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BC – The BC New Car Dealers Association (NCDA) offered support of the provincial budget that helps stabilize rising costs for British Columbians, while focusing on job creation and new economic opportunities.
Blair Qualey, President and CEO of the NCDA, said renewed investment in the Clean Energy Vehicle Program demonstrates the provincial government’s commitment to helping British Columbians make cost effective, yet environmentally responsible investment decisions.
In his 2016 Budget Speech, Finance Minister Mike de Jong announced, “Budget 2016 continues that leadership with support for the Clean Energy Vehicle Incentive Program, which provides British Columbians with incentives when considering the variety of clean and green choices for their transportation needs.”
“The NCDA is pleased that the Province has committed further funding for the Clean Energy Vehicle Program for BC (CEVforBC) and we very much look forward to receiving more details on the full amount available and how it will be rolled out,” said Qualey. “It is important to the provincial economy that we help and incentivise British Columbians who want to make an investment that supports local economies and this program does just that.”
The CEVforBC incentive program provides BC residents with up to $5,000 off the pre-tax sticker price for qualifying new battery electric, fuel-cell electric, and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles and up to $6,000 for a hydrogen fuel cell vehicle.
Qualey said the NCDA will continue to work with government and encourage them to continue funding for the BC SCRAP-IT Program, which was not mentioned in the Provincial Budget, but has successfully removed move than 39,000 high-polluting vehicles off the road by offering financial incentives to those who scrap old vehicles and purchasing new, qualifying vehicles.
“The NCDA believes that these incentives will allow consumers to consider a new option, support local economies across the province and help the environment at the same time,” said Qualey.
