Recent Streetsblog LA posts about Cash for Clunkers

As “Cash for Clunkers” Sputters, a Privately Funded Spinoff Picks Up

By Elana Schor | Aug 20, 2009 | No Comments

The U.S. DOT began signaling yesterday that it would bring the "cash for clunkers" program to an end amid growing unease from auto dealers about the government’s slow pace of reimbursement and General Motors’ decision to begin fronting "clunkers" repayments to its own salesmen. (Photo: AmericaJR.com) But with auto-industry forecasters predicting a cool 1 million […]

Could Electric-Car Tax Credits Become the Next “Cash for Clunkers”?

By Elana Schor | Aug 14, 2009 | 3 Comments

The White House’s commitment to electrified cars, fulfilling an Obama campaign promise to put 1 million plug-in hybrids into service by 2015, is bound to have serious ramifications for the nation’s already-crumbling system of paying for transportation. (Photo: MPR) But could the administration continue to leave the gas tax untouched while relying on taxpayer-subsidized rebates […]

New ‘Clunkers’ Analysis: Trucks, SUVs More Popular Than Suggested

By Elana Schor | Aug 11, 2009 | No Comments

When the Obama administration first called for more "cash for clunkers" last week, two influential senators said they could not back an extension without stronger efficiency standards for the program’s trade-ins — only to drop their opposition after viewing U.S. DOT sales figures that showed buyers snapping up gas-sipping cars. Is this Ford Escape the […]

Following ‘Cash for Clunkers’ with ‘Riches for Rail’

By Elana Schor | Aug 4, 2009 | 3 Comments

(Photo: Washington Post) Robert Menendez (D-NJ), a senior member of the Senate Banking Committee, began his hearing on transit today by displaying the above cartoon by Pulitzer prize-winner Tom Toles. The senator’s message parallels Toles’: In a world where the auto industry can get $2 billion more in one week, what’s to be done about […]

Separating Myth from Fact on “Cash for Clunkers”

By Elana Schor | Aug 4, 2009 | 3 Comments

As debate rages on in the capital over whether to keep assisting the auto industry by giving out more "cash for clunkers" rebates, two assertions are becoming commonplace: the program is helping diminish U.S. oil consumption, and the program is not paid for with new money. (Photo: AP) The first argument was reiterated on Friday […]

Federal Government Racing to Give $2 Billion More for Cash for Clunkers

By Elana Schor | Jul 31, 2009 | 17 Comments

The "cash for clunkers" rebate program, which promises new auto buyers up to $4,500 for fuel-efficiency upgrades as small as 2 miles per gallon, is back to life after burning through $1 billion in taxpayer money. Minutes ago, the House approved $2 billion more in auto rebates by transferring cash that was already headed for […]

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