Toyota Wants To Ask Uncle Sam To Extend Hybrid Tax Credit

Can't wait for the tax credit for the new clean diesels from VW for the Jetta that will get nearly the same if not higher fuel economy than the Prius.

Isn't it for new technology only?

It's a ridiculous formula that makes no sense. From our government? How could that possibly be?

Yes but are the diesels better for the enviroment?

Sure, less C02 released compared to a normal car.

dally...you're stupid. VW and Mercedes are still selling diesel cars in America.

http://cars.about.com/od/2001/fr/05_passatwagTDI.htm
http://autos.msn.com/advice/article.aspx?contentid=4022218

America have never banned diesel. Only set the restriction higher.

Your comparison is not valid.
Prices of vehicles reflect many factors. Many imports (including the Prius) in Europe are insanely overpriced. But if you had that comparable Citroen in the US, it likely would be more expensive than the Prius. So to use cost of vehicle as a comparison point will never be valid. A more valid comparison would be a locally produced hybrid to a locally produced diesel (or both imported). You also need to look at resale values. In the US, the Prius has some of the highest resale values, the Citroen in Europe cannot say the same.

Also cost of fuel varies. Subsidized diesel is obviously going to be way cheaper in Europe than heavily taxed gasoline. In the US, diesel is way more expensive (40-60 cents higher), negating any savings you might have due to higher mpg.

As for less PM, as I have asked you many times when you make claims, where's the proof? Show the data. Once you found the CO2 data, it disproved that argument you had made that the Prius emits more CO2. How can we believe your argument on PM? The Prius has an AT-PZEV rating in the US. Would the Citroen get that? I dont think so. Not even the Bluetecs do. In fact, Bluetecs cannot even be sold in CA and the other 4 states because they do not meet the base standards of ANY gasoline automobile, let alone the superior emissions of hybrids. Diesels (after 100 years) are just not where hybrids are (after 10 years).

MBZ Bluetec is not certified in California. Period.
PM filters. My point was that if you post a claim, back it up, I shouldnt have to do the research on your factual claims. If you cant back it up, it's not true.
But here's what I have found in my brief efforts.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/prius/partone/story/0,14194,1146584,00.html
"In terms of low-emissions, the Prius demolishes any other car on the road. Particulate matter is non-existent. It has the lowest carbon dioxide emissions of any vehicle on the market - 32% less CO2 comes out of its exhaust than from a normal petrol-burning car. Over the course of a year, the Prius produces more than a tonne less CO2 than even the best medium sized diesels. It is also the best-performing internal combustion production car in the world in terms of smog forming nitrous oxide and HC emissions." PM IS NON-EXISTENT. Their words, not mine.

http://www.findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0CYH/is_12_7/ai_105617528

"PSA/Peugeot's new "fit for life" diesel ... matching U.S. EPA durability requirements for upcoming Tier 2/Bin-5 light-duty exhaust catalyst systems" MATCHING requirements set for gasoline engines. As we see Prius EXCEEDS those requirements.

Now as for your cost argument, I am no expert on Euro tax laws, so I guess I do need an explanation of why a mid sized hatchback Prius costs 14000 more than the Citroen. Because that certainly is not the case in the US. Regardless of tax credits, a hybrid averages less than $3000 over a comparable car with comparable equipment. All I can say is if it is that much of a disparity for what you claim is a comparable car, then someone in European govt is as anti-hybrid as the US (except Autospies apparently) seem to be anti-diesel

The Hybrid Tax Credit is a sham. It rewards manufacturers who create a specific technology, rather than rewarding results (increased fossil fuel mileage and/or very low greenhouse emissions).