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25th May 2000, The Straits Times

Cleaner hybrid cars to be given tax breaks

ENERGY SAVING

By TRACY QUEK

HYBRID vehicles powered by both petrol and electricity could be on the roads here soon. Also on the cards are tax incentives for vehicles which use less energy and emit less pollution, to make them affordable.

The Land Transport Authority (LTA) will work with the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT) on this energy-saving effort.

MCIT's deputy director (Land), Mr Colin Lim, said: "We are looking into bringing in these more environment-friendly vehicles from countries like Japan.

"They are more expensive than conventional vehicles, but with the incentives we hope to make them more affordable."

Car companies like Toyota Motor, Hyundai Motor, DaimlerChrysler and the Ford Motor Company have already produced and are selling hybrid cars.

Toyota, for example, has been selling its hybrid Prius in Japan since 1977. The car is also available in the US and costs about US$20,000 (S$34,650). It is powered by an all-aluminium petrol engine, boosted by an electric motor that is recharged during driving and braking.

However, Mr Lim said the LTA's priority is to promote public transport and that these vehicles will not be made so cheap that people prefer them to public transport.

Five new lines are being built to expand the existing rail network over the next few years.

The Changi Airport line, the North-East line, the Marina line, and the Sengkang and Punggol LRT are expected to be completed by 2005.

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