Honda lobbies congress aggressively for tax credits for fuel cell cars

American Honda Motor Inc. spent $545,682 lobbying the federal government on automotive safety legislation, trade and other issues in the third quarter, according to a recent disclosure form.

That's an increase from the $418,919 is spent in the second quarter but less than the $570,634 it spent in the third quarter last year.

American Honda, the U.S. subsidiary of the Japanese automaker, said it lobbied both houses of Congress during the July-to-September quarter on the Vehicle Safety Act, the legislation overhauling auto safety laws in the wake of Toyota Motor Co.'s huge safety-related recalls.

It also lobbied the government on legislation that would extend tax credits for hydrogen fuel-cell powered vehicles, which Honda makes, and legislation that would require foreign companies to hire trade agents that would be held legally accountable for products entering the U.S., according to the report filed Oct. 20 with the House clerk's office.

Source: Bloomberg