Brussels, 19/09/2002 (Agence Europe) - On 18 September, the European Commission approved a Spanish aid scheme promoting the purchase of new electric or hybrid-powered cars, vans and motorcycles within the territory of the Autonomous Community of Castilla-Leon. Beneficiaries will be granted financial support reducing the extra cost of such vehicles compared with conventionally designed and powered vehicles. The aid, of just under 1 million euro for the period 2002-2006, is intended to protect the environment by supporting rational energy use and lower pollution in transport. Beneficiaries will be firms or SMEs, self-employed workers in farming or stockbreeding, individuals, local bodies of Castilla-Leon and non-profit-making associations or bodies with registered offices, agencies, branches or subsidiaries in Castilla-Leon. The Commission underpins that the planned measures support the objectives of European transport policy as outlined in the White Paper on transport Policy and are compatible with the Community guidelines on State aid for environmental protection.