Ray Catena Mercedes-Benz Supports the Car Allowance Rebate System

(formerly referred to as the Cash for Clunkers Program)

What is the Car Allowance Rebate System?

President Obama signed into law a program the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is calling the Car Allowance Rebate System (CARS). This program was formerly referred to as the "Cash for Clunkers" program. This is a federal program that helps you purchase a new, more fuel efficient vehicle when you trade in a less fuel efficient vehicle.

How the Car Allowance Rebate System works.

Car owners can get a voucher worth $3,500 if they trade in a vehicle whose original gas mileage was 18 miles per gallon or less for a vehicle that gets at least 22 mpg. The value of the voucher would grow to $4,500 if the mileage of the new car is 10 mpg higher than the old vehicle. The miles-per-gallon figures are listed on the new car's window sticker. The fuel economy of a consumer's existing vehicle and the one he or she wants to buy can be researched at the U.S. Energy Dept.'s website. Owners of sport-utility vehicles, pickup trucks, or minivans that get 18 mpg or less would receive a voucher for $3,500 if their new truck or SUV gets at least 2 mpg higher than their old vehicle. The voucher would increase to $4,500 if the mileage of the new truck or SUV is at least 5 mpg higher than the older vehicle

To take advantage of the CARS program and get pre-qualified please fill out the form below.  (all fields are required) Full Name * Telephone* Email * Zip code* Comments*

Important Things to Know

• Your vehicle must be less than 25 years old on the trade-in date
• Only purchase or lease of new vehicles qualify
• Generally, trade-in vehicles must get 18 or less MPG (some very large pick-up trucks and cargo vans have different requirements)
• Trade-in vehicles must be registered and insured continuously for the full year preceding the trade-in
• You don't need a voucher, dealers will apply a credit at purchase
• Program runs through Nov 1, 2009 or when the funds are exhausted, whichever comes first.
• The program requires the disposal of your eligible trade-in vehicle and that the dealer disclose to you an estimate of the scrap value of your trade-in. The scrap value, however minimal, will be in addition to the rebate, and not in place of the rebate.

Summary of Car Allowance Rebate System Voucher Qualifications

	Min. Fuel Economy for New Vehicle	$3,500 Voucher	$4,500 Voucher
Passenger Car	22 mpg *	Mileage improvement of at least 4 mpg	Mileage improvement of at least 10 mpg
Light-Duty Truck **	18 mpg *	Mileage improvement of at least 2 mpg	Mileage improvement of at least 5 mpg
Large Light-Duty Trucks ***	15 mpg *	Mileage improvement of at least 1 mpg or trade-in of a work truck	Mileage improvement of at least 2 mpg
Commercial trucks ****		Trade-in must be at least pre-2002
* EPA Combined MPG   ** under 6,000 lbs.  ***6,000 lbs. – 8,500 lbs. **** 8,500 – 10,000 lbs.

Additional Car Allowance Rebate System Resources

• The official Car Allowance Rebate website.
• Complete 2009 fuel economy guide (opens as a PDF)

If you have any questions please contact this participating Car Allowance Rebate System dealership. We have been trained in all aspects of this program and can answer any questions you may have.