Wrenchtalk

Not mechanically-related but decidedly interesting.

Earlier today, President Obama announced that while the Cash for Clunkers program will continue through the weekend, the cash-strapped CARS (Car Allowance Rebate System) program may be suspended after Monday if more money is not allotted toward it.

Cash for Clunkers has been a bonus for many automobile dealerships trying to fatten their bottom line. That’s the good news. It’s also good news for radio and TV stations everywhere that those dealers have spent huge amounts of money on ad campaigns encouraging buyers to participate in the government’s CARS program.

The downside is that the entire $1 billion dollar allocated for the program has been spent. There isn’t any money available for the deals moving forward and this could leave the dealers holding the bag.

White House spokesman Robert Gibbs said the government is looking at all the options available.

On Thursday night, the White House said Thursday that “dealers and consumers should have confidence that all valid CARS transactions that have taken place to date will be honored.”

This is one program that really found huge acceptance. Let’s hope the government can find some more money… FAST!

In the beginning…

This is my first posting here. I haven’t done this before, but this may be a new way to keep in touch with all of you.

Not much to report today except that Chrysler/Fiat has announced that it will sell four models of its “500″ series here next year. The mid-range model 500 comes with a 1.4 liter, 96 horsepower, engine, that is almost twice as large and nearly three times as powerful as this John Deere riding lawnmower. Wonder how that will sell over here at what is likely to be a $13,000 USD asking price (plus tax, lic, etc.)?

Let the hilarity begin!!!