David Shepardson / Detroit News Washington Bureau
WASHINGTON -- Mercedes-Benz has won the first consumer tax credits for diesel vehicles, winning credits for three models that go on sale Oct. 1
The Internal Revenue Service awarded the Daimler AG unit credits for the ML 320 BlueTEC, R 320 BlueTEC, and GL 320 BlueTEC.
The Environmental Protection Agency certified to the IRS that the Mercedes-Benz BlueTEC vehicles meet new 50-state strict emission requirements, a status previously granted to hybrid-electric natural gas, and propane fueled vehicles under the Qualified Alternative Motor Vehicle Credit, passed by Congress in 2005.
"Diesel passenger vehicles are one important piece of the future technology puzzle," said Margo Oge, Director of EPA's Office of Transportation and Air Quality. "Clean diesel is a viable, efficient technology to help improve our air quality and energy security."
Buyers of the ML 320 BlueTEC can a $900 tax credit; the purchasers of the R320 BlueTEC can get a $1,550 tax credit, and the GL 320 BlueTEC qualifies for up to $1,800 tax credit depending on their individual tax status.
Not too long ago, I picked up Mercedes Benz DTM driver, Canadian Bruno Spengler from his hotel in Toronto. The first words out of his mouth were, “Have you driven the C63 AMG?”
Sadly, I had to say no. Spengler told me that I wouldn’t believe how fantastic it was. He said the power was awesome, and it looked…cool.
Today, my answer to Spengler would be different as I have just spent 9 days, 6 hours and four minutes with the new 2009 C63AMG…and loved every minute of it.