Japan won't expand list of foreign cars under subsidy program

Trade Minister Masayuki Naoshima said the Japanese government is not considering expanding the list of imported vehicle brands eligible for Japan’s subsidiary program for the purchase of eco-friendly cars, a move that could fuel U.S. anger that Japan is putting up new trade barriers. The rejection by Naoshima came after U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk expressed his discontent with the list of eligible vehicles that meet certain fuel-efficiency criteria. Authorities must measure the fuel efficiency of vehicles in a fair manner, Naoshima said. ”We cannot take (steps) that could extremely benefit only the United States,” he said, adding, ”If we do such a thing, we may face complaints from Europe.” (February 4, 2010)