In The News

Industry seeks truck tax breaks

Truck representatives have written President Obama asking for a short-term 10 percent tax credit towards the purchase of Class 8 trucks with 2010 engines.

The truck dealers, manufacturers and users also requested a “green voucher” incentive for Class 6 and 7 trucks with 2010 engines. The July 20 letter was copied to several congressional committees, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Ron Bloom, senior counsel for manufacturing policy.

In 2009, the sales and manufacturing of commercial vehicles reached historically low levels, with Class 8 truck sales at their lowest levels since 1983.

The tax break would be an incentive for companies and owner-operators to buy newer trucks. The sales would prompt makers and suppliers to soon hire or rehire employees to accommodate more truck orders, according to the letter.

There is a proposed meeting Sept. 2 with White House staffers on the proposed incentives, said Joe Suchecki, public affairs director of the Engine Manufacturers Association. "It is not clear at this time who will be attending," Suchecki said.

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