Washington, DC - Today, U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Secretary Ray LaHood announced that after overwhelming support, the CARS program, also known as the `Cash for Clunkers' program, will expire on Monday, Aug. 24, at 8 p.m. EST.

"The speed with which [the CARS program] took off now puts it among the most successful stimulus packages to come out of Washington since the start of the recession," according to the Wall Street Journal. 

"I am proud to have authored legislation that received such tremendous support from consumers and dealers all across the country," said Rep. Betty Sutton (D-OH). "The multiple goals that we set for the program were indeed accomplished: this transitional and targeted economic stimulus provided much-needed assistance to consumers, the auto industry and the environment. It stimulated the economy through increased auto sales and provided a shot in the arm for our manufacturers, autoworkers, dealers and auto-related industries. It also helped our environment by pulling less fuel-efficient vehicles off the road, decreasing our oil consumption and reducing overall greenhouse gas emissions."

The CARS program helped consumers by providing rebates of up to $4,500 to purchase safer, more fuel-efficient vehicles, which will allow consumers to save an estimated $700 to $1,000 per year on fuel costs.

The CARS program helped spur the economy nationwide and particularly in Ohio. On Tuesday, GM announced that it will ramp up production of fuel-efficient vehicles, adding shifts and returning 1,100 people to work at its Lordstown, Ohio plant.

The measurable environmental benefits of the CARS program are evident in DOT's preliminary data, which indicates that many consumers are turning in trucks and SUV's in exchange for passenger cars, with an improved gas mileage of about 60 percent.

"I look forward to working with the Administration and my colleagues in the House and Senate on future initiatives that will continue the momentum gained through the CARS program toward an improved and stable economy." Rep. Sutton said. 

Rep. Sutton is the author of the successful program that passed in the House in June (H.R. 2751). The CARS program was created by the Consumer Assistance to Recycle and Save Act of 2009. The program gives consumers vouchers up to $4,500 to purchase safer, more fuel-efficient vehicles. Rep. Sutton introduced the CARS Act in March and worked to gain support of colleagues in the House and Senate, the Administration, and House and Senate leadership to pass the legislation on the House floor in June with a bipartisan vote of 298-119.  The program was included into the Supplemental Appropriations Act and signed by President Obama on June 24, 2009.

The CARS Act officially launched on July 27, and within four days Rep. Sutton received news from Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood that funds were running out due to tremendous popularity of the program. Rep. Sutton worked swiftly with the Administration, House leadership and her colleagues to ensure that the program received additional funding. on Friday, July 31, the House overwhelmingly approved the additional $2 billion by a margin of 316-109 (H.R. 3435). On Aug. 6, the U.S. Senate also voted to pass the measure by a margin of 60-37, and quickly thereafter, President Obama signed the bill to provide $2 billion in additional finding for the program.

For more information, please visit www.sutton.house.gov or www.cars.gov. 

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