Valley Alternative to Federal Clunker Rebate | ABC30 Fresno

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By ABC30

Tuesday, August 4, 2009

Fresno, CA 'Cash for Clunkers' is blazing a trail of record sales at Future Ford in Clovis.

"Yesterday was a huge day for us. We did 16 cars. 12 of them were '/*Cash for Clunker*/' cars," said general sales manager James Cagle.

Cagle and his team sold 50 vehicles over the weekend but Monday sales started off slowly. Curious buyers and dealers were not certain if money would still be available.

Cagle: "We were notified this morning by our attorneys and then we looked on the government website to see if it was suspended or canceled or whatever."

"Clearly they want to make sure that the money's there. I don't blame them," said valley congressman Jim Costa.

Costa and more than 300 other house leaders voted Friday to approve $2-billion to continue the rebates.

Costa: "We've got to make sure the Senate acts. I believe they will act and then we got to be careful how much money that allows for us to continue the program."

If the 'Cash for Clunkers' program does run out of money, there is another option for people here in the Valley. The air pollution control district has had its own rebate system for the last year and a half.

"Our program offers a lot of flexibility who cannot take advantage of the 'Cash for Clunkers' program," said Samir Sheikh with the air district.

Sheikh said the air district has $2-million in grant money available to place 500 drivers in newer, better running cars.

Sheikh: "We've tailored this program to target those high polluting vehicles. To help address our air pollution situation."

Under the air district offer a driver can receive anywhere from $1,000 to $5000 depending on personal finances and current automobile. So far the program has placed 50 people in environmentally friendly vehicles.

Polluting Automobile Scrap and Salvage (PASS) program
http://valleyair.org/Grant_Programs/PASS/pass_eng.htm
877-900-5865