Chrysler Grand Voyager okayed for Japanese incentives

The Chrysler Grand Voyager minivan is one of the American vehicles that will now qualify for rebates under Japan’s “Cash for Clunkers” program.

Bowing to pressure from the U.S. government, Japan has opened its stimulus plan to U.S. brand vehicles and will allow small-volume American vehicles if they can meet Japanese emissions standards. Previously, American vehicles had been excluded because they are imported under a special preferred-handling program that exempts them from complying with the Japanese standards. Under the new rules, the American vehicles will be able to use their EPA ratings to qualify.

While welcome, the changes are more symbolic than anything: just about 2,000 American vehicles are sent to Japan each year under the preferred-handling system and it’s anticipated that number will grow by somewhere around 700 with the incentives.

 Like on Facebook