Auto Group Comments on Cash for Clunkers Legislation

WASHINGTON--As President Obama prepares to sign “cash-for-clunkers” legislation that would provide up to $4,500 in tax credits for Americans who trade in higher emission older vehicles, an automotive group cites recent data from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that underscores the environmental merit of removing the most polluting vehicles from the road.

“According to EPA, the majority of auto emissions come from older vehicles that are not designed to meet current and proposed emissions standards and which often are not properly maintained. Poorly maintained older vehicles can emit more emissions than several hundred new cars,” said William H. Bradshaw, chairman of Automotive Retailing Today (ART) - the only organization that represents virtually all major auto manufacturers and dealers.

Current-model-year automobiles, minivans, pickups and SUVs emit 99.9 percent fewer ozone-related emissions than vehicles of the late 1960s and are even cleaner than cars that are just five years old. EPA data show substantial air quality improvements nationally as well as in metropolitan areas that previously faced serious air quality challenges. Much of that improvement can be attributed to much cleaner motor vehicles.

In addition, greenhouse gas emissions from tailpipes as well as from automotive manufacturing and retail facilities are substantially lower than a generation ago. A 2009 model vehicle emits 30 percent fewer carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions than a 1974 model vehicle. CO2 emissions will be reduced an additional 30 percent by 2016, according to groundbreaking new auto emissions policy announced in May by the Obama Administration. “The “cash for clunkers” legislation will not only help improve air quality and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, but consumers can also breathe easier knowing that automobiles are the most recycled consumer product in the nation, more so even than aluminum cans and yard trimmings,” added Bradshaw.

Americans need to better understand how their purchase of a new vehicle helps reduce air pollution and that major air quality improvements have already occurred because of advancements in vehicle technology. A recent survey conducted for ART by Harris Interactive found most Americans are not familiar with the magnitude of air quality improvements. Seventy nine percent (79%) believe that air quality in major U.S. cities has either gotten worse or stayed the same over the last ten years, despite EPA data to the contrary.

“Most Americans don’t realize they are breathing healthier air and probably would not guess that the auto industry has played a major role in that progress or that the auto industry is committed to even further improvements,” added Bradshaw. “When it comes to greenhouse gases, most probably aren’t aware that the auto industry had regulations in place since the 1970s to reduce the carbon footprint of its products and has voluntarily signed up to shrink it even further.”

About ART

ART, a coalition of major automobile manufacturers and dealer organizations, works to promote a better understanding of the retail side of the automotive industry and to build stronger customer relationships through shared research and development programs. ART attempts to dispel outdated perceptions of franchise auto dealerships and automotive careers. For more information, visit www.autoretailing.org or www.autocareerstoday.org.