Qualified buyers can receive federal tax credits amounting to nearly
half the cost of the energy-efficient LSV.
AUGUSTA, GA (Nov. 5, 2009) - Club Car announced its first street-legal
low-speed passenger vehicle is now available, giving businesses and
consumers time to take advantage of federal tax credits that amount to
nearly 50 percent of the suggested retail price for the new Villager
2+2.
The zero-emission LSV from Augusta, Ga.-based Club Car carries up to
four passengers and builds on the Villager's history of providing
dependable, energy-efficient transportation for thousands of businesses
and consumers worldwide.
Customers have until the end of the year to take advantage of a federal
tax credit based on the Energy Improvement and Extension Act of 2008.
The credit is equal to the sum of the base credit of $2,500 plus $417
for each kilowat hour of battery capacity in excess of four kilowat
hours. For those who qualify, the credit would amount to $4,168, almost
half the base price of the $8,876 Villager 2+2. Some states have
additional tax credits that can lower the purchase price further. The
credit amount is scheduled to reduce to a minimum of 10 percent of the
MSRP at the end of 2009.
LSVs are the fastest-growing segment in what is known as the small
task-oriented vehicle (STOV) market, increasing by nearly 50 percent in
the last year, according to International Market Solutions, a NY-based
research firm.
According to a study conducted by Green Car Institute, a nonprofit
California research corporation, consumers and businesses are using
LSVs instead of cars or trucks with gasoline internal combustion
engines for daily short-distance trips and for cargo transport. In the
same survey, LSV owners said they purchased the nimble street-legal
vehicles because they offer an environmentally friendly mode of travel,
save on gasoline and fit their lifestyle and business needs for
economical transportation.
The four-wheeled motor vehicles weigh less than 3,000 pounds and have a
top speed between 20 and 25 mph. Currently LSVs are allowed in 47
states and the District of Columbia on many roads where the posted
speed limit is 35 mph or slower.
In accordance with LSV requirements, Club Car's Villager 2+2 features
headlights, taillights, brake lights, turn signals and a horn. In
addition, a wrap-around impact-resistant bumper system and an onboard
charger are standard. Colors include white (standard), beige and black
(optional) and diamond white pearl, titanium silver, and desert sand
(premium). Option packages are available.
Military bases, college campuses, residential neighborhoods and urban
environments with congested driving and parking conditions are among
the target markets for the new LSV, according to Robert McElreath, Club
Car's vice president of global marketing, who notes the vehicles'
wide-ranging benefits.
"Even when the purchase of an LSV does not replace a personal or
commercial vehicle, it will replace many of the miles a vehicle with an
internal combustion engine is used for, and that's going to translate
to fuel and energy savings as well as convenience," said McElreath.
Club Car vehicles are sold through authorized dealers. To locate a
dealer, go to clubcar.com and click on Dealer Locator.
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