3,300 ADDITIONAL HAWAII SALES ANTICIPATED UNDER REVIVED CASH FOR CLUNKERS PROGRAM

Congress approved a measure today to revive the popular Cash for Clunkers program by extend funding.  U.S. Congresswoman Mazie Hirono of Hawaii joined more than 300 other representatives in voting today to increase funding by $2 billion, a move that is expected to boost sales by an additional 800,000 vehicles.

Congresswoman Mazie Hirono of Hawaii voted today in support of extending funding for the popular Cash for Clunkers program. File photo by Wendy Osher.

The program allows consumers to trade in their old, gas-guzzling cars for vouchers worth up to $4,500 to help pay for new, more fuel-efficient vehicles.

Nearly 200,000 vehicles had already been purchased through the program before funding ran out.

“It is clearly a successful and popular program…One dealership on ‘Oahu’s windward side reports making 20 ‘Cash for Clunkers’ deals in the program’s first week,” said Congresswoman Hirono.

“These additional funds will maintain the increased purchasing power of island drivers who are looking to upgrade their vehicles.  And with this added support, island auto dealers project some 3,300 older automobiles will be taken off Hawai’i roads and replaced with 3,300 more fuel efficient vehicles by the end of the year,” Hirono said.

The legislation provides rebates for cars and trucks in the following four categories:

• Passenger Cars: The old vehicle must get 18 mpg or less. New vehicles with improvement of at least 4 mpg will get a $3,500 voucher. New vehicles with improvement of at least 10 mpg will get a $4,500 voucher.
• Light-Duty Trucks: The old vehicle must get 18 mpg or less. New vehicles with improvement of at least 2 mpg will get a $3,500 voucher. New vehicles with improvement of at least 5 mpg will get a $4,500 voucher.
• Large light-Duty Trucks: The old vehicle must get 15 mpg or less. New vehicles with improvement of at least 1 mpg will get a $3,500 voucher or trade-in of a “work truck.” New vehicles with improvement of at least 2 mpg will get a $4,500 voucher.
• Work Trucks: The old vehicle must be a pre-2002 model. New vehicles in the same or smaller weight class will get a $3,500 voucher.

The initial bipartisan legislation was supported by a coalition that includes the AFL-CIO, UAW, car dealers, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the National Association of Manufacturers.

(Posted by Wendy Osher; Information provided by the office of Congresswoman Mazie Hirono)