New plans to support the sales and use of alternative-fuel vehicles, including cars and trucks that run on hydrogen and natural gas instead of just those that run on electricity, were announced by President Obama. Mr. Obama also proposed increasing the current $7,500 tax credit for advanced technology vehicles to a maximum of $10,000 that would be broadened to include more than plug-in cars. Speaking at a Daimler truck factory, the president proposed a 50% tax credit to cover the additional cost of alternative fuel trucks.
New plans to support the sales and use of alternative-fuel vehicles, including cars and trucks that run on hydrogen and natural gas instead of just those that run on electricity, were announced by President Obama. Mr. Obama also proposed increasing the current $7,500 tax credit for advanced technology vehicles to a maximum of $10,000 that would be broadened to include more than plug-in cars. Speaking at a Daimler truck factory, the president proposed a 50% tax credit to cover the additional cost of alternative fuel trucks.
Ford will offer its MyFord Touch infotainment system with four real climate control and radio knobs and numerous audio preset and climate buttons on its 2013 F-series Super Duty pickups. Consumers have complained about the lack of knobs and buttons on other MyFord Touch-equipped vehicles. Ford says it is offering the large knobs and buttons because truck customers are often wearing work gloves and the knobs make the controls easier to use.
Federal regulators heard concerns that regulations covering nonbinding rules for embedded electronics could encourage drivers to use more risky portable devices while behind the wheel. The NHTSA proposed guidelines to simplify the operation of on-board devices, but there are fears that even nonbinding guidelines could push drivers to use smart phones not meant to be manipulated while driving.
Motivated by the desire to cut U.S. dependence on foreign oil imports and lower greenhouse emissions, President Obama wants to give natural gas vehicles like the Honda Civic CNG as much tax-credit help as electric vehicles. Conservative organizations funded by the oil lobby are urging senators to vote "no" on a bipartisan measure to expand tax credits for buyers of natural-gas-powered trucks and installation of fueling stations as well as production tax credits for manufacturers of vehicles that run on natural gas.