Hybrid and Diesel Tax Credits to End on December 31

If you’re still in the market for a hybrid or clean diesel, you should try to get one this holiday season, as most tax credits are going to expire on December 31, with no new tax breaks in sight for next year. Among the diesel models, the Mercedes ML350 BlueTec is one of the victims, while the natural gas-powered 2011 Honda Civic GX will also lose its $4,000 tax credit. The same goes for the recently introduced 2011 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid and 2011 Porsche Cayenne S Hybrid.
 
Chevrolet Volt and Nissan Leaf buyers are safe for now: both EVs have separate tax credits that don’t expire this year. The Alternative Motor Vehicle Credit was legislated under the Energy Policy Act of 2005 and supported buyers of eco-friendly vehicles with incentives. Currently, hybrids get tax breaks ranging from $900 up to $3,400.
Below is a list of cars and trucks that still qualify for tax credits:

• 2010-2011 BMW ActiveHybrid X6: $1,550
• 2011 BMW ActiveHybrid Li: $900
• 2011 BMW ActiveHybrid 750i: $900
• 2011 BMW 335d: $900
• 2011 BMW X5 xDrive 35d: $1,800
• 2010-2011 Cadillac Escalade Hybrid: $2,200
• 2010 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid: $1,550
• 2010-2011 Chevrolet Silverado Hybrid: $2,200
• 2010-2011 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid: $2,200
• 2010-2011 GMC Sierra Hybrid: $2,200
• 2010-2011 GMC Yukon Hybrid: $2,200
• 2010-2011 Honda Civic GX: $4,000
• 2011 Mercedes-Benz E350 BlueTec: $1,550
• 2011 Mercedes-Benz GL350 BlueTec: $1,800
• 2011 Mercedes-Benz ML350 BlueTec: $900
• 2011 Mercedes-Benz R350 BlueTec: $1,550
• 2010 Mercedes-Benz S400 Hybrid: $1,150
• 2010-2011 Mercedes-Benz ML450 Hybrid: $2,200
• 2010-2011 Nissan Altima Hybrid: $2,350

By Csaba Daradics

Source: Kicking Tires

2011 Hyundai Santa Fe and 2011 Kia Sorento Recalled for Defective Brakes

The Hyundai Group has issued a separate recall for each of the 2011 Hyundai Santa Fe and 2011 Kia Sorento over the same issue concerning the rear brake calipers that may not have been properly machined. 

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the defective calipers could lead to brake fluid leak, followed by illumination of the malfunction indicator light indicating the brake fluid level is low and should be checked, then a soft or spongy brake pedal feel. If the problem is not taken care of, it will lead to reduced braking power.


The recall affects some 7,697 Kia Sorentos manufactured from September 14, 2010, through October 4, 2010, and 1,783 Hyundai Santa crossovers Fe built from September 28, 2010, through November 25, 2010.
Naturally, dealers from both automakers inspect the rear calipers and replace it if necessary free of charge. The two companies have not yet provided an owner notification schedule.

_______________________________GALLERY_______________________________