Some local car dealers are looking forward to a new federal program that pays cash for old gas-guzzlers traded in for new, fuel-efficient models.
Trouble is, the Car Allowance Rebate System program officially started Friday.
Delays in getting information to dealers and a backlog of businesses trying to register Friday had the operators of at least two local businesses pulling their hair.
“When they hear ‘starting today,’ the public thinks they can do this today,” said Jim Cover, vice president of Cover Chevrolet in Windber.
“Once they get the kinks worked out, I think it will be a good program.”
By noon Friday, Cover had been online for five hours trying to register the dealership for the CARS program, also known as Cash for Clunkers.
Under the program, those trading in cars that get 18 miles per gallon or less can receive up to $4,500 toward the purchase of a more fuel-efficient new car.
Customers have been inquiring about the program for the past week or so, said Forrest Spangler at Spangler Subaru in Richland Township.
Until Friday, he had few answers for them.
“The rules have just been published this morning,” Spangler said.
While most new cars qualify, customers have been confused about rules for their trade-in cars.
Vehicles rated higher than 18 mpg will not qualify as trades.
If a customer thinks a vehicle is worth more than $4,500 on a trade, additional investigation is warranted before applying for the Cash for Clunkers, said Rick Cover, Cover Chevrolet president.
“There is a misconception,” Rick Cover said.
“People think there is a trade-in allowance plus the CARS money. “The (federal money) is your trade-in allowance.”
The law requires gas guzzlers acquired under the program to be crushed for scrap, not resold, he said.
Cash for Clunkers was introduced as a way to boost the auto industry and reduce energy consumption.
“I think it’s going to be a good program for both the businesses and the consumer,” Rick Cover said.
“I hope it helps everybody,” Spangler said.
“Everybody could use a little bit of help. It has been a long 10 months.”
Local News
Cash for Clunkers hits roadblock
- Local News
-
-
Somerset County teacher accused of using insulting names
School board members and administrators say they’re still investigating whether a teacher called her eighth- and ninth-grade algebra students names like “retard,” “idiot” and “moron.”
-
Seward tax preparer set to plead in federal court
A Westmoreland County tax preparer is scheduled to plead guilty or no contest to charges that he filed fraudulent income tax returns for his customers and asked some of them to lie to Internal Revenue Service investigators.
-
Police probing financial irregularities at Indiana County parish
State police say they’re investigating financial “irregularities” at a Catholic parish with five worship sites in Indiana County, after the local diocese reported the problems to police.
-
Blogging with heart
Anyone else have this issue: The more I know, the more I want to learn.
As I am writing my heart month stories for this week’s packages, I occasionally come across a term or description unfamiliar to me. So I look it up. And then the definition or article has something else that sounds important, so I look that up. -
Video: Young bear, wolf play together
It’s like something out of a children's book: A bear cub meets a wolf cub and they become the best of friends. Even though they are different species and ferocious predators, the unlikely couple stays pals for life.
-
Two Cambria district judge offices to be cut
Two of Cambria County’s 10 magisterial districts could be eliminated as President Judge Timothy Creany looks at realigning boundaries to cut costs while taking into consideration caseloads of the district judges and population changes.
-
Westmont couple inseparable, even in death
People who knew James and Marjorie Landis of Westmont said the two were nearly always together.
-
Company buys valuables from people ready to unload
Jan Hagerich’s buffalo nickel was “healthy” – which was unhealthy for her finances.
-
Special Olympics return to region
More than 300 athletes eager to show off their skills, along with 135 coaches, will be coming to the region to take part in the 2012 Special Olympics Pennsylvania Winter Games.
-
Special Olympics Schedule
Here is a list of events related to the Pennsylvania Special Olympics Winter Games through Tuesday at venues across the region:
Saturday
• Laurel Highlands Polar Plunge to benefit Special Olympics; Quemahoning Reservoir near Boswell; registration at 9:30 a.m.; plunge at 1 p.m. - More Local News Headlines
-
Somerset County teacher accused of using insulting names
Raw Video: Italy's Mount Etna Bursts Into Life
Greeks March; Angry Despite Debt Deal
Raw Video: U.S. Pullout Celebration
Raw Video: Annual Empire State Building Run-Up
Man Killed in Courthouse Shootout
Video of Ga. Man Who Killed Girl Released
Air Force Airlines: Leaders Get Polished Service
Ga Girl Fights Off Kidnapper at Walmart
Nevada Highway Patrol, City Settle Beating Case
Homs Bombardment Continues, Global Outcry Grows
Raw Video: Dog Rescued From Icy Colo. Water
Skip the Coffee Cup and Inhale Your Caffeine Fix
