[THE INVESTOR] GM Korea’s Malibu Hybrid has failed to obtain a low-pollution certification, making it ineligible for tax benefits on eco-friendly cars, government and industry sources.

On July 3, GM Korea notified through its website that benefits for purchasing hybrid vehicles are not applied to the Malibu Hybrid.

According to the Ministry of Environment, the Malibu Hybrid is excluded from the measure due to failing emission standards. 

At 95 grams per kilometer, the vehicle meets carbon dioxide emission standard of 97 grams per kilometer or lower, but failed to meet the cutoff for two or more of other compounds.

Other compounds emission levels of which must be met to be certified as low-pollution vehicle includes hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter.

The government is currently offering reductions on a number of taxes including acquisition and registration. A subsidy of up to 1 million won (US$ 870) is provided for those buying certified low-pollution vehicles, allowing up to 4.1 million won to be cut from the cost of a vehicle.

By Choi He-suk (cheesuk@heraldcorp.com)