DOT ready to implement new car buyer incentive program

Earlier this week, President Obama signed into law the Car Allowance Rebate System (CARS). This program helps consumers pay for new, more fuel-efficient vehicles when they trade in less fuel-efficient cars or trucks.

Stimulating the automobile industry while improving the environment and reducing fuel consumption--these are outcomes the DOT is pleased to support.

Congress and the Obama Administration recognize this is an important time for the automobile industry.  And, the CARS program will help boost car and truck sales. Moreover, since the auto industry has improved vehicle safety and reduced vehicle emissions over the years, we are also excited about a program that puts vehicles on the road that are safer, pollute less, and get more miles to the gallon than the vehicles they replace.

CARS will be implemented by DOT’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). It's a new responsibility this department welcomes; I know the folks in NHTSA stand ready to fulfill their new charge.

To receive the maximum rebate of $4,500, the new car must have a fuel economy rating of at least 10 miles-per-gallon greater than the car to be traded.  To receive an incentive of $3,500, the same car would be traded for one that gets at least four miles-per-gallon better gas mileage.

The rules differ slightly for vans, trucks, and SUVs, and there are other requirements. I encourage everyone to learn more about the program from the website, www.cars.gov, or call  NHTSA’s Auto Hotline at 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).

Comments

[Used Trucks]

The program is really good.. if these kinda programs are generating some good kinds of revenue and helping the people to save money by investing less on fuel, the fuel economy will be surely comes under control and it will be beneficial for the people as well..

[mcas]

With so much energy used in the creation of the car, is this really encouraging an environmentally friendly option? Trading in your used car seems like a step in the wrong direction-- building a car uses the equivalent of 1,000 gallons of gas.

[Dave Cooper]

Could you clarify the term” Drivable” as used in the CARS program?
We were waiting for CARS to start and the car only starts and drives for 10 minuets at a time.
It has been insured for 4 years.
Will it be drivable?
Dave Cooper

[Car Parts and Reviews]

I think this a great program put into effect by Obama. Let's hope that it works out as good as Obama says!

[colleen]

hi, i hope that you will have another one soon, i was studying the program and understand how it works and i was in the processing in shopping for a new 2009 model. i will never able to afford a full price. i was didappointed when the time ran out and i needed the requirement paperwork, title was missing and i had to fill out a new one . so i hope you will have another one so i can get one to trade in mh old 1994 chevy suburban. thanks again! colleen