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5 Ways to Beat the Fed (and Crush Inflation)
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Tags: Jason Simpkins

"Cash For Clunkers" Gets a Reprieve

By Jason Simpkins, Managing Editor, Money Morning • August 6, 2009

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By Jason Simpkins
Managing Editor
Money Morning

U.S. lawmakers today (Thursday) are expected to approve $2 billion in extra funding for the Car Allowance Rebate System (CARS), popularly known as "Cash for Clunkers." The money should be enough to keep the program running through September.

"We'll pass Cash for Clunkers before we leave here" for summer recess, vowed Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-NV.

"There's a significant majority that wants to move forward with this legislation," he added. "That being said, there's some people who still don't like the program."

The program, formally dubbed Car Allowance Rebate System (CARS), began on July 1 and was expected to last until November. To qualify for CARS, the "clunker" must be 25 years old or less and have a combined fuel economy of 18 miles per gallon or less. The new car purchased must have a combined fuel economy of 22 mpg. Those who do qualify can receive $3,500 to $4,500 from the U.S. government for their older, less fuel-efficient cars.

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However, a strong response from consumers exhausted almost all of the $1 billion in funds allotted to the program, with an estimated 250,000 cars being sold last month.

"It has been a big success, there is no question," Christina Romer, a top White House economist, told reporters. "We knew people would respond, but, boy, did they really respond."

Ford Motor Co. (NYSE: F), the only U.S. automaker to refuse bailout money, saw a 2% year-over-year gain in its July sales, citing customer demand for fuel-efficient vehicles and CARS as the principal. This was the first increase from any U.S.-based automaker since November 2007.

"Customer demand for Ford's fuel-efficient vehicles coupled with the U.S. government's Car Allowance Rebate System ("Cash for Clunkers") enabled Ford to post the first sales increase of any major manufacturer in 2009," the company said.

Ford's most fuel-efficient, non-hybrid car, the Focus, was the top seller among CARS participants.

Still, the program has its critics. Republicans the deal as an unnecessary subsidy that will only add to the federal budget deficit.

"Here we are incentivizing the purchase of cars, [and] we're taking money from our grandkids by adding to the national debt," said U.S. Sen. Tom Coburn, R-OK. "Why not incentivize demand for boats? Or how about RVs?"
 
Regardless of objections, however, Senate Republicans don't have enough votes to block the extension. 

"I don't get a sense anyone will block it," said Sen. Judd Gregg, R-N.H., the top Republican on the Senate Budget Committee.

News and Related Story Links:

  • New York Daily News:
    Cash for Clunkers get promise of $2B boost, vows key Senate Democrat
  • CNNMoney:
    Cash for Clunkers vote set for Thursday

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The Two Indicators That Show the Recession is Ending
13 years ago

[…] non-alphabet one with the funny name is among the most effective. So-called “Cash for Clunkers” got new life as Congress voted an additional $2 billion in the form of rebates for individuals who trade in […]

0
Reply
jj
jj
13 years ago

this program will not work as intended. it will however help other countries sell their cars instead of the US selling US made cars.

0
Reply
Jacob
Jacob
13 years ago

As with most government programs, the success of the "cash for clunkers" program is not measured in how well the consequences of the program align with the stated goals of its advocates. Nor is it measured by any economic impacts the consequences might cause. Instead, just like the example of the public library in George Dance's recent article about Booze and books, the success is measured by participation or usage, not by any measure of the value provides or harm it does to our economy. The trick is to define the program specifically so that it has a known demand so the usage is high. Media spin and politics will make sure the right people hear the program was successful and beneficial. I heard a bit on NPR just today about the downstream benefits that recycling all these old cars has. Ridiculous of course, but the perception amongst the voters is far more important than the actual results and consequences. Certainly there will be follow-on programs, cash for major appliances, cash for tools, etc.

0
Reply
trackback
With U.S. Consumers Now Uncertain and Unemployed, is Hope for a Quick Rebound Fading Away?
13 years ago

[…] Note: For more details on the “Cash For Clunkers” program, make sure to click here and check out a related story elsewhere in today’s edition of Money […]

0
Reply
trackback
Buy, Sell or Hold: Nucor Corporation (NYSE: NUE) Will Get Is Due for a Boost From Government Spending
13 years ago

[…] Money Morning: “Cash For Clunkers” Gets a Reprieve […]

0
Reply
trackback
Will This Week's Earnings Reports Reflect a Recovery or a Relapse for the U.S. Economy?
13 years ago

[…] the Car Allowance Rebate System (CARS), popularly known as “Cash for Clunkers,” was expanded, allowing car buyers to receive vouchers for future purchases as automakers report dwindling […]

0
Reply
trackback
U.S. Stocks: Winning Streak is Over, But Bull Market Continues
13 years ago

[…] thanks to the government's Car Allowance Rebate System (CARS), popularly known "Cash-for-Clunkers." As a result, the Richmond, Atlanta, Chicago, and Minneapolis districts reported increases or […]

0
Reply
trackback
If You're Going to Buy a House, Do it Now
13 years ago

[…] for the $8,000 credit for first-time homebuyers, it doesn't really matter. It's like the "Cash-for-Clunkers" program. If Congress extends it, it will prop up the housing market a bit. But if Congress doesn't, […]

0
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Soaring Prices for AIG, Fannie and Other Financial Stocks Sending Mixed Messages to Investors
13 years ago

[…] Money Morning: “Cash For Clunkers” Gets a Reprieve […]

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Home Sales Will Struggle to Rebound Without Tax Credit Extension
13 years ago

[…] break, consumers in this economy are looking for a bargain much like they are with retail sales and auto sales. The bulk of the first-time tax credit sales have come from lower-priced homes, and NAR data […]

0
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trackback
Buy, Sell or Hold: Nucor Corporation (NYSE: NUE) Will Get Is Due for a Boost From Government Spending
13 years ago

[…] Money Morning:“Cash For Clunkers” Gets a Reprieve […]

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