January 19, 2010

The Announcement regarding Japan’s subsidy scheme for Environmental Friendly Vehicles (“eco-cars”)

1. The Japanese “eco-cars” program is aimed at encouraging the purchase of fuel-efficient vehicles for the purpose of protecting the environment as well as stimulating the economy.

2. This program is non-discriminatory, and in fact, about 43% of the imported vehicles are currently qualified for this program.

3. In order to increase the number of imported vehicles qualified for the program from the standpoint of expanding options for achieving eco-friendly society while stimulating the economy, vehicles imported under the PHP（※） will also be covered by this program if they meet the requirements.

　　（※）The PHP (Preferential Handling Procedure) was introduced in 1986 in response to the request from the U.S. as preferential treatment for imported vehicles whose annual number of sales is 2000 or less.

4. Applicability of vehicles under PHP for the program will be examined by the following preferential treatment, taking into account the promptness and simplicity of the measure.

i. fuel efficiency performance is examined by the official value given by manufacturing countries (ex."LA#4(City) mode in U.S.);

 

gas emission performance is examined by the data obtained from the gas emission test which is currently conducted at the time of importation in PHP procedure.

5. This measure is announced on the 19th of January 2010, and takes effect on the same day. More details regarding how to apply for the subsidy will be decided soon and available through the website of Next Generation Vehicle Promotion Center, dealers of imported cars and so on.

For more information, please contact Mr. Satoshi MIURA, Counselor, of the Embassy of Japan in Washington, DC at 202-238-6713, or Mr. Kimitake NAKAMURA, Counselor, at 202-238-6747.