Program Provides Critical Boost for Arkansas Auto Dealers
Washington – U.S. Senator Blanche Lincoln today expressed her support for continuation of the federal government’s week-old Car Allowance Rebate System (CARS), known as the “Cash for Clunkers” program.
Lincoln has been in contact several times with the White House during the course of the day to urge the Administration to clarify the status of the program for dealers and consumers. She also stressed that many of her constituents, both dealers and consumers, have been uncertain about the predictability of the program. The White House has told Lincoln that sales under the program will be covered through this weekend while the White House works with Congress to provide a more long-term extension of the program.
“Over the past week, Arkansas car dealers have seen a boost in sales as customers take advantage of the CARS program. CARS has been a genuine stimulus and customers have been frequenting dealerships and injecting dollars into our local economy. It’s critical at this juncture to continue to stimulate the economy, and this program would do that,” said Lincoln.
“I have received assurances from the White House that our auto dealers and their customers can rely on CARS funding for transactions that occur through the weekend. I will be working with my colleagues in the Senate to move forward on the legislation that the House passed today.”
CARS offers up to $4,500 in cash rebates to help people who trade in cars or SUVs with a combined fuel economy of 18 miles per gallon or less to buy newer, more fuel-efficient vehicles. Congress appropriated $1 billion for the program, which expires Nov. 1, or whenever the money runs out.
