Hybrid car sales boom in Amman as fuel price soars

Описание: Fuel prices have triggered major protests in Jordan, as it represent a significant expenditure in every day's life. But one specific automobile sector has taken a considerable advantage, seeing their sales booming in the last year. We're talking about the new eco-friendly, fuel economic Hybrid cars.



Hybrid cars offer very real fuel savings so they are increasingly popular in Amman.



Following the price hikes for gas and other fuel, the government has decided to reduce the tax on hybrid cars from 55 to 25 per cent.



The move has been met with relief by automobile importers who have been urging decision makers to consider such a policy in a bid to revive the industry and address the Kingdom's increasing gasoline bill, which reached around USD 1.3 billion last year.



Ali Awamleh/ car seller:



"Not only is hybrid vehicles fuel saving cars they are also environment friendly. Recently many Jordanians are buying hybrid cars because of the rise in fuel prices in Jordan; with the increase of hybrid automobiles ... Many Jordanians fear that there are not enough hybrid mechanics in the event these vehicles require maintenance."



According to experts fuel-efficient cars can cut the Kingdom's gasoline subsidies by 40-55 per cent, such moves can reduce the consumption of oil derivatives, which are subsidised by the government.



Based on the figures, the value of both gasoline types was around USD 1.3 billion last year, and the use of Hybrid cars could cut the bill by USD 180 million.



Khaled Hamdan/ hybrid cars expert:



"The use of hybrid cars in Jordan is increasing due to the government decision to decrease customs requirements because Jordan is a mountainous country the efficiency depends on the power of the car. The more the horsepower the more owners will save... And I am talking about 1500 CC's and up."



Jordanians do face one problem when it comes to hybrid car, replacement parts of the car are in average much higher that the regular cars. However, the expensive prices for spare parts and maintenance is attributed to the short period since such cars started to be manufactured but expecting the cost to drop and the now-how to increase in the upcoming years.



Emad Abu Laban/ Amman resident:



"I personally do not drive a hybrid car but I used to own one ... although it was good and fuel saving I had to sell it after it needed to repair ... it cost me a lot of money."



Sultan Egab/Amman resident:



"I have a hybrid car because it is fuel saving you know fuel prices cost a lot now and it is environment friendly as well ... I purchased it after the government decreased the customs requirements."



Besides the obvious environmental impacts of Hybrid cars, there are significant cost savings for drivers in the form of tax exemptions and fuel savings.



Currently there are thousands of hybrid cars running in the Kingdom, with supply expected to significantly increase in the upcoming years.



Farah Ajlouni, JN1, Amman