Hybrid-hungry southwestern CT drivers not phased by future rebate cuts

Amid sky-high gas prices, the fuel efficient hybrid cars sold so well for Toyota that the government is slashing tax-back promises for Hybrid buyers. Under federal law, once a manufacturer sells 60,000

News 12 Staff

Sep 30, 2006, 12:07 AM

Updated 6,647 days ago

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Amid sky-high gas prices, the fuel efficient hybrid cars sold so well for Toyota that the government is slashing tax-back promises for Hybrid buyers.
Under federal law, once a manufacturer sells 60,000 hybrids, the tax credits promised to future owners are cut in half. Toyota is the only company to reach that standard. State Representative Chris Perone, of Norwalk, sits on the state environment committee says he got his hybrid because of the tax back incentives. Some hybrid owners say they received nearly $5,000 tax credit after buying their environmentally friendly vehicles. One owner thanks his hybrid for only having to fill his gas tank once in six weeks. Stamford car dealers note that even with less of a return, hybrids save drivers from spending their money on record high gas prices.
The cut in Toyota?s tax incentives begins October 1. Companies like Ford and Honda still come with full tax credits as they have yet to reach the federal quota.