During the first four months of 2021, interest in hybrid vehicles, as evidenced by the number of Internet searches and mentions in conversations in the digital environment, increased in all Central American markets.
Through a system that monitors in real time the changes in the interests and preferences of consumers in Central American countries, developed by CentralAmericaData, it is possible to project short and long term demand trends for the different products, services, sectors and markets operating in the region.
The National Learning Institute (Instituto Nacional de Aprendizaje or INA) is putting out to tender 10 hybrid vehicles, 4 trucks, 4 pick-up trucks and a microbus.
Costa Rica Government Purchase 2018LN-000002-0002100001:
"Detail of the vehicles required:
- 10 new hybrid vehicles, with two electric motors for double traction (4x4), with four cylinder petrol engine with a maximum power not less than 55kw, with start button.
The tax exemption enjoyed by these vehicles is one of the factors driving their sales in the country, where three agencies are now marketing them and two are preparing their market entry.
Dealerships that have ventured into selling hybrid vehicles in recent years say the rise in sales is mainly due to these types of cars being exempt from vehicle restrictions in force in the country and because they only pay 10% of the selective consumption tax instead of 30% paid by conventional vehicles.
The selective consumption tax charged on hybrid cars has dropped from 15% to 10%.
Among the reasons explaining the low penetration of hybrid vehicles in the Costa Rican market is the amount of taxes that are charged.
"New hybrid-electric vehicles under tariff headings 8703 and 8704, with cylinders not exceeding 2,000 cubic centimeters, will be able to benefit from a 20% reduction in the selective consumption tax," states the new provision.
The Government of El Salvador will not buy hybrid corn seed, which offers high performance and resistance to pathogens and bad weather.
"The resolution, transitory, is seen by many agricultural suppliers as a block on the free market and even violating trade agreements such as the Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the United States or regulations dictated by the World Trade Organization (OIC)", reported Elsalvador.com.