LTA’s new role fuels talk of emission-based tax [News]

By Christopher Tan, The Straits Times, 6 Dec 2011.

The Land Transport Authority (LTA) will take over the fuel efficiency labelling of cars from the National Environment Agency (NEA) next year – a move that industry players say could pave the way for an emission-based vehicle tax system in the longer term.

Such a taxation system uses the amount of tailpipe emissions to determine how much a motorist pays in road tax or even excise duty, and has been adopted by several countries in recent years.

Asked if this was the eventual plan, an LTA spokesman would say only: ‘As announced by the Minister for Finance at Budget 2011, the Government is undertaking a comprehensive review on measures to promote the adoption of green vehicles, as part of our efforts to promote sustainable development.’ Read more

End Of Road For CNG Cars? [News]

With compressed natural gas (CNG) cars being ineligible for the green vehicle rebate (GVR) and a duty being levied on gas from next year, two reactions have surfaced.

In one camp are the detractors, who say the developments will sound the death knell for the sputtering CNG industry.

In the other are proponents who believe that gas will still be cheaper than other fuels, even with the levy.

The GVR – given out in the last decade to buyers of CNG, petrol- electric hybrid and full-electric cars – reduces the main car registration tax by 40 per cent.

The rebate was supposed to have expired by the end of this year, but it was announced at last week’s Budget that it would be extended until Dec 31 next year.

But not for CNG cars. Read more

Green Vehicle Rebate To Be Extended [News]

Buyers of green cars will get a tax break for another 12 months as the Government looks at new ways to encourage motorists to use these vehicles.

The tax break on hybrid, electric and compressed natural gas (CNG) cars will be extended till Dec 31 next year.

It had been due to expire on Dec 31 this year.

Currently, buyers of such vehicles enjoy 40 per cent off the Additional Registration Fee (ARF), the main car tax, on passenger vehicles.

Even with the rebate, a hybrid Toyota Prius costs $130,988 today, comparable to a Toyota Camry sedan. Read more

Green Mobility 2010

Various forces are converging to make green mobility a reality in the not-too-distant future. The Green Mobility 2010 conference in Shanghai provides an interactive gathering for all the decision-makers, and will cover all critical issues of advanced vehicles including energy resources, batteries, vehicles and infrastructure, with discussions around policy initiatives, energy diversity, technology aspects, and commercialization.

Visit the conference website for details and registration.

Green Fuels & Vehicles China 2010

Green Fuels & Vehicles China 2010

The Innovation & Industrialization in the Coexistence Era of Alternative & Conventional Vehicles

April 8-9, 2010 Shanghai, China

Green Fuels & Vehicles China 2010 — focusing on the alternative fuels & vehicles and green conventional auto industries will highlight updated policy and market outlook, technical innovations, operational & management experiences of alternative fuels, hybrid vehicles, electric vehicles, battery and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, conventional auto, powertrain, engines and emission controls to enlighten the relevant industry participants with long-term technical and business insights, providing the unparalleled global networking platform. Read more