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Pedal to the metal, Congress sent President
Barack Obama legislation Thursday night with an additional $2
billion for "cash for clunkers," the economy-boosting rebate
program that caught the fancy of car buyers and instantly increased
sales for an auto industry long mired in recession.


      The Senate approved the money on a 60-37 vote after
administration officials said an initial $1 billion had run out in
only 10 days. The House voted last week to keep alive the program,
which gives consumers up to $4,500 in federal subsidies if they
trade in their cars for new, more energy-efficient models.


      Without action, lawmakers risked a wave of voter discontent as
they left the Capitol for a monthlong vacation.


      "Cash for clunkers has been a proven success," Obama said in a
written statement issued shortly after the vote. "The initial
transactions are generating a more than 50 percent increase in fuel
economy; they are generating $700 to $1000 in annual savings for
consumers in reduced gas costs alone, and they are getting the
oldest, dirtiest and most air polluting trucks and SUVs off the
road for good."


      Senate supporters of the program hailed its effect on the auto
industry - which had its best month in nearly a year in July - as
well as its claimed environmental benefits.
      "The reality is this is a program that has beento Labor Day.


      Under the program, passenger car owners are eligible for a
voucher worth $3,500 if they trade in a vehicle getting 18 miles
per gallon or less for a new car getting at least 22 mpg. Vouchers
of $4,500 are available for owners who trade in a passenger car
getting 18 mpg or less for a model that gets at least 28 mpg.


      There are similar guidelines for SUVs and pickup trucks.
      Dealers are barred from reselling the trade-ins and are charged
with ensuring their destruction.

      Jeremy Anwyl, CEO of the auto Web site Edmunds.com, said the
unintended result is that vehicle prices are climbing.


      "What we've created now is a shortage for key models," he
said. "Prices are going up dramatically."


      Hyundai Motor Co. has added a day of production at its
Montgomery, Ala., factory, while Ford Motor Co. and GM are
considering following suit.

      Tom Stephens, vice chairman of product development at GM, said
in an interview that the company has had spot shortages of compact
and midsize cars, which have been popular with consumers
jettisoning their clunkers. The company also reported an increase
in sales of the Chevrolet HHR small sport utility.

      "Consumer confidence is really what you need here," Stephens
said. "It's hard for them if they don't know if they have a job or
a for-sure paycheck to go out and make a major purchase, so I think this is kind of jump-starting some things."


      The longer-term impact of the program is less clear.


      "Once these clunker rebates expire, it is over," predicted
economist Richard Yamarone of Argus Research. "Consumers are not
going to keep buying cars. It is a temporary one-time gimmick, not
a long-lasting tonic for the recovery."

      In the program so far, GM's share of cars sold is largest,
accounting for 18.7 percent of new sales. Toyota Motor Corp.
followed with 17.9 percent, while Ford had 16 percent. Detroit
automakers represented 45.3 percent of the total sales, while
Toyota, Honda Motor Co. and Nissan Motor Co., all Japanese firms,
totaled 36.5 percent.

      Toyota also has the best-selling new model for traders of
clunkers, the Corolla. The Ford Focus, Honda Civic, Toyota Prius
and Toyota Camry are also favorites. There is one SUV on the list,
the Ford Escape, which also comes in a hybrid model that can get up
to 32 mpg. Six of the top-10 selling vehicles are built by foreign
manufacturers, but most are built in North America.
      ---
     

Gallery

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Congress has passed a $2 billion extension of
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Congress OKs $2B refill of 'cash for clunkers'

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