Renault (Paris:RNO) importer Carasso Auto Importers Ltd. will probably participate in the electric car venture, Project Better Place headed by Shai Agassi and Idan Ofer. Sources inform ''Globes'' that the car at the heart of the project will be based on the Renault Megane, which will be equipped with high-performance electric engine based on advanced batteries.
Carasso will provide technical support and services for the electric Megane in Israel during both the trial period and commercial launch.
Renault says that electric Megane is an "experimental project". Carasso will also probably import for a trial run the electric version of Renault's Kangoo van, which has been marketed in Europe for several years. The Kangoo will probably be adapted to carry the new battery.
In October, the Renault Nissan Alliance announced that it had taken the strategic decision to enter the electric car market and would market several new models by 2012. The new cars will reportedly participate in Project Better Place.
Renault VP recently visited Israel in connection with Project Better Place. He met, among others, President Shimon Peres, a supporter of the project.
The Ministry of Finance plans to grant tax breaks for electric cars. Sources inform ''Globes'' that the Israel Tax Authority is examining several alternatives, including a partial or full purchase tax exemption on imported electric cars.
Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes-online.com - on November 7, 2007
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