CARS the Tri-Cities Spin

In a week, from July 25 to August 1, Toyota of Tri-Cities in 74 "Clunk" under the National Car Allowance delivery system, better known as "Cash for Clunk.
The program, first of $ 1 billion of funding, is designed to encourage self-distribution of fuel and the street. It allows consumers to trade in their old cars to meet certain specifications on a new car qualifies for a rebate up to $ 4500.

But in a week, the program was financial fuel. And for many traders Clunk in cash for the program was neutral, with the approval of the Senate for $ 2 billion of additional resources.

"Our hope is that the pursuit of $ 2 billion and we have another record in his arms," said John Manterola, Toyota of Tri-Cities General Sales Manager. "Because if you can see, our good, it was new. It 'was a big hit in the arm for the Tri-Town and a wonderful opportunity to acquire customers."
Clunk car, car impact, on the wall next to their distributors Canal Drive.

Manterola said the program was a gift for clients and a boost for traders. But I do not think they are in new jobs for the Toyota of Tri-Cities.

"We do not know if it is a 10 days or 30 days of program, so I do not understand that we have more staff for a couple of weeks of the program," he said.
Craig Cavanaugh, General Sales Manager McCurley, said the concession contract Pasco Clunk has nearly 100 cars, and that in his view, the program was a great success.
But not everyone is crazy for distributors of money Clunk.
Shelley Horton, general manager of cars and trucks in Richland budget revenue, is one of the concerns for the program.

"I see positive and negative, the positive is that people out there still buy cars. And I think the idea is a good idea," said Horton. "Unfortunately, I do not have enough people. And I think it is wrong, as it helps."
Horton, who is in the car, in cash, "said Clunk program to help people, not marketing the car with a car worth more discount. E 'also concerned about the possibility of removing the market.
"My man, he can afford to buy a used car and I have no more car, because someone at work, and it was broken," said Horton.
Horton is not very Clunk, but the effect was strong all the way to the automotive industry uses. With the release of Clunk, indirectly, the government has increased the cost of auction of used cars are sold, including those not on the program, he said.
Horton believes that the program could be improved.
"If the incentive for small, more people and more products, it would be more people and not only those who can afford a new car," said Horton.

The program can also have negative effects on the social groups that can accept donations, such as Elijah's Pit Stop, a program of Bethel Church in Richland in 2006 by John Shultz, Bethel as associate pastor. Elijah's Pit Stop donated cars and gives presents to vulnerable people. There are relationships between the quality and charities afloat. Elijah's Pit Stop is approximately 100 cars per year limit.

Depreciation is a tax incentive to donate, but not with the government rebate, but. Shultz concerns, fewer people have cars, but said it was too early to say whether this will happen.
For more information on the cash Clunk, visit www.cars.gov. For more information on Elijah's Pit Stop in May Shultz at 628-0150 Bethel Church.