Thailand reconsiders exemptions on alternative-fuel vehicles, components

The Thai government is currently reconsidering its exemptions on alternative-fuel vehicles and components, reports the Bangkok Post. The Thai Finance Ministry recently permitted local industry leader Toyota Motor Thailand (TMT) to import components for the production of gasoline-electric cars in the country without paying any duties. TMT sought a three-year waiver on import duties, claiming that components such as lithium-ion batteries and electric motors for alternative-fuel vehicles will require that much time to be produced locally. However, Thai Energy Minister Wannarat Charnnukul has urged the finance ministry to reconsider its decision, stating that the overall incentive package for alternative-fuel vehicles should be fair to all automotive players in the country and should not overlap with any existing tax measures for these vehicles. (January 6, 2010)