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The Environmental Protection Department announced today (February 28) details of the incentive scheme for promoting the use of environment-friendly petrol private cars.
Starting from April 1, 2007, buyers of newly registered environment-friendly petrol private cars will enjoy a 30% reduction in the first registration tax, subject to a ceiling of HK$50,000 per car.
A spokesman for the department said that promoting the use of environment-friendly petrol private cars could bring substantial environmental benefits.
"Environment-friendly petrol private cars emit 50% less hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxides and consume 40% less fuel than conventional Euro IV petrol private cars. Owing to their higher fuel efficiency, they emit 40% less carbon dioxide, a key greenhouse gas contributing to global warming," he said.
To help car buyers choose environment-friendly petrol private cars, the department will issue "Environment-friendly Private Car Certificates" to cars complying with the qualifying standards. A vehicle owner who applies with the Transport Department for first registration of his private car which is issued with a valid "Environment-friendly Private Car Certificate" will be entitled to the first registration tax reduction.
"Cars without a valid 'Environment-friendly Private Car Certificate' will not be eligible for the tax reduction. Car buyers should confirm with car vendors the availability of the certificates when considering buying environment-friendly private cars," the spokesman said.
The department will annually review and tighten the qualifying standards in the light of technological advancement to restrict the incentive to cars of truly outstanding emission and fuel efficiency performance. If tightened, the new qualifying standards are to be effective on April 1 each year and petrol private cars meeting only the previous standards will lose their eligibility for the first registration tax reduction.
A list of environment-friendly petrol private car models available on the local market and other details of the scheme are available at the department's website: http://www.epd.gov.hk/epd/english/environmentinhk/air/prob_solutions/environment_friendly_private_cars.html.
Ends/Wednesday, February 28, 2007
Issued at HKT 12:00
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