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Poll: Americans like hybrids, want them cheaper

Associated Press

Americans favor tax incentives for buying hybrids, but the government is phasing them out.

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By RICH SHOPES | The Tampa Tribune

Published: May 18, 2009

A recent online poll shows most Americans support hybrid technology in cars but won't buy one until costs come down or fuel savings are even better.

The survey of 2,000 adults in March by Harris Interactive indicates close to 90 percent believe the United States must become a global leader in producing hybrid technology to reduce dependence on foreign oil, create jobs and curb CO2 emissions.

The same survey, however, faults the cars for being too expensive. Eighty percent said costs and insufficient fuel savings would discourage them from buying a hybrid.

The survey, which was released last week, also shows 84 percent of those surveyed support government tax incentives and credits to make hybrids more affordable. That finding, though, comes as the federal government is phasing out the credits.

Johnson Controls, which manufactures batteries for hybrid cars, among other things, commissioned the study.

Reporter Rich Shopes can be reached at (813) 259-7633.

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