Ford's Take on the Cash for Clunkers Bill

If you are not yet familiar with this story, Cash for Clunkers is the American counterpart of the successful incentives introduced throughout the year in Europe and which called for government backed scrappage schemes, designed both to renew the auto park of any given country and to boost the slumping automotive industry.

In the US, despite the fact that it raised some controversy, such an incentive is now closer than ever. Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI), Senator Sam Brownback (R-KS) and six other Senators introduced bipartisan legislation yesterday, designed to create a consumer incentive for trading-in old, less fuel-efficient vehicles for new, more fuel-efficient ones.

In light of the new mileage legislation imposed by the US government, which call for all vehicles in the country to average 35.5 mpg by 2016, such a legislation will also help manufacturers get back on track. Ford Motor is among the first to reply to the legislation, through the voice of its new vice president for government affairs, Pete Lawson:

“Ford applauds the Senate introduction of this important, timely and bipartisan initiative. It's good for consumers, jobs and the environment. We particularly want to recognize the leadership of Senators Stabenow and Brownback in driving this process forward." Lawsson said in a release.

"Over the last few months, President Obama's team has been working closely with Congress to advance a vehicle fleet modernization proposal. And we are very appreciative of the prompt action taken so far in the House and Senate. We continue to urge rapid consideration and final approval of this measure to help jumpstart auto sales and the economy," he added.