Hybrid vehicles are to receive larger tax breaks under new plans from the US government.

US treasury secretary John Snow has announced that hybrids could now earn a tax break of up to $3,000 for their owners.

Speaking while on a visit to car plants in Detroit, MR Snow stated: "The development and use of hybrid vehicles is a key step toward reducing gasoline consumption, emissions of air pollutants and greenhouse gas emissions."

He added: "I commend the manufacturers who are making these energy-efficient and environment-friendly vehicles and hope that the President's energy bill proves to be an important step in their rising prominence on American roads."

The new measures will also relate to fuel cell vehicles and fuel-efficient vehicles as the US looks to increase the number of people choosing to take up cleaner and more fuel-efficient modes of transport.

Toyota has already seen great interest in the US for its Prius hybrid vehicle, and as such the firm has revealed plans to launch a second hybrid when it begins production of its Camry model in the US later this year.


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