The government is poised to grant the remaining P9-billion incentives of the Comprehensive Automotive Resurgence Strategy (CARS) program to a third player, this time for the manufacture in the country of electric vehicles (EVs).
In his speech at the launch of the SM Malls EV charging station in SM Aura,
Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez said a draft executive order will be submitted to President Duterte to open the unused third slot of CARS to an EV manufacturer. There are two models enrolled in CARS, Vios of Toyota Motor Philippines Corp. and Mirage of Mitsubishi Motor Philippines Corp.
Lopez said President Duterte has also approved the policy of eliminating tariff on imported EVs to encourage the wider use of this type of vehicle.
“We’re just undergoing the process now of the usual hearings in the Tariff Commission so we can formalize the adoption of that reduction from 30 percent (duty) to zero. Then, it will pass the Committee on Tariff and Related Matters,” Lopez said.
He expressed optimism both policies will be passed before the President ends his term on June. 30.
SM Malls president Steven Tan meanwhile announced the company will roll out more charging stations in its destination malls in Clark, Baguio, Tagaytay, Tuguegarao, Bicol among others. – Irma Isip
