|
Hybrid
vehicles losing their appeal? Toyota Prius sales soar in
January
Thursday,
February 1, 2007
Are
hybrid vehicles losing their appeal?
Despite lower gas prices and a federal tax credit that was
reduced by 50 percent, the Toyota
Prius had its best January on record, selling 8,299
units. The Camry
hybrid posted sales of 2,801 units, the Highlander
hybrid reported 1,810 sales, while the Lexus
RX400h reported 1,245 units sold.
So, if Toyota sold more than 14,000 hybrid
cars in January with only a reduced tax credit, how
many more would Toyota have sold if it still qualified for
the full tax credit? Considering the seriousness of
foreign oil dependency, pollution and global warming, it
is simply silly that Toyota is being punished for being
too successful doing the right thing.
On the other hand, GM and DaimlerChrysler have yet to sell
one full hybrid vehicle. Obviously, the clean
vehicle tax credit isn't putting as many hybrids on
the road as possible, nor is it driving competition among
automakers to make the most fuel efficient automobiles.
If Congress wants to create an incentive for automakers to
increase fuel efficiency, they should extend the tax
credit for another year or two and forget the cap. Nothing
would push automakers more than the threat of Toyota
selling 500,000 hybrid vehicles or more per year. Congress
should stop babysitting the Big 3 and focus on creating
the kind of competition that gives America a chance to end
foreign oil dependency and to fight global warming.
C'mon, Congress. Extend
tax credits now!
posted
by Dahcredyns at
|
