Japan to include U.S. cars in eco-car subsidy program

Japan decided to make U.S. cars eligible under a subsidy program for the purchase of environment-friendly vehicles. The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) made the decision amid U.S. criticism that the subsidy program excludes American cars. Some 700 U.S. cars sold in Japan are expected to qualify for the program, which is targeted at new cars that meet certain fuel consumption and emission standards, METI officials said. The ministry decided to expand the coverage of the program to ”as many imported cars as possible from the viewpoint of environmental protection and economic stimulation,” METI Minister Masayuki Naoshima told reporters. Although the subsidy program is not limited to domestically produced cars, no car models imported from the United States currently qualify for the program, according to the ministry. (January 19, 2010)