The federal government launched a Web site Monday for the cash for clunkers plan passed by Congress last week, but the rules to oversee the program may take up to a month to craft.
The Web site, www.cars.gov, offers information on how the process of trading an older vehicle for a more-efficient model will work, and urges customers to call dealers to see if they will register for the program.
On Thursday, Congress sent the $1-billion measure to President Barack
Automakers and suppliers cheered the news, even though the plan was pared back from an original target of $4 billion and one million vehicles. But some analysts have questioned how many owners of older vehicles that qualify for the vouchers could afford a new model, even with $4,500 off the sticker.
CNW Marketing/Research said that the delay in getting the plan approved by Congress pushed it out of the range of a surge of shoppers in the traditional June and July selling season, and would also suffer from a Nov. 1 cutoff.
Many of the shoppers are likely "in large part going to Asian automakers," the research firm said in a report. "The environmental impact will be minuscule considering the number of vehicles actually being replaced."
Contact JUSTIN HYDE: 202-906-8204