August 18, 2008
Mercedes & VW Clean Diesels Get Tax Credit
MONTVALE,
N.J. - Mercedes-Benz new line of
Bluetec vehicles will join Volkswagen’s Jetta TDI as clean-diesel vehicles that
qualify for the IRS’ alternative-powertrain tax credit. It used to be that just
hybrid vehicles qualified for the credit, but the advance of clean-diesel
technology has allowed the two German automakers to secure the coveted tax
break for their diesel lines, according to http://blogs.cars.com.
The credits only count toward the first 60,000 units sold,
and they vary depending on a vehicle’s fuel economy. For instance, the Benz
ML320 Bluetec qualifies for a $900 rebate, but step up to the GL320 and you’re
looking at a $1,800 credit. The Jetta TDI is on sale now, and the Bluetec line
will hit showrooms in October.