The federal "cash for clunkers" program is funded for approximately 250K vouchers of $3,500 or $4,500 to pay for older, less fuel-efficient vehicles to be replaced by new ones. Vouchers will be available soon but will probably be gone long before the November 1, 2009, expiration of the current program.
Added electronic technology may be key to making small vehicles profitable in the US. An open architecture is needed to allow 3rd-party developers to design customizable applications for each driver, especially in shared-car business models.
"Cash for Clunkers" has yet to be signed into law, but that has not stopped automotive companies from taking action. Experian Automotive has developed a prospecting program to help automakers and dealers identify qualified consumers. The program even reviews the prospects' ability to qualify for a vehicle loan.
The J.D. Power and Associates 2009 APEAL study finds consumer satisfaction with both new and used purchases at record 3-year high, averaging 790 out of a possible 1,000 point scale. Domestic/import gap has narrowed as buyers seek quality and fuel economy.
NADA, gasoline price, diesel price