From AAIA Capital Report

While funding for a "Cash for Clunkers" program was removed from the Economic Stimulus bill passed by Congress last week, congressional supporters have vowed to include the provision in another legislative vehicle, likely an energy bill that is slated for debate this spring. Senator Tom Harkin (D-Iowa), who introduced S.AMDT.338 to the stimulus, and Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), who wrote the "Accelerated Retirement of Inefficient Vehicles Act" (S. 247), have been clear in their efforts to implement such a program in the 111th Congress.

Therefore, the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA) has added the "Cash for Clunkers" issue to the agenda for the Aftermarket Legislative Summit, scheduled for March 11-12, in Washington, D.C.

"The aftermarket strongly opposes the use of ‘Cash for Clunkers’ programs, which threaten jobs in our industry by removing repair opportunities for vehicles and raising the cost of used cars and parts," said Aaron Lowe, vice president, government affairs, AAIA. "We plan to use the summit to educate legislators on the fact that while these programs look good on paper, they have never been shown to be a cost effective means to improve fuel economy, reduce emissions or spur new car sales."

To register online for the 2009 Aftermarket Legislative Summit, visit www.aftermarket.org/MeetingsEvents/09LEGSUMMIT_888.aspx.

For more information on the summit, contact Cael Pulitzer at 301-654-6664 or e-mail [email protected].