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Ford Welcomes Advance Vehicle Tax Credits

30 June 1999

Ford Welcomes Advance Vehicle Tax Credits

    WASHINGTON, June 29 -- Representative Robert T. Matsui
(D-5th -CA) introduced legislation that would give up to $4,000 in consumer
tax credits for electric vehicles and fuel cell-powered vehicles and from $500
to $4,000 for hybrid vehicles until 2007.

    The following can be attributed to Janet Mullins, vice president,
Washington Affairs, Ford Motor Company:

    We welcome this legislation, and commend the administration for working
with the automotive industry to find solutions for environmental issues that
work for consumers.  This legislation complements research efforts underway
between the government and industry to encourage quick development of advanced
technologies while reducing the cost premium for consumers.  At Ford, we
continue to invest more than 50 percent of our annual research and development
funds into environmental initiatives.  Ford's TH!NK and Ranger electric
vehicles and fuel-celled and hybrid vehicles under development should all
qualify for the tax credits outlined in this legislation.