"Cash for Clunkers" Deal is Peanuts Compared to Good Ol' Vehicle Maintenance

BETHESDA, Md., Aug. 7 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Routine vehicle maintenance for an entire year costs a consumer less than a single monthly new car payment and would be significantly more successful in reducing gasoline use and pollution than the "Cash for Clunkers" program, according to the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA). Vehicle maintenance would save consumers $30 billion in gasoline a year vs. spending $3 billion in taxpayer dollars to buy new cars.

While the "Cash for Clunkers" program is estimated to save 72 million gallons of gasoline each year, simple vehicle maintenance would save more than 12 billion gallons of gasoline a year (equivalent to all of the gasoline used in Illinois, Michigan and Connecticut in one year). Additionally, vehicle maintenance does not require a dime of taxpayer money and doesn't require destroying perfectly good used vehicles that could be sold or donated to people who cannot afford a new car, reports AAIA.

"Understandably the 'Cash for Clunkers' program is wildly popular among new car dealers, car makers and those consumers who have the ability to buy a new vehicle. However, the majority of Americans cannot afford a new car payment today, but they probably can afford to trade up to a newer used vehicle or make their current vehicle more fuel-efficient," said Kathleen Schmatz, AAIA president and CEO.

"Doesn't it make more sense to give a tax credit or other incentive to the majority of Americans to improve the fuel efficiency, safety and dependability of their current vehicle, rather than taking their tax dollars to help a small minority of consumers and pump up new car dealer profits?" said Schmatz.

AAIA opposes the "Cash for Clunkers" program for the following reasons:

-- The program destroys many vehicles that are not even close to being defined as "clunkers" with years of remaining life and use.

-- Destroyed vehicles are removed from the market forever, depriving consumers who seek to purchase a used vehicle or charities in need of donated vehicles.

-- It hurts the aftermarket companies that manufacture, distribute, sell and install vehicle parts on used vehicles, and those who rebuild/remanufacture vehicle parts.

-- Resources and energy use is multiplied when a vehicle is destroyed and a new one is built to replace it.

-- The majority of vehicles being traded in are domestic, and the majority of new vehicles being sold are foreign.

-- The program entices consumers to purchase a new car that they might not be able to afford and certainly to go further in debt, reminiscent to the sub-prime home mortgage debacle.

-- The program is regressive since only those at higher income levels who can afford to purchase a new car will qualify for the $4,500 voucher, while destroying used cars that could be purchased by lower income families, most in need of assistance in obtaining transportation.

Consumers interested in learning exactly how vehicle maintenance will save money should visit the Car Care Council Web site at www.carcare.org.

About AAIA

AAIA is a Bethesda, Md.-based association whose more than 23,000 member and affiliates manufacture, distribute and sell motor vehicle parts, accessories, service, tool, equipment, materials and supplies. Through its membership, AAIA represents more than 100,000 repair shops, parts stores and distribution outlets.

Source: Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association

Ever wonder what happens to your "Clunker" after it enters the "Cash For Clunkers" (CARS) program? Looks like it gets destroyed. Seems a huge waste to me but thats just my humble opinion.

Even a clunker has some value in the used parts arena, specifically the engine and drive-train and thats what gets destroyed. Some people may not be able to afford "new car payments" even with the credit for the clunker.  Anyway, heres a press release that describes the bitter end to your old family friend.

Bar's Leaks Introduces a Clunker Killer: New DiFM Rendering Chemical Sodium Silicate Disables Cash for Clunkers Program Trade-Ins

HOLLY, Mich., Aug. 5 /PRNewswire/ -- Car dealers must destroy the engines of every vehicle they take in through the Car Allowance Rebate System (CARS) Program, formerly known as "Cash for Clunkers." They can do so by using new Bar's Leaks DiFM Rendering Chemical Sodium Silicate or Bar's Leaks Head Gasket Repair.

Unlike Head Gasket Repair and other sodium silicate (liquid glass) products that are sold to fix vehicles, Bar's Leaks DiFM Rendering Chemical Sodium Silicate was developed specifically to meet the requirements outlined by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for CARS/Cash for Clunkers.

"We have worked directly with Department of Transportation officials and have invested considerable research to develop an engine disabling product that meets CARS specifications," explains Clay Parks, vice president of development for Bar's Products, manufacturer of Bar's Leaks. "We are the only manufacturer offering such a product in large, cost-effective sizes for dealers."

The Engine Disablement Procedures for the CARS Program call for dealers to drain all engine oil from the trade-in vehicle, re-install the oil drain plug, add two quarts of the sodium silicate solution, replace the oil fill cap and run the engine at 2000 rpm until the engine stops.

"The agency has tested this method at its Vehicle Research and Test Center and found it safe, quick, and effective," notes the NHTSA Final Rule for CARS.

Bar's Leaks DiFM Rendering Chemical Sodium Silicate is available in three sizes: one-gallon bottles (p/n RC128) good for two renderings, five-gallon pails (p/n RC640) used for 10 renderings and 55-gallon drums (p/n RC7040) for 110 renderings.

Bar's Leaks Head Gasket Repair (p/n 1100) is sold in 20 oz. bottles through automotive repair outlets nationwide. Four bottles of Head Gasket Repair must be used to disable an engine per CARS standards. All Bar's Leaks products are made in the U.S.A.

For more information about Bar's Leaks DiFM Rendering Chemical Sodium Silicate, visit the Bar's Leaks Professional DiFM Web site at www.barsleaksdifm.com or call the technician hotline at (800) 345-6572. You can also follow Bar's Products on Twitter at http://twitter.com/barsproducts.

Bar's Products offers a full line of vehicle chemicals, including Bar's Leaks, the world's most trusted stop-leak brand since 1947, and Rislone , America's best-selling engine treatment brand for more than 80 years.

Source: Bar's Leaks

Mazda Amps Up for CARS Program

IRVINE, Calif., July 15 /PRNewswire/ -- Mazda and its dealers are hard at work preparing for increased traffic when consumers can take advantage of the government's new Car Allowance Rebate System (CARS), also known as cash for clunkers, later this month. Mazda expects incremental sales increases as a result of the new CARS incentive program.

Under the CARS program, an owner of a passenger car, minivan, SUV, or pick-up truck that gets an EPA combined 18 mpg or less can trade it in for a government incentive toward the purchase of a new vehicle. The amount of the incentive is either $3,500 or $4,500, depending on the mpg improvement of the new vehicle over the one it replaces. See www.cars.gov for complete details.

The Mazda consumer web site, www.MazdaUSA.com, provides a link to the government's official CARS web site, www.cars.gov, which clearly outlines which vehicles qualify as clunkers and which new vehicles are eligible under the program. At MazdaUSA.com, consumers can also access a Fact Sheet and Frequently Asked Questions for additional information on the program. Customers can also see real-world saving examples on the "Clunker Savings Calculator" at MazdaUSA.com to get to a "true cost" at the point of purchase (i.e. MSRP minus $4,500 minus Mazda Incentives minus savings on fuel cost equals final purchase price). Additionally, Mazda's Twitter site, NewsFromMazda, is tweeting daily on the latest CARS news.

To reach current Mazda owners who have qualifying clunkers, Mazda is planning direct mail and email contact of Mazda owners, letting them know about the CARS program. Additionally, Mazda will reach out to prospects via email and conduct hand-raiser communication to communicate the CARS program and eligible Mazda vehicles.

Mazda will integrate CARS messaging into its Summer Event TV advertising, due to begin the week of July 20, which will coincide with the actual program implementation date of July 24. Mazda will soon announce a CARS sweepstakes. Information on the sweepstakes will be released imminently.

Ninety percent of Mazda models and engine combinations qualify for the CARS incentive program, which requires passenger cars to achieve 22 mpg or more combined fuel economy, and light trucks to achieve 18 mpg or better combined fuel economy:

2010 MAZDA3i and MAZDA3s 4-Door, 2010 MAZDA3s 5-Door, 2009 MAZDA6i, all 2009 CX-7s, all 2009 Tributes, 2009 Tribute Hybrid (only sold in selected markets), all 2009 MAZDA5s, all 2009 MX-5 Miatas, 2009 CX-9 2WD and 2009 B-Series B2300.

Headquartered in Irvine, Calif., Mazda North American Operations oversees the sales, marketing, parts and customer service support of Mazda vehicles in the United States, Canada and Mexico through nearly 900 dealers. Operations in Canada are managed by Mazda Canada, Inc., located in Ontario; and in Mexico by Mazda Motor de Mexico in Mexico City.

Source: Mazda North American Operations

Web Site: http://www.mazdausa.com/

Hard Work Deserves Big Rewards - NADAguides.com Picks the Best Cars for Dads and Grads. List Highlights Sports Cars, Hybrids, Crossovers, Convertibles and Trucks that Any Dad or Grad Would Be Proud to Own.

COSTA MESA, Calif., June 18 /PRNewswire/ -- It only seems fitting that as we begin to kick-off the summer, we start celebrating two hardworking groups of people: Fathers and graduates. With all the long hours they put in and sacrifices they make, a reward is well-deserved. What better reward to give than a new car? To ease the process for those looking for the perfect car for their dad or grad, NADAguides.com, the leader in vehicle pricing and information, has identified its list of the "Best Cars for Dads and Grads" in five of today's hottest vehicle segments.

Sports Cars

Nothing ignites the soul of an auto enthusiast like a spirited drive in a sports car. For dads, the 2010 Camaro SS will do the trick in more ways than one. The Camaro blends the tire-melting performance of a 426 hp 6.2L V8 with styling straight from the late 1960s, the golden era of the American muscle car, at an amazing starting price of just $30,245.

Performance isn't reserved for the wealthy, as evidenced by the $22,000 Hyundai Genesis Coupe 2.0T. The 210 hp turbocharged 4-cylinder puts its power down through the rear wheels, which leaves it in a class all by itself. With a relatively low curb weight of about 3,300 pounds and a sport tuned suspension, the Genesis Coupe continues to thrill when the road gets curvy.

Hybrids

Dads concerned about fuel prices and the environment will love the EPA rated 41 city/36 hwy mpg 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid. Starting at $27,270, the Fusion Hybrid is loaded with technology, including voice-activated navigation with SYNC and Ford's SmartGauge with EcoGuide that manages to make economical driving fun.

For years the high price of hybrid technology has kept hybrid vehicles out of reach for most graduates, but the 2010 Honda Insight aims to change that. With a starting price of $19,800 the Insight provides a practical and affordable way to get 40 city/ 43 hwy mpg while making a strong social statement.

Crossovers

Dad deserves to be comfortable. With a standard tri-zone climate control and available heated and cooled leather seats, the 2010 Buick Enclave is certainly up to the task. The starting price is around $35,000 and an estimated 24 mpg on the highway also makes this luxurious crossover very affordable.

Starting at $21,245 the 2009 Honda CR-V is the perfect vehicle for the active graduate. Plenty of cargo room and available four-wheel drive add to the go anywhere, do anything attitude while great gas mileage figures of 20 city/ 27 hwy mpg keep operating costs low.

Convertibles

There's really nothing like driving with the top down, and for the dad who enjoys some sportiness to go along with it the 2009 Porsche Boxster S is an excellent choice. Porsche's renowned driving dynamics and a silky-smooth 310 hp flat 6-cylinder engine create an incredible driving experience that is further enhanced by the "wind through the hair" sensation. The $56,700 starting price might seem steep, but is a small price to pay for such a legendary machine.

Most recent gradates' love for the 2010 Ford Mustang is eclipsed by only one thing: their love for the Mustang Convertible. The 210 hp 26 mpg highway V6 results in a practical and fun-to-drive car that starts at only $25,995 and the classic styling ensures they'll never go unnoticed.

Trucks

Whether dedicated to work or fun, Dad can't go wrong with the 2009 Chevrolet Silverado 2500HD. The 3,458 pound hauling capacity takes care of the work and the 13,000 pound towing capacity handles the fun. Whether in 6.0L gasoline or 6.6L turbo diesel trim, the Silverado 2500 continues to be one of the most capable and dependable trucks on the road.

In rear-wheel drive format with the 159 hp 2.7L 4-cylinder engine, the 2009 Toyota Tacoma can accommodate nearly any budget with a low starting price of $15,170. Any graduate will love the utility and rugged looks of the Tacoma, while parents will undoubtedly appreciate its reliability and five-star front and side crash test ratings.

For more information on the NADAguides.com Best Cars for Dads and Grads list, or for information on any other vehicle, please visit www.NADAguides.com.

Source: NADAguides.com