About The Islander. (St. Simons Island, Ga.) 1972-current | View Entire Issue (Aug. 17, 2009)
Cash for Clunkers boosts local auto sales By Pamela Permar Shierling Local automobile sales have been boosted recently because of the fed eral government's Cash for Clunkers program (or C.A.R.S. - car allowance rebate system). According to Gary Hudgins at Carl Gregory Chrysler, Dodge, Hyundai, and Nalley Honda's David Hunt the car business has been brisk. "We have sold 30 cars under the Cash for Clunkers program," Hudgins said. In reference to the paperwork involved Hudgins said, "It was chaos at first; taking about two hours per vehicle sold to file the paperwork. But we have it down to about 15 minutes per car now." "Most of the vehicles sold have been Hyundais," Hudgins said. However, the Dodge Caliber, Dodge Journey and the Chrysler PT Cruiser have sold well under the program. "In fact," Hudgins continued, "we are out of Calibers and Cruisers but expect more in during September." "This (Cash for Clunkers) has been the biggest shot in the arm since Sep tember 2001 when they came out with employee pricing to jump start auto sales after 9-11," Hudgins said. "There is no question that all auto dealers have been stimulated by this program," Hudgins continued. "How ever, it will hurt fourth quarter sales because people who would normally buy during the fourth quarter have been bumped into buying a car now. We should expect a drop in car sales during the fourth quarter." Has Carl Gregory seen any rebate money yet? Not yet. "But I'm sure the government will pay," Hudgins said. Nalley Honda has sold 33 cars under the Cash for Clunkers program. "We have sold Honda Accords, Civics and CRVs," David Hunt said. "The Cash for Clunkers program has definitely helped Nalley," Hunt said. "Half our current sales are under the Cash for Clunkers program." "What the program has done," Hunt continued, "is taken people who may not have traded this year and moved them into the market." "You can even save on a new truck," said Hunt. "You can qualify for a $3,500 trade-in value by increasing mileage 2 mpg or $4,500 trade-in value for a 5 mpg increase." "It not only helps get low mileage vehicles off the road but the safety features are better in the newer cars," Hunt said. After Nalley disables each 'clunker's' engine, the cars will be sold to a sal vage company for about $50 each. "The salvage company can use everything on the car except the engine," Hunt said. Cash for Clunker sales have been a little slower at Dan Vaden Chevrolet, Cadillac, Buick according to sales man ager Warren Miller. "We have sold about 12," Miller said. "We have not done as well as we had hoped. The program does limit vehicles." What Miller is talking about is that to qualify for the rebate program a trade-in vehicle must be getting less than 18 miles per gallon (mpg) (EPA combined). It must be traded on a car that gets a minimum combined fuel economy of 22 mpg. 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Call or stop by today. ■ A.D. “Sonny” Doehring, AAMS Plaza Member THE ISLANDER, AUGUST 17, 2009, PAGE 3 Business Upda Miller said most of Dan Vaden's cars qualify under the Cash for Clunk ers program including the Chevy Equinox, 1500 series trucks. "In some cases even the Chevro let Tahoe could qualify," Miller said. Miller did warn that buyers still have to quali fy credit wise. Cars for Cash facts: • trade in vehicle must be less than 25 years old • to qualify for a $3,500 trade in value buyer must purchase vehicle that increases mileage by 4 to 9 mpg over trade in vehicle • to qualify for a $4,500 trade in Cash for Clunkers has given local car dealers a boost. Above: Nalley's line of "clunkers." Left: Gary Hudgins of Carl Gregory in front of the "clunk ers." value buyer must purchase vehicle that increases mileage by 10 or more mpg over trade in vehicle • Cash for Clunk ers program applies to customers buy ing new vehicles that meet program's mileage standards and have MSPRs of $45,000 or less. To check mileage ratings go to www. fueleconomy.gov/feg/findacar.htm □ There’s no need to be in pain. Our advanced techniques are so effective, they have helped many of your friends and neighbors work, play and live without shoulder pain. Dr. Ralph W. Morales is a board-certified orthopaedic surgeon who was fellowship-trained at the renowned Hughston Clinic. And Dr. Morales always takes the time to listen. Advanced arthroscopy and laser procedures available • Recovery time reduced Postsurgical discomfort minimized • Insurance accepted and filed And as always, nonsurgical solutions are explored first Call for a consultation or ask your doctor for a referral ii Dr. Ralph W. 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