Toyota asks Thai government for large hybrid tax breaks
Toyota's Thailand arm is lobbying the government for hybrid tax incentives. The nation's biggest automaker is hoping authorities will incentivize its Dual Synergy Drive hybrids with engines larger than 3.0-liters.
For its part, the Thai government already allots a 10-percent excise tax on sub 3.0-liter hybrids, but the cars remain unpopular, in part due to huge import tariffs (reportedly in excess of 80 percent!). However, the country has recently signed a number of free trade agreements that will go a long way towards leveling the playing field as early as next year.
That said, Toyota's request appears unlikely to be granted, as it is reportedly against government policy to encourage the use of larger vehicles that demand more resources.
[Sources: ThaiDay; Lexus]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Ted K 8:23PM (5/02/2006)
There is no excuse what so ever to give tax breaks to large hybrids.
They are LUXURY vehicles, not economic ones. This is as absurd as American white-collar business owners picking up big rebates on an H2 as a work truck. Yeah, for "work", right.
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John 8:38PM (5/02/2006)
I vote NO to Toyota. This is just too out of line, and reduces Toyota Thailand's image as a good corporate citizen.
In America with big land OK. Drive that thing in Asia? That thing that is the size of 3 or 4 normal people cars? No one in Asia but the President, and his immediate officers of a nation should drive that.
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shiznannigan 10:45PM (5/02/2006)
I agree with Ted K. I'm not too keen on my tax dollars subsidizing hybrid SUVs that get the same mileage as my regular 'ol midsize car.
A truly competitive car should be able to sell without the government throwing money (and special privelages like HOV lane usage) at buyers.
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Krishna Das 11:35PM (5/02/2006)
In that part of the world, corruption rules. Keep the government happy, one can get away with anything.
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