Auto Alliance: Cash for Clunkers is NOT Dead. Yet.

Frank Williams
by Frank Williams

The Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers’ Senior Director of Communications has informed TTAC via email that the CARS (AKA “Cash for Clunkers”) program has NOT been suspended. “All deals concluded before a suspension is announced (if that happens) will be honored,” promises Charles Territo. We’ve also heard that the President is urging Americans NOT to not buy a new car (i.e., go ahead and buy a car) under the program over the weekend.

DOT advises the following as of right now:

1. The CARS program is NOT SUSPENDED

2. Deals should continue; all deals concluded before a suspension is announced (if that happens) will be honored

3. The Administration is looking at all options to add funds to the program

4. They expect to have an update later today – hopefully sooner rather than later

5. As of this morning, $250 million worth of vouchers is committed based on submitted transactions

6. NHTSA is doubling the number of personnel reviewing transactions, in order to speed up the reimbursement process

7. Importantly, OEMs should advise their dealers to take the time to file complete and accurate reimbursement requests with the agency. Many submissions are being rejected because of basic mistakes or omissions, that are easily corrected but when resubmitted, these requests go to the back of the line. Therefore, the best way to get reimbursed quickly is to ensure a complete and accurate submittal the first time. Once again, NHTSA commits that all legitimate CARS deals made up until the program is formally suspended (if that happens) will be honored.

Frank Williams
Frank Williams

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  • VLAD VLAD on Jul 31, 2009

    I like to see the numbers also. But politicians from MI are the only ones asking for more handouts on TV. Considering the money is wasted anyway, it would be hilarious if they get their ass kicked again. There already has been enough wealth transfer to the UAW.

  • John Horner John Horner on Jul 31, 2009

    "Even though Detroit’s automakers offer fewer appealing choices for the program." Not true. Buyers who want a van, SUV or truck are heavily favored under the current rules and Detroit still has the lion's share of that business.

  • Spyspeed Spyspeed on Jul 31, 2009
    ...these requests go to the back of the line. Welcome to the soup-kitchen economy.
  • Accs Accs on Aug 01, 2009

    Id just like to know.. How easy / hard it was to shove into that dumpster. And why the rest of the Chrysler company wasnt just shoved into it....

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