'Cash for Clunkers' Seen as Boost for Detroit,Boon for Fuel Economy of Cars on U.S. Roads

摘要

U.S. auto manufacturers, struggling to survive an industry implosion and global consumer credit crunch, are urging lawmakers to enact legislation that would reward car buyers who trade in their old gas-guzzlers for new, fuel-efficient cars.rnPresident Obama and leaders in Congress have all expressed support for a so-called "cash for clunkers" or "fleet modernization" program to spur auto sales and at the same time get older, more polluting cars off the road. Legislation has been introduced in both the House of Representatives and the Senate, though there are differences among the various proposals introduced so far.rnA bill (H.R. 1550) sponsored by Rep. Betty Sutton (D-Ohio) would provide vouchers of $3,000 to $5,000 for trade-ins of cars that are at least nine years old. The amount of the voucher would be based on the fuel efficiency of the new car being purchased, or it could be used for transit fare.