“Cash for clunkers” roared through its $3 billion like a race car that lost its brakes, wrapping up at close of business Monday as a mini-stimulus program that created at least a temporary return to robust consumer spending.
The program rekindled interest in the struggling auto industry and, at least for a while, got people thinking like buyers in this economy.
We didn’t support the program because it seemed to be more of a perk for wealthier buyers, and a questionable use of government money. Also, by not accepting cars made before 1984, the program missed an opportunity to get the real polluters into the junkyard.
We also remain concerned that future vehicle buying will return to stagnant levels, or could possibly be even worse because of the bailout.
And the Web-based system the government established for dealers to file their claims, which crashed frequently, also created a real concern that some dealers could be out tens of thousands of dollars.
The Department of Transportation extended the deadline for filing until noon today. It obviously should do so again if further crashes hamper dealers trying to file the paperwork.
All that said, allow us to be positive about the environmental aspect of the program for a moment.
In Colorado, an estimated 8,200 to 9,000 cars were taken off the road due to the program, said Tim Jackson, president of the Colorado Automobile Dealers Association.
Of those, a large percentage were pre-1990 models, which pollute far more. Since those cars contribute to the “brown cloud” that mars many winter days in Denver, the program just may help clear the air.
Auto emissions aren’t the only polluter, but every little bit helps. Let’s hope this ill-advised program at least lets us breathe a little easier.
