11/13/2013
New Studies Suggest ‘Cash for Clunkers’ Ineffective as Economic Stimulus; Recommends Program Not be Repeated
ASA Opposed Cash for Clunkers Program
WASHINGTON, D.C., Nov. 5, 2013 – A new analysis from the Brookings Institution’s Ted Gayer and Emily Parker found the Cash for Clunkers initiative was inefficient as an economic stimulus and only pulled forward auto sales that would have happened regardless of the Cash for Clunkers initiative.
The study suggests that 700,000 old cars were traded in between July 1 and Aug. 24, 2009, but that consumers just bought cars slightly earlier than they would have without the initiative. The study also states cumulative purchases over the year were unchanged.
Gayer and Parker state pushing the vehicle sales boosted economic growth by $2 billion and created about 2,050 jobs, but that the program cost $1.4 million per job created – being less effective than other stimulus measures.
The study concluded that the U.S. vehicle fleet’s overall efficiency improved and carbon dioxide emissions were cut by 8.58 million to 28.3 million tons. Gayer and Parker suggested this was an inefficient way to reduce emissions because it costs between $91 and $301 per ton of carbon avoided. They determined that “in the event of a future economic recession, we would not recommend repeating the program.”
The Automotive Service Association encourages members to visit ASA’s legislative website at www.TakingTheHill.com for more on the Brookings Cash for Clunkers report and send a letter to alert members of the U.S. House of Representatives and U.S. Senate as to the failure of the Cash for Clunkers program.
The Automotive Service Association is the largest not-for-profit trade association of its kind dedicated to and governed by independent automotive service and repair professionals. ASA serves an international membership base that includes numerous affiliate, state and chapter groups from both the mechanical and collision repair segments of the automotive service industry.
ASA advances professionalism and excellence in the automotive repair industry through education, representation and member services. For additional information about ASA, including past news releases, go to www.ASAshop.org, or visit ASA’s legislative website at www.TakingTheHill.com.
