Another "Cash for Clunkers" bill...

[JoeyGowdy]

http://www.hotrod.com/whereitbegan/hrdp_0812w_federal_cash_for_clunkers_program/index.html

Typical government ideas... it appears they are already attempting to weed-out the older model cars with the 10+% ethanol gas in favor of the newer "eco-friendly fuel-efficient" cars.  If this bill were to pass it will be the death of our classic cars making replacement parts even more rare and hard to find.

[Mopar2Ya]

These tree huggers can try & get my gas guzzlers. 

SEMA, the Specialty Equipment Market Association, is opposing an effort by some Washington lawmakers to include a national car-crushing program in the upcoming economic stimulus package. Vehicles targeted for the scrap pile will likely include Dodge Dakotas, Dodge Rams, Chevy Blazers, Chevy Silverados, Chevy S-10s, Chevy Tahoes, Ford Explorers, Ford F-Series, Jeep Cherokees, Jeep Wranglers and any other SUV or truck that obtains less than 18 miles per gallon. Under the plan, the Federal government would pay a premium for 1999 and newer cars.
The so-called "Accelerated Retirement of Inefficient Vehicles Act" is cash-for-clunkers with a twist. Instead of focusing exclusively on old cars as is typical with scrappage programs, this bill will target any vehicle with lower fuel economy ratings. Participants will receive a cash voucher to purchase a more fuel-efficient new car or used car (MY 2004 or later) or receive credit for the purchase of public transportation tickets. Under the legislation, "fuel-efficient" means at least 25 percent better mileage than the CAFE standard. It will be illegal to resell the scrapped vehicles. Bill sponsors want to destroy four million pickups and SUVs over the next four years.

The program will fail to achieve its goal of improving fuel efficiency and stimulating car sales, SEMA states, but will increase unemployment and the cost of used cars and parts. Here are the reasons SEMA gives:

Given the minimal $1,500-$4,500 voucher value, the program will lure rarely-driven second and third vehicles that have minimal impact on overall fuel economy and air pollution. This is not a wise investment of tax dollars.

Program will reduce the number of vehicles available for low-income individuals and drive up the cost of the remaining vehicles and repair parts. This is a basic supply-and-demand reality.

Program will remove the opportunity to market specialty products that are designed exclusively for the targeted pickups and SUVs, including equipment that increases engine performance and fuel mileage. Congress will be enacting a program to eliminate jobs and reduce business revenues in the automotive aftermarket.

The idea that the trucks and SUVs must be scrapped in order to save energy is irrational. The program's environmental impact does not factor in the amount of energy and natural resources expended in manufacturing the existing car, spent scrapping it and manufacturing a replacement car.

Program fails to acknowledge driver needs, such as the ability to transport a family, tow a trailer or rely upon the performance, safety and utility characteristics associated with the larger vehicles. Instead, these vehicles will be destroyed.

There is no evidence that the program will achieve the goal of boosting new car sales or increasing fuel mileage. Many states have considered scrappage programs in the past as a way to help clean the air or increase mpg, but abandoned the effort because they simply don't work. The programs are not cost-effective and do not achieve verifiable fuel economy or air quality benefits.

Program will hurt thousands of independent repair shops, auto restorers, customizers and their customers across the country that depends on the used car market. This industry provides thousands of American jobs and generates millions of dollars in local, state and federal tax revenues.

"Our members, like all business entities, are suffering the effects of the stalled economy," said Steve McDonald, SEMA's Vice President for Government Affairs. "In fact, for our members that market product for newer vehicles, we depend on a thriving and vibrant auto industry to create new business opportunities. We support efforts to spur new car sales. We don't, however, support public policy efforts that we are convinced don't work and will waste tax dollars in the process."

[Mike DC]

               

I'd like to start a "Cash for Congressmen" program.  Let's get THEM properly crushed & recycled.



                       

[moparstuart]

               

I'd like to start a "Cash for Congressmen" program.  Let's get THEM properly crushed & recycled.



                       

[MoparManJim]

They think they are smart but yet they are so darn dum when you think about it. They have that paper that says they are smart but the thing it's only a paper  . My cousin (up in his 60's) are always talking about this all the time. They maybe have went to collage but that doesn't mean very much though, it all boils down to if they learn somthing or just partyed all the time.

Now with this coming up, I honestly don't think they got any frickin teast in cars or the car styles what so ever but rather that mark of the doe ray me on how much they can rack in to look big. I'll stick with the older cars then this new crap they call cars as they are more like go-karts with all that plastic on them.   

The new cars are kinda getting small and smaller anymore if any of you have notice it. The New Chellanger is like a boat with the original new cars. At least that is a car!

[daves68]

Another fine example of what happens when liberal democrats are elected to office. Think next time you vote!

[69 charger 500]

i dont care if its a tree huger or a government official anyone messes with a dodge from this bull ill chase them down and make them a hood ornament

[RD]

bah.. liberal democrats or moderate republicans.. it takes the majority of congressmen to get a bill passed, not just all liberal democrats.. with that being said.. these bills are always brought up by certain congressman to appease their constituents of certain "greenie" districts throughout the U.S.

The problem is that a 94 honda civic with a bad EGR valve and O2 sensor is just as much of a pollutant as any "rich" running big block mopar (and even moreso) because the honda is driven 5 times more each year.  Now, the congressmen dont think of that one.

Maybe you all should contact your congressman and point that out?  I have.

[WingCharger]

Another fine example of what happens when liberal democrats are elected to office. Think next time you vote!

Lets keep this thread about the bill, not politics.

[chargerkid01]

Try and get my trucks and cars!!! Oh by the way none of them have emissions bs on them either!!!

[69 charger 500]

i cant wait to see them try that bull in texas over two-thirds of us drive trucks and suv's alot of them with gunracks

[Mike DC]

 
"The greenies" are usually just the public scapegoat for this stuff. 


If something actually gets enacted, I'll be a lot more suspicious of the automaker lobby.  They're extremely powerful. And they're always glad to see last years product hustled off the public roads as quickly as possible once they've sold it.

   

[Lowprofile]

When you get to the bottom of these bills, you usually find Some California Congressman & C.A.R.B. supporting it.....along with automakers & big utility companies.

Look out everyone, Here comes AL GORE and his carbon footprint doomsday machine. 

[Aero426]

Another fine example of what happens when liberal democrats are elected to office. Think next time you vote!

Lets keep this thread about the bill, not politics.

Young Grasshopper, when you enter the work force and begin to vote and pay taxes, you may not be so quick on the trigger.    Yes, yes,  I know the forum rules...   What Dave is suggesting is how bills like these come to be considered.   Pull the word "Democrat" out if you wish, but what he states is pretty much a matter of fact.   Regardless of the party name, the agenda of the liberal left is generally not friendly to old cars, or any cars for that matter. 

[Aero426]

 
"The greenies" are usually just the public scapegoat for this stuff. 


If something actually gets enacted, I'll be a lot more suspicious of the automaker lobby.  They're extremely powerful. And they're always glad to see last years product hustled off the public roads as quickly as possible once they've sold it.

   

I agree in priniciple.  What better way to sell new cars than to get rid of the old ones.  Trouble is, most folks driving or scrapping the old ones can't afford a new car anyway.    Whatever voucher they get doesn't get them any closer to a new car than before. 

[Mike DC]

                   

It just drives up the prices of the whole used car market in general. 

The guy shopping for the $600 clunker isn't gonna switch to a brand new car over it.  But the general uptick in the used car market values will drive other (richer) people a little closer to buying a new car instead of a "pre-owned" one that's a couple years old. 

   

[0X01B8]

BETHESDA, Md., Feb 06, 2009 /PRNewswire-USNewswire via COMTEX/ -- Victory for
Consumers and Small Business Owners

The "Cash for Clunkers" amendment to the United States Senate stimulus package
was withdrawn from the bill on Thursday. The "Cash for Clunkers" program would
have earmarked federal funds for car owners to trade in their sport utility
vehicles in exchange for vouchers to be used to obtain newer, more fuel efficient
vehicles.

"We are thrilled that this amendment was withdrawn from the stimulus package,"
said Kathleen Schmatz, president and CEO of the Automotive Aftermarket Industry
Association (AAIA). "This amendment was full of potholes from the beginning and
once the Senators were informed of all the unintended harmful consequences that
would have resulted from inclusion of this amendment in the bill, they made a
very wise and informed decision to remove this amendment from the stimulus
package."

Congress and states have considered "Cash for Clunkers" proposals in the past and
in many cases have decided against them. Many legislators have come to realize
the unintended consequences of this program and that they are not a cost
effective use of government money.

"I want to thank our AAIA staff and most importantly our membership for their
hard work in getting out the word about the problems 'Cash for Clunkers' would
cause," continued Schmatz. "Their letters, emails and phone calls opposing 'Cash
for Clunkers' were instrumental in getting this amendment removed. The
elimination of this amendment is a great victory for vehicle owners as well as
for every small business owner who is involved in the automotive industry."

About AAIA

AAIA is a Bethesda, Md.-based association whose more than 23,000 member and
affiliates manufacture, distribute and sell motor vehicle parts, accessories,
service, tool, equipment, materials and supplies. Through its membership, AAIA
represents more than 100,000 repair shops, parts stores and distribution outlets.

SOURCE Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association
http://www.aftermarket.org


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