************************************************************
The Environmental Protection Department (EPD) announced today (March 29) that it will introduce flexible arrangement on the model of the new vehicle (including the brands of the vehicles) when processing the application for the grant to replace pre-Euro and Euro I diesel commercial vehicles, in response to the requests of the transport trades.
Under the existing arrangement, vehicle owners who have already placed orders for new commercial vehicles on or before March 31, 2010, may submit an application on or before April 7, 2010, for retaining their eligibility for the grant until March 31, 2011. However, to be eligible for the grant, the new vehicle must be of the same model as that shown in the application.
EPD held a meeting with representatives of the transport trades late last week. After the meeting, the EPD introduced more flexibility to the grant scheme on the replacement of pre-Euro and Euro I diesel commercial vehicles in response to the transport trades' requests. Under the relevant arrangement, vehicle owners who have obtained approval to retain their eligibility for the grant can change the model of the new vehicle (including other brands) with the prior approval from EPD.
"If an owner wishes to change to a different vehicle model (including other brands) for the replacement vehicle after he receives approval to retain his eligibility for the grant, he should apply to the EPD for the change. The EPD will review applications on a case-by-case basis and inform applicants of the result in writing. If the application to change the model of the new vehicle is approved, the vehicle owner must meet all the other requirements of the scheme and submit the application for the first registration of the new vehicle and the grant on or before March 31, 2011, in order to be issued the grant," the EPD spokesman said.
Ends/Monday, March 29, 2010
Issued at HKT 21:26
NNNN
