The Diesel Technology Forum has given its backing to new incentives for people to buy clean burning diesel engine vehicles.

New plans introduced by the US government will see drivers who choose to purchase newer, cleaner-burning diesel cars rewarded by being eligible for the same type of tax credits already offered to motorists who decide to purchase gasoline-hybrid electric vehicles. The tax credits will be available from 1 January 2006 to 31 December 2010.

It is likely that the proposals will be passed into law into the near future, and the Forum believes that the new rules will help to increase the number of people looking to go green by purchasing diesel vehicles with catalytic converters.

Welcoming the scheme, executive director of the Forum, Allen Schaeffer, commented: "Congress and the president recognise the important role clean diesel technology will play in meeting America's future energy and environmental goals."

The move comes following the US government's decision to form a new pact with India, China, Korea and Australia to reduce emissions through the development of new technologies, and these new plans could be the first example of this new pact bearing fruit.