Mazda lobbies for Thai tech tax cuts

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Mazda lobbies for Thai tech tax cuts 
Bangkok Post: 24 Dec 2010
Mazda lobbies for technology tax cuts
New engine claims major fuel efficiency

Mazda's new technology dubbed Skyactiv is being promoted as fuel-efficient and environmentally friendly, potentially increasing the likelihood that the Japanese carmaker will earn government incentives to encourage it to bring the technology to Thailand for vehicles produced and sold here.

The introduction of the technology coincides with the government's effort to revamp the excise tax structure by encouraging sales and production of environmentally friendly models and promoting the adoption of more advanced environmental technologies.

Excise taxes became a talking point when it became likely that hybrid cars, electric vehicles and E85-compatible automobiles would receive a favourable rate, making local automobile companies worried their vehicles would be at a disadvantage.

Mazda Sales Thailand managing director Choichi Yuki said the company just informed the government about its breakthrough in powertrain technology.

The company did not say exactly which incentives it needed to encourage bringing the new technology to the kingdom.

"Regarding the new tax structure in the future, we encourage a policy that is technology neutral and focuses on promoting product efficiency. In other words, it should be output-oriented and focused on indicators such as fuel consumption and CO2 emissions," said Mr Yuki.

Skyactiv technology covers engines, transmissions and vehicle bodies and chassis, and will begin appearing in Mazda products from 2011.

Skyactiv is a blanket term for Mazda's next-generation technologies that are being developed under Mazda's long-term vision for technology development - Sustainable Zoom-Zoom.

The next Demio or Mazda2 subcompact to be equipped with the new engine will debut in Japan in the first half of 2011.

The company claims it will get 30 km per litre or 70 miles per gallon and Mazda believes the Mazda2 will consume less fuel than a Toyota Prius hybrid with its new-generation petrol engines.

The rest of its lineup includes Skyactiv-Drive, an automatic transmission with a wider lock-up range; Skyactive-MT, a compact and manual transmission with less weight and a short stroke and light shift feel; Skyactiv-Body, a body that is 8% lighter yet 30% more rigid; and Skyactiv-Chassis, a 14% lighter chassis with a revised suspension.

All Mazda vehicles sold globally by 2015 will be installed with this technology which could reduce fuel consumption by 30% and lower carbon dioxide emissions.

Hybrid and electric vehicles, in Mr Yuki's view, will achieve only modest and gradual growth in sales because they still remain costly.

It will take several years to improve the affordability of these technologies regardless of tax policies, he added. Mr Yuki expects that a decade from now the industry will still rely on the internal combustion engine and current transmissions and platforms.

"We want to achieve the best results with the current base technology now. Later, when other platforms are cheaper, we will apply alternative technology including electric devices such as i-stop, regenerative braking systems and hybrid technology," said Mr Yuki.

http://www.bangkokpost.com/business/economics/212909/mazda-lobbies-for-technology-tax-cuts
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