Contact:	Clarence Mills (202) 543-1440 c.mills@att.net
For Release:	Immediate News Bulletin PR-6 January 19, 2009

Cash for Clunkers Program Introduced in Senate

No repair option in proposed legislation

WASHINGTON, D.C., January 19, 2009 - A fleet modernization program has been proposed by U.S. Sens. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif.; Susan Collins, R-Maine; and Charles Schumer, D-N.Y., which would establish a national incentive program for voluntary retirement of fuel-inefficient vehicles through the Department of Energy. Princeton University's Dr. Alan Blinder, in a New York Times article published in 2008, referred to this policy option as "Cash for Clunkers" - government payments to remove older, less-fuel-efficient or high-polluting vehicles from America's highways.

Specifically, the program would compensate drivers $2,500 to $4,500 for exchanging their fuel-inefficient vehicle for a more fuel-efficient vehicle. The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy predicts that, if implemented, the program would save motor fuel and reduce greenhouse gases and ground-level ozone levels.

The Automotive Service Association (ASA) supports a Cash for Clunkers program if it includes these following important points:

• Includes a vehicle repair option for consumers.

• Programs should be administered by the states.

• Vehicle participation should be tied to emissions and improving air quality.

• Repair cost allowances should be sufficient to address emissions repairs.

There are several Cash for Clunkers initiatives being discussed as part of the Stimulus legislation. To review the Feinstein legislation or other related Cash for Clunkers information, please visit ASA's legislative Web site at www.TakingtheHill.com.

The Automotive Service Association is the largest not-for-profit trade association of its kind dedicated to and governed by independent automotive service and repair professionals. ASA serves an international membership base that includes numerous affiliate, state and chapter groups from both the mechanical and collision repair segments of the automotive service industry. ASA's headquarters is in Bedford, Texas.

ASA advances professionalism and excellence in the automotive repair industry through education, representation and member services. For additional information about ASA, including past news releases, go to www.ASAshop.org, or visit ASA's legislative Web site at www.TakingTheHill.com.

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