Hatch seeks tax credits for hybrid-car buyers

A coalition of automakers and environmentalists backing the tax credits says that hybrid sales need to ratchet up significantly to make a difference in reducing the U.S. dependence on foreign oil.

"I wouldn't be surprised if we double or more than double hybrid sales in 2005 over 2004, but we're still only talking 1 percent of the (car) market," said David Friedman of the Union of Concerned Scientists.

The Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers and General Motors are pushing to expand the credits to include so-called "mild hybrids" and "clean diesel" vehicles.

"What we would like to see is a bill that provides consumer tax credits for all advanced technologies — one that does not pick winners and losers," said Eron Shosteck, a spokesman for the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers.

The Silverado and Sierra pickup trucks — two mild hybrids from GM — include some hybrid features, producing a gain in fuel efficiency that ranges from 10 percent to 20 percent. Environmentalists have opposed tax credits for the trucks because they average less than 20 miles per gallon.

New-generation diesel cars average about 30 percent better fuel efficiency than conventional cars and trucks, but they emit more of some pollutants than conventional vehicles and rely on petroleum-based fuel.

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Contributing: Dennis Romboy, Deseret Morning News