Hybrid Vehicles Dead? Toyota Prius sales soar in January
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.
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Labels: Camry hybrid, Congress, Foreign Oil Dependency, global warming, Highlander hybrid, Hybrid Vehicles, lexus rx400h, tax credits, toyota, toyota prius
posted by Dahcredyns at
12:28 PM
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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!
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