Cascade Crew

[Quasi-Traction]

Read about this the other day. Not sure if its been posted here before but it caught my attention:


Washington lawmakers are drafting a large economic stimulus package to help create jobs and rebuild infrastructure. They want to include a nationwide scrappage program which would give U.S. tax dollars to consumers who turn-in older cars to have them crushed, as a misguided attempt to spur new car sales. The lawmakers need to scrap this idea.

The stimulus package is being drafted right now. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) wants to introduce the bill on January 6 and have it approved by Congress by January 20, so that President Obama can sign it into law after he is inaugurated.

Contact House Speaker Nancy Pelosi IMMEDIATELY To Oppose Cash for Clunkers!
Call: 202-225-0100
Click here to send an electronic message: http://speaker.house.gov/contact/

Talking Points
Feel free to use any of the statements below as a starting point for your message to Speaker Pelosi.

* I am [calling/writing] to urge lawmakers not to include a “Cash for Clunkers” provision in the economic stimulus bill. Owners who turn in vehicles for crushing would receive a "minimal" payment to purchase a new car. This is a misguided attempt to spur car sales and claim that the country’s air quality or fleet fuel mileage is being improved.

* I work for [company name] located in [city and state]. My company is part of the specialty automotive industry, an industry which enables consumers to enhance their vehicle’s appearance, performance, comfort, convenience and safety. “Cash for Clunkers” programs deny our small businesses the availability of older cars necessary to develop and market their products and services. The programs will hurt my company and our customers.

* “Cash for Clunkers” programs threaten enthusiasts nationwide with the loss of valuable parts and parts-cars for repair, restoration, and customization projects. The programs also risk destroying classic, historic and special-interest vehicles, our American heritage.

* Cars turned in for scrappage often barely run, or are rarely-driven second or third vehicles that have a minimal impact on overall fuel economy or emissions.

* “Cash for Clunkers” programs will reduce the availability of affordable transportation and repair parts used by low-income drivers. It will also compete with the Salvation Army, the Purple Heart and other charities that rely on vehicle donations to raise money.

* “Cash for Clunkers” ignores better policy options. If Congress wants to act, support for repair and upgrade is a better choice and a win-win for consumers, dealers, manufacturers and repair shops. Significant emissions and fuel economy improvements can be achieved in older vehicles through relatively simple and inexpensive means: repaired/replaced exhaust systems, tune-ups, etc.

* We hope we can count on you to reject “Cash for Clunkers.” Thank you for your consideration on this very important matter.

If you choose to send a message to Speaker Pelosi, please send a copy of your message to SEMA also:
E-mail: briand@sema.org
Fax: 202/783-6024

[aaron_sK]

Pointless. The price of scrap metal is already in the toilet due to the Chinese economy collapsing. They're just trying to use US tax dollars to drive it down even further to reduce costs to Detroit.

[blue89]

Can the automakers use recycled steel for new car construction?

http://www.azom.com/details.asp?ArticleID=2465

I think it would be a fair decision to make automakers have a detailed "cradle to grave" program for every material they put in a car and likewise a program to dismantle and recycle unwanted vehicles. Not to mention have a set, minimal material list that goes into a car. Use standard materials that recycle well. I mean sheesh, why make something that can only go in a dump?

[QwkTrip]

I agree with Blue89. Recycle that old junk. Besides, almost every point above is without merit.

1. Junk yards will always have fresh inventory and stay in business. Specialty junk yards won't be crushing the cars that put bread on their table. They also might have to adapt to changing times and carry different inventory.

2. Crushing old cars does result in new sales indirectly (but not much!). The old car is off the road, somebody has cash in hand and starts looking for a better used car. Somebody else is looking to sell a used car and wanting to replace with a new car.... and they buy Japanese.

3. There are ALWAYS cheap cars for low income households. Don't give me that crap. It may not be that '77 Regal that went to the crusher. It will be an '85 Accord instead.

4. Charities don't take junk cars. Just try and you'll find out.

5. Everything breaks eventually. There won't be any shortage of repair work for shops. Also, what owner of a $200 '77 Regal takes the car to the shop at $80 per hour?

DISCLAIMER: '77 Regal was just a random example. If you actually own a '77 Regal please don't get torqued off at me.

[aaron_sK]

[blue89]

Woulnd't a well organized junk yard simply strip out the parts that make money and then scrap most of the chassis anyway? Then scrap the things they have a bunch of based on demand? It's sad to think about, but I'm sure they won't need more than a dozen TPI motor setups, so why keep the rest. I know www.gundies.com is like that. You can't go into the yard too. But they know exactly what parts they have where and most of the parts have already been pulled.

[QwkTrip]

again.