Cash for clunkers popular in GV, Sahuarita

The federal “cash-for-clunkers” program has proved to be a hit in Green Valley and throughout the Tucson area, with hundreds of gas-guzzlers being traded in for new fuel-efficient vehicles.

The general manager of Jim Click Ford Lincoln-Mercury in Green Valley, Sharif Khavat, said he’s seen a “tremendous interest in the program” from local buyers, ranging from retirees to working professionals with young families.

A few had been in the market since June or early July, but held off until the program started July 24, Khavat said. Others became buyers only after they heard about cash-for-clunkers. The dealership has sold eight cars through the program.

The idea behind the program — officially known as the Car Allowance Rebate System (CARS) — was twofold: to help stimulate sales in the slumping auto industry, and to get gas hogs off the road.

But the program has been so popular that the $1 billion set aside for it — expected to last through November — was nearly drained in two weeks.

As of Monday, $563.8 million in rebates had been processed through the government program, representing 133,767 new vehicles, according to the Department of Transportation.

Jim Click’s 13 car dealerships in the Tucson area sold about 200 cars through the program, he said.

“The program’s been unbelievably successful,” Click said. “It’s done exactly what it’s supposed to do. It’s getting junkers off the road, and putting people into fuel-efficient new cars.”

Click also said it provides a “wonderful opportunity to help people who might not be able to afford a new car otherwise.”

Extending the program

The House voted last week to add $2 billion to the program, and the Senate is expected to take up the bill this week. If the Senate doesn’t approve it by Friday, the program likely will end.

But reports Tuesday said opposition to extending the program has been dissipating.

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid said that he had the votes to pass the measure, which would give car buyers until Labor Day to cash in on the rebates, according to the Associated Press.

“I’m personally confident the Senate will vote to extend the program,” said Click, who hopes the $2 billion would allow cash-for-clunkers to continue for another two to three weeks. “It’s been great for the automotive industry,” he said.

“Philosophically, I’m opposed to it, but, heck, I’m in the car business, and I’m going to do everything I can to sell as many as I can.”

jrichardson@gvnews.com | 547-9726