MobilityTechzone

Latest News

TMCNet: Cash for Clunkers starts today

[July 23, 2009]

Cash for Clunkers starts today

Jul 23, 2009 (Gainesville Daily Register - McClatchy-Tribune Information Services via COMTEX) -- Fed up with emptying your wallet every time you buy fuel for your old gas guzzler? Today may be a good day to start looking for a more efficient ride. The Car Allowance Rebate System (CARS) began this morning.

Signed into law earlier this year CARS -- dubbed "Cash for Clunkers" -- is a federal program which provides vouchers of up to $4,500 for consumers who purchase more fuel-efficient vehicles and trade in their old less fuel-efficient cars, trucks, vans or SUVs.

Not all vehicles qualify.

According to CARS.gov, both the trade-in and the new vehicle must meet several conditions to qualify.

--The trade-in vehicle must be in driveable condition.

--It must have been continuously insured consistent with state laws and registered to the buyer for at least one year immediately prior to trade-in.

--Be manufactured less than 25 years before the date of the trade-in (i.e., before mid- to late-1984) --Have a combined MPG of 18 or less. This does not apply to category 3 trucks---trucks with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) between 8,500 lbs. and 10,000 lbs.

In addition the vehicle must be new (never registered to an owner) and it must have a manufacturer's suggested retail price of $45,000 or less.

Glen Polk Autoplex general manager Trent Polk said he's excited about the program.

Especially since Chrysler just announced a plan to match the CARS program rebates.

"Chrysler is offering to match the amount the government is offering people," Polk said. "That means if you qualify for a $4,500 rebate, Chrysler will give you another $4,500." And qualifying vehicles don't have to bear the Chrysler logo.

"The rebate program includes Chrysler, Jeep or Dodge vehicles," Polk added. "We have over 40 models that qualify for the Cash for Clunkers program." Customers who are interested in finding out if they qualify can stop by the dealership for details.

"They'll need to bring in their vehicle, VIN (vehicle identification number) and proof of registration. Then our sales staff will explain the program and go over everything with them." It is important to note that age isn't necessarily a factor in the rebate program, Polk said.

"Just because a car is old doesn't mean it qualifies. It may still get acceptable gas mileage," he said. "The program is based on fuel efficiency. The purpose is to get these (gas guzzling) cars off the road." The government is serious about getting rid of inefficient vehicles.

"The vehicles (taken in by dealers) have to be sent to a salvage yard and destroyed," Polk noted.

He said he's already spoken with several customers about the Cash for Clunkers programs.

Although not all qualify for the government voucher program, Polk said in many instances, the company can strike similar deals with customers.

"In a couple of cases, people came in and their cars didn't qualify. We were able to give them $3,500 for their old cars anyway," he said.

Polk also said he expects other auto makers such as Ford to follow suit.

The Cash for Clunkers program is so new both dealerships and customers are still educating themselves on the details.

"We are all prepared, and we've done our homework. We are learning day to day. The best thing customers can do is come see us," Polk said.

On the Web: To find out if you could be eligible for the CARS program visit www.fueleconomy.gov.

To see more of the Gainesville Daily Register or to subscribe to the newspaper, go to http://www.gainesvilleregister.com/. Copyright (c) 2009, Gainesville Daily Register, Texas Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services. For reprints, email tmsreprints@permissionsgroup.com, call 800-374-7985 or 847-635-6550, send a fax to 847-635-6968, or write to The Permissions Group Inc., 1247 Milwaukee Ave., Suite 303, Glenview, IL 60025, USA.

[ Back To MobilityTechzone Homepage's Homepage ]
FOLLOW MobilityTechzone

Subscribe to MobilityTechzone eNews

MobilityTechzone eNews delivers the latest news impacting technology in the Wireless industry each week. Sign up to receive FREE breaking news today!
FREE eNewsletter
Interview with VPI Systems
TMC's Rich Tehrani speaks with Russ Green, Senior Vice President of Marketing and Product Management for VPI Systems
Interview with Thrupoint
TMC's Paula Bernier speaks with David Jodoin, Chief Strategy Officer for Thrupoint
Interview with Nuance
TMC's Erik Linask speaks with Christy Clark Murfitt, Sr Manager of Solutions Mktg, Enterprise Division for Nuance
Interview with Abukai
TMC's Erik Linask speaks with Philipp Schloter, President & CEO of Abukai
Interview with DragonWave
TMC’s Stefanie Mosca speaks with Greg Friesen, VP, Product Management of DragonWave