Sunday Times 14 Feb 10;
I refer to last Monday's report, 'Tax breaks to pave way for greener cars: EDB proposes big rebates to encourage plug-in hybrids'.
The Economic Development Board (EDB) does not advocate new tax breaks for hybrid cars.
On the point in the report that the EDB is arranging for hybrids in Singapore to be converted into plug-ins, I want to clarify that we have no such plan.
The EDB is working closely with other government agencies and the industry to encourage R&D and test-bedding of greener vehicles in Singapore. The Transport Technology Innovation and Development Scheme (Tides), jointly administered by the EDB and the Land Transport Authority , exempts vehicles used for R&D and test-bedding from certificate of entitlement, registration fee, additional registration fees, road tax and Customs duties.
Since its launch in 2001, Tides has supported R&D and test-bedding of various technologies, including vehicle fuel systems, vehicle power and drive-train systems. The EDB is reviewing the scheme to better support the electric vehicle test-bedding programme. Plug-in hybrids already qualify for support under Tides.
Kelvin Wong
Programme Director, Urban Solutions
Singapore Economic Development Board
