LAT: Prius Tax Break May Not Last Long

[DeepModem Mom]

Prius Tax Break May Not Last Long
Toyota's hybrid may soon reach the limit on the number of vehicles covered by the program.
By David Colker, Times Staff Writer


If you want a tax break on a new hybrid car, you may have to act fast.

Tax credits for fuel-sipping gasoline-electric cars or sport utility vehicles could total as much as $3,400 — but the award program starts phasing out once an automaker sells 60,000 vehicles. That could quickly shut out many buyers of the market-leading Toyota Prius.

The federal government, which issued guidelines Friday for auto manufacturers that wish to have their vehicles certified for the program, is promoting the credits as a potential boon for the fledgling market for hybrids. Since the first ones went on sale in the U.S. in 1999, they have grown to just more than 1% of total vehicle sales.

American automakers, still trying to catch up to Toyota Motor Corp., may stand to gain the most from the program.

"It could drive more business to the domestics," said Chintan Talati, spokesman for automotive information service Edmunds.com, "because they will be able to offer the tax credit incentive for a longer time."...


http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-hybrid14jan14,0,4500121.story?coll=la-home-headlines&track=morenews

[bluerum]

1. WTF ! The tax break should be increased ! Whats with the morans? eom

[jonnyo]

2. I don't know of any limitations placed on the tax breaks given to big fat

plutocratic oil executives.

[salin]

3. not to mention tax breaks given to hummer buyers.

[AlCzervik]

5. see if the Prius cost $75,000 and weighed a lot more it would quality

[reelcobra]

4. What a bad time to influence consumers away from a green choice!

Hybrids are a great tool in the "war on terror". Better than blowing up "safe houses".

[WhiteTara]

9. you're right reelcobra, we need to encourage

more and more people to more green choices in every area. I heard that the hybrids are getting the milage that people expected, but I have a feeling that they have to learn to drive a new way to get the milage savings, but even if the milage is the same, emitting water is so much better than co2.

BTW, welcome to DU :hi:

[Renew Deal]

6. I picked my Prius up last week.

And I love the car. It fits me well. I hope to get the break next year.

[salin]

8. I've had mine for a month

and I absolutely love it!

[Ready4Change]

7. American automakers: Too late to play ball.

Seen this before.

[FloridaPat]

10. For years you could deduct the cost of a Hummer from your

business taxes. Yes, we really want to be self-sufficient in energy don't we.