By Rachel Kelly, Channel NewsAsia | Posted: 03 June 2009 2045 hrs
SINGAPORE: Governments, companies and individuals worldwide are gaining interest in issues related to climate change, and becoming more environmentally aware. And this is taking business down a new path.
Japanese car maker Toyota announced on Wednesday it will be leasing 200 plug-in hybrid cars by the end of the year in Japan to boost sales of green cars.
Over in the US, President Barack Obama has just signed a new bill aimed at increasing gas mileage and decreasing green house gas pollution for all new trucks and cars sold in the US.
The move will force US car makers to dramatically boost the efficiency of cars and trucks by 2016.
The programme begins with car models made in 2012.
Meanwhile, China has already announced plans to become the world's largest producer of electric cars, with US$1.5 billion ($10 billion Yuan) package for research and development.
Cash rebates of up to US$8,800 will also be on offer for electric car purchases.
Over in Japan, the major car brands have been picking up speed when it comes to hybrid vehicles. They want to tap into the growing popularity of hybrid cars.
Just last month, Nissan saw orders for its eco-friendly cars jump 30 per cent on year.
Toyota has received pre-sales orders of more than 80,000 vehicles for its remodelled Prius hybrid.
Interest in green vehicles in Japan may have been boosted by the government's new tax incentives for low-emission cars.
This is a growing trend worldwide, with more countries offering tax incentives for such cars and imposing emission caps.
And soon, owning a green vehicle will move from being a trend to a must. - CNA /ls
From ChannelNewsAsia.com; see the source article here.
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