2013 Chicago Auto Show Attendees are Treated to More Than 40 Eco-Friendly Choices

2013 Chicago Auto Show Attendees are Treated to More Than 40 Eco-Friendly Choices

2013 Chicago Auto Show Attendees are Treated to More Than 40 Eco-Friendly Choices

Chicago Auto Show
February 15, 2013

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Download in Flash Video format - 2:36 - 10MB

Drivers who Purchase Eco-friendly Vehicles are Eligible for Tax Incentives

CHICAGO (February 15, 2013) - The 2013 Chicago Auto Show features 45 electric, hybrid, and diesel vehicles that could save Illinois drivers thousands in fuel costs over the life of the vehicle and make buyers eligible for federal and state tax credits.

The U.S. government offers tax rebates for buyers of electric, range-extended electric, plug-in-hybrid, hybrid and diesel vehicles. The rebates are as follows:

Electric vehicles (EVs) purchased in or after 2010 may be eligible for a federal income tax credit of up to $7,500.
Plug-in hybrid-electric vehicles (PHEVs) purchased in or after 2010 may be eligible for a federal income tax credit of up to $7,500.
Hybrids purchased or placed into service after December 31, 2005 may be eligible for a federal income tax credit of up to $3,400.
Some diesels purchased or placed into service after December 31, 2005 may be eligible for a federal income tax credit of up to $3,400.

The state of Illinois provides various tax incentives for owning an eco-friendly vehicle, and manufacturers are taking advantage of relaying this message to consumers. The Illinois Alternative Fuels Rebate Program offers Illinois residents a $4,000 rebate for EVs and plug-in hybrids, as well as other vehicles powered with alternative fuels.

Another benefit of switching to an electric, hybrid or diesel vehicle in Illinois is that some local municipalities, such as Oak Park, offer vehicle stickers at no charge and allow plug-in vehicle owners to park for free at village-owned parking meters, garages and lots. The state of Illinois also offers a discounted fee of $18 for electric vehicle registration within the state - compared to the standard fee of $99 for conventional fueled vehicles.

"Since 2010, we have seen an increase in the purchases of eco-friendly vehicles in Illinois," said Dave Sloan, president of the Chicago Automobile Trade Association and Chicago Auto Show general manager. "This year, the Chicago Auto Show has more than 40 hybrid and EV models on the show floor, which is the most we've seen from the manufacturers over the last few years. This gives Illinois residents a variety of options that would allow them to qualify for both state and federal tax rebates and incentives."

At the 2013 Chicago Auto Show, many automakers were eager to discuss how their EV, hybrid and clean-diesel vehicles are the future of eco-friendly technology.

Gary Altman, chief engineer of General Motors, small cars sector, says it is all about timing for General Motors. "We feel it is right in the marketplace right now, to offer a vehicle that would give you technology, performance and efficiency." Altman went on to discuss GM's newest eco-friendly model, the Chevy Cruze Turbo Clean Diesel. "Cruze is known for its efficiency. With this application, with the 2-liter turbo clean-diesel, we'll be able to give you the performance alongside that."

The Ford Fusion Energi plug-in is another example of an EV vehicle featured at the 2013 Chicago Auto Show. "It gets 21 miles in all electric mode, and then in gas plus electric it gets 620 miles - which is a best in class range for a sedan right now," says Sean Lightner, program manager of electrified vehicles for Ford.

The types of eco-friendly vehicles on the floor of the Chicago Auto Show include:

Pure Electric (EVs - such as Nissan Leaf & Ford Focus Electric)
Extended Range Electric (such as Chevrolet Volt & Fisker Karma)
Plug-In Hybrid (PHEVs - such as Toyota Prius & Ford Fusion Energi)
Hybrid (HEVs - such as Honda Accord & Lexus CT 200h)
Diesel (Chevrolet Cruze Diesel & Audi A3)

To request the video clips included in this release, please email Jennifer Morand at jmorand@drivechicago.com. For photo and logo assets for download, please visit: http://www.chicagoautoshow.com/media/online_newsroom.aspx.

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About the Chicago Auto Show

The Chicago Auto Show is the largest on the continent, spanning more than 1 million square feet of production, concept, and exotic vehicle exhibit space. In addition to hosting multiple world and North American vehicle debuts, the Chicago Auto Show's First Look for Charity raises more than $2 million annually for 18 worthy Chicago organizations in a single night. The 2013 public show will be February 9-18. For more information please visit ChicagoAutoShow.com or Facebook.com/ChicagoAutoShow.

About The Chicago Automobile Trade Association

Founded in 1904, the Chicago Automobile Trade Association is the nation's oldest and largest metropolitan dealer organization. It is comprised of about 400 franchised new-car dealers and an additional 150 allied members. The group's dealer members employ about 19,000 people in the metropolitan area. The association has produced the world famous Chicago Auto Show since 1935. For more information please visit CATA.info.

The 2013 Chicago Auto Show is officially sanctioned by the International Organization of Motor Vehicle Manufacturers. Founded in Paris in 1919, it is known as the Organisation Internationale des Constructeurs d'Automobiles.

MEDIA INFORMATION
Contact: Mark Bilek
Director of Communications and Technology
Chicago Automobile Trade Association
Office: (630) 424-6082
Cell: (847) 652-0632
Email: mbilek@drivechicago.com

Contact: Jennifer Morand
Senior Public Relations and Social Media Manager
Chicago Automobile Trade Association
Office: (630) 424-6084
Cell: (630) 391-1986
Email: jmorand@drivechicago.com