BARRETT: CASH FOR CLUNKERS IS A NIGHTMARE FOR CAR DEALERSHIPS

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Yesterday, Congressman J. Gresham Barrett (SC, 03) sent a letter to U.S. Secretary of Transportation, Ray LaHood, discussing unresolved issues surrounding the Car Allowance Rebate System (CARS) and the problems the program poses for car dealerships around the country.

Read an excerpt from the letter below.

Dear Secretary LaHood,

            Like many of my colleagues, I have serious concerns with the implementation and management of the Car Allowance Rebate System (CARS).  Designed to jump start sagging auto sales and promote higher vehicle fuel economy, the CARS has quickly turned into a nightmare for many automobile dealers participating in the program.

            I recognize that there will be issues with the implementation of any program of the magnitude of CARS within the short window set forth by Congress. Nonetheless, I am very disappointed with what I view as poor planning by those spearheading the CARS program. Since its inception on July 24, 2009, car dealers in my district and across the state of South Carolina have been unable to access the CARS website to upload the pertinent forms despite repeated attempts, and of those who have, many have yet to hear back from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) about applications they submitted almost a month ago.

Please click here to read the entire letter to Sec. LaHood.