Advance Automotive & Technology

A total of 690,000 new vehicles were sold under the Cash for Clunkers program last summer, but only 125,000 of those were vehicles that would not have been sold anyway, according to expert analysis. There are those that would have you believe the program was not a success based on stats like that but the truth is that this program appeared to be more about helping the auto industry than only helping the environment. Most of the cars collected will provide some quality recycling benefit with the use of the better quality used parts and even the ones that turn out to be pure junk cars will still have their steel recycled for re-use. I think this is more of a complete win-win situation for all involved.

The Cash for Clunkers program gave car buyers rebates of up to $4,500 if they traded in less fuel-efficient vehicles for new vehicles that met certain fuel economy requirements. A total of $3 billion was allotted for those rebates. The average rebate was $4,000. But the overwhelming majority of sales would have taken place anyway at some time in the last half of 2009. I personally hope this program is again extended.