AMMAN, Jordan, Dec. 24 (UPI) -- Indigenous demand for hybrid automobiles is increasing in Jordan.
The Jordan Times Online reported Wednesday that Jordanian Customs Department statistics reveal that 4,796 hybrid cars have been cleared from the free zone since the beginning of 2009, with 859, or 18 percent of the total number, entering the market since the beginning of December.
Government authorities believe the surge in imports might be motivated by concerns that the vehicles might soon be subjected to increased tariffs and have stated publicly that there are currently no plans to levy more fees on hybrid automobiles.
The Jordanian Customs Department places the value of the hybrid cars at $144.5 million. Jordan Free Zone Investors Association President Nabil Abu Rumman said, "There are rumors that the new government plans to impose more custom fees on hybrid cars early next year, but we have not received anything about such plans." According to Abu Rumman, current government levies on the green cars, which use both gasoline and electricity, range between $1,410 and $5,640, depending on the size of the engine.
