No menu items!

COSTA RICA'S LEADING ENGLISH LANGUAGE NEWSPAPER

HomeArchiveCosta Rican government vehicles set to 'go green' with new tax break...

Costa Rican government vehicles set to ‘go green’ with new tax break on hybrid cars

The Costa Rican government is betting that if drivers can save some money they’ll be more willing to brave the country’s notoriously potholed roads in a Prius instead of a sports utility vehicle.

On Monday afternoon, the Finance, Transportation and Environment ministries signed an agreement dropping the sales tax on hybrid vehicles to 10 percent from 30 percent, according to a press release.

Environment Minister René Castro said the tax cut on the vehicles makes the hybrid vehicle market more dynamic and facilitates greater access to more efficient cars and trucks.

“This decision tackles the most important challenge regarding emissions – the transportation sector. Costa Rica is moving forward with determination toward that goal of carbon neutrality,” said President Laura Chinchilla, according to the press release. 

Besides incentivizing sales, the decree orders government ministries to modernize their fleets, purchasing vehicles that use hybrid technology or alternative fuels like electricity, natural gas and LNG.

Public and private universities, and trade and technical schools will also be expected to offer curriculum and training for the promotion, maintenance and care of hybrid and alternative fuel vehicles.  

“With these directives we hope to promote both the public and private sectors to actively contribute to the reduction of polluting gas emissions and the achievement of the C-neutrality goal,” Castro said, according to the release.

Costa Rica has pledged to become the world’s first carbon-neutral country by 2021.

The decree was signed Monday by President Chinchilla and Minister Castro, as well as Public Works and Transportation Minister Pedro Castro and Finance Minister José Luis Araya.

Trending Now

Costa Rica National Parks to Measure Tourism Impact

Costa Rica will now be able to measure the impact of tourism in its national parks, thanks to innovative environmental technology from The NeverRest...

Costa Rica Marks National Parks Day with Free Entry This Sunday

As everyone knows by now, our country stands out for its strong focus on protecting the environment. It leads in conservation efforts, manages its...

Panama Canal Warns of Traffic Decline as Economic Uncertainty Grows

The Panama Canal will take in about $400 million less in the next fiscal year due to a drop in ship traffic caused by...

End of Air Canada Strike Brings Relief for Costa Rica-Bound Passengers

Air Canada flight attendants ended their strike Tuesday after reaching a tentative agreement with the airline, paving the way for flights to resume gradually....

The Most Clueless Gringo in Costa Rica: A Satirical Take on Expat Life

If part of your online day includes mindless scrolling through reels, you’ve probably seen the Dos Equis beer parody commercials. The original ads featured the...

Costa Rica’s Role in US Deportation Drama with Salvadoran Migrant

A Salvadoran man at the center of a heated US immigration battle could end up in Costa Rica if he accepts a guilty plea,...
Avatar
spot_img
Costa Rica Coffee Maker Chorreador
Costa Rica Coffee Maker Chorreador
Costa Rica Travel Insurance
Costa Rica Rocking Chait
Costa Rica Travel

Latest News from Costa Rica