But that effort stalled. Critics, including oil companies, said the incentives would complicate the tax code, skew the free market system and favor some consumers or industries at the expense of others. They argued the credits would lead to losses in federal revenues. Automakers said they will push harder in support of the credits this year, especially now that some U.S. companies plan to offer hybrids. DaimlerChrysler AG recently unveiled a hybrid Dodge Durango SUV that's 20 percent more fuel efficient than its gasonly counterpart.
New technologies make it possible to cut harmful emissions and provide even more growth.