Plug-ins get jump from stimulus law; Diesel supporters: New tax credits play favorites.(NEWS)

Automotive News, March, 2009

Byline: Harry Stoffer

The federal government is turning up the juice on tax breaks for plug-in vehicles.

The new economic stimulus law will make hundreds of thousands of additional buyers of plug-ins eligible for tax credits of as much as $7,500. The credits should boost sales of the upcoming Chevrolet Volt and its derivatives, as well as plug-ins from other automakers.

But critics say the measure challenges the principle that government should set performance standards for vehicles, rather than pick technological winners and losers. In this instance, diesel is a notable loser.

"We are disappointed, said Allen Schaeffer, executive director of the Diesel Technology Forum, an industry-supported group that promotes diesel. ...

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