefit to Toyota, its dealers and customers.

Toyota has the highest tax credits because their product, particularly the 2nd generation Prius has the highest qualifications achieved the greatest improvements in both gas mileage and emissions over the same class of product from the benchmark year 2002.

I the real world, however, it would be quite impossible (due primarily to the manufacturing constraints imposed by the battery production availability) for Toyota to US-deliver much more than another 60,000 or so more hybrid units before the end of September, at which time the tax credit gets cut to $1,575 for the Prius, and $1,300 for the Camry and Highlander Hybrids.

Slow comers to the game will continue to be able to market a product with a full rebate for several years to come, while Toyota products will have none.

David
Connecticut

ON ORDER AS OF MAY 15 - WILL REPLACE CURRENT PRIUS:
2006 Prius #7 (NL) Navigation Package, Color Choices: First: Magnetic Gray, Second: Seaside Pearl, Dark Gray interior

2005 Prius #6 (BC) Navigation/Bluetooth Package, Tideland Pearl, Ivory interior, 18K miles, September 10, 2005
Coastal E Tech mods: EV mode switch, auto door lock, power outlet mod, navigation/bluetooth override, mud guards


2000 Toyota Tacoma 4X4, TRD Xtracab, loaded, Black

If looking at the number of platforms HSD is in (mid-size sedan, full-size sedan, performance sedan, SUV)...also looking at the relative improvements per the credit criteria (lower emissions and higher MPG versus earlier 2002? models)...then HSD seems to be worth more $$ credit. Toyota is just playing the game that the credit put forth on the table.

cheers,
Curt.

'04 Seaside Pearl #7. Fumoto oil drain, mudflaps, rear bumper scuff protector & rear warn system, compass mirror, EV mode button, 8" subwoofer in right rear cubby & 6" subs under seats, power lumbar in the front seats, Coastaletech hitch w/ Aspen bike/snowboard rack. iPod2car, 2 amps, Alpine component speakers, and DVD video, solid 47 MPG @ 70000 miles.

geezz, if the difference of the tax credit is only $600 to $900. Consider that the THC is exempt from the HOV lane in California while the HCH benefits from it. If your in the SF Bay area or LA area, IMO, the HOV benefit is far superior than $900 in credits.

I rather have my sanity spare during traffic than fork up an extra $900 bucks.