Where Were You While We Were Getting Hybrids?

From the Roth & Company Tax Update blog via the TaxProf:

Poor Toyota. The tax law that has the government pay a rebate to buyers of "hybrid" cars only subsidizes 60,000 vehicles for each manufacturer. Toyota has hit its ceiling, and sales have fallen off [after the $3600 tax credit expired on October 1st.] Toyota wants more welfare.

What better welfare could Toyota get than having municipalities buying Penises Priuses (Priii?). This is from the Ames Tribune yesterday:

The Ames City Council waived its formal bidding requirements in its meeting Tuesday night, which will allow the city to purchase its first hybrid car.

A Toyota Prius will be purchased from Wilson Cadillac-Toyota-Scion of Ames for the amount of $23,319.

The hybrid will take the place of a sedan currently owned by the city, which is scheduled for replacement this fiscal year.

Usually a newer, pre-owned sedan for an approximate cost of $16,000 would be purchased as a replacement, but because of high fuel costs and in attempt to reduce emissions of exhaust, environmentally friendly efforts are being taken by Fleet Services.

Fleet Services manages all purchases and coordination of Ames' automotive fleet and has initiated a conservation and reduction program, which includes experimentation with a hybrid vehicle.

The vehicle will be primarily used by Don Kom, electric services director of Ames, and its performance will be monitored to use for future vehicle purchases.

"The economics don't really pay out, but the environment is improved because you're burning less fuel," said Paul Hinderacker, director of Ames Fleet Services.

Gee, they're only about 60 days late to take advantage of the $3600 tax credit.

And wouldn't the environment be improved even more if they gave Don Kom a Sunvee, a Xebra, or a Rhoades Car instead?


Related: Hybrid = Sucker