Gov't announces eco-point goods, accepts requests for eco-car subsidy+

TOKYO, June 19 Kyodo -
The government announced Friday a lineup of 271 goods and services, including
gift certificates and electronic money services, which have been designated as
exchangeable for points consumers can earn under the government's ''eco-point''
system.

In a related move, it also began accepting applications Friday for subsidies to
be provided to consumers who purchase electric-gasoline hybrids, zero-emission
electric vehicles and other fuel-efficient cars.
Consumers will be able to trade in the so-called eco-points they accumulate
from buying designated eco-friendly electronic household appliances for goods
such as regional specialty products from across Japan, government officials
said.
Of the 271 designated goods and services, more than three-quarters are e-money
card services and gift certificates, including those that can be used at
department stores or local shopping districts.
Under the system, consumers receive eco-points for environmentally friendly
refrigerators, air conditioners and digital terrestrial televisions purchased
between May 15 this year and the end of March 2010.
They can start applying to exchange their points for the goods and services
from July 1 via the Internet or by mail.
The procedure for car subsidies involves auto dealers filing the applications
on behalf of purchasers with the Next Generation Vehicle Promotion Center,
which is in charge of screening them, and the subsidies are to be disbursed in
several weeks.
The program, along with tax breaks for new fuel-efficient cars that have been
implemented since April, as well as the eco-point system are part of the
government's efforts to spur spending while promoting Japan's efforts to cut
greenhouse gas emissions.
Under the subsidy program, consumers can receive 250,000 yen if they replace a
car which has been registered for more than 13 years with a standard-sized
eco-friendly car. In the case of minivehicles with engines up to 660 cc, the
subsidy will be 125,000 yen per new car.
If consumers buy new fuel-efficient cars without trading in old cars, a subsidy
of 100,000 yen will be given for a new standard car and 50,000 yen for a
mini-vehicle.
The subsidies are applicable to new cars meeting certain fuel consumption
standards that have been registered on April 10 or after, and purchasers are
required to use the vehicles for at least one year.
==Kyodo