Vernon —
Cash For Clunkers extension benefits local dealerships
With money quickly running out on the $1 billion CARS (Cars Allowance Rebate System), a.k.a. "Cash For Clunkers," the House voted to extend the program on Friday, July 31. On Thursday, Aug. 6, the Senate followed suit, adding an additional $2 billion to Cash For Clunkers, reprogrammed from ARRA funds.
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On Aug. 5, prior to the Senate's vote, Congressman Joe Courtney met at Scranton Motors, located at 777 Talcottville Road in Vernon, to urge the Senate to pass the extension.
"Secretary LaHood from the Department of Transportation has made it very clear that if they do not act, they will have to shut down the program Friday [Aug. 7]," said Courtney.
This possibility has been averted. Which is good news for local dealerships , including Scranton Motors.
The Cash For Clunkers has not only helped out buyers, but the car dealership as well. According to siblings Meghan and Matt Scranton, comptroller and new car manager at Scranton Motors, respectively, the dealership has had to hire in all their departments to accommodate the increased business.
"We've created 12 jobs in the last 90 days," said Matt Scranton.
"It's not some bonus for a guy on Wall Street," said Jim Fleming, president of the Connecticut Automobile Retailers Association. "It's helping the average guy out in Connecticut."
Matt commented that the boost in the auto industry has created jobs around the area. They outsource work to a body shop that has been struggling, and the increase has forced them to make new hires, as well. "We've got a lot of sublet companies that we work with that are feeling the same thing right now."
"It's not just the car industry... it's so many other areas," said Meghan. She said Scranton's healthcare provider and insurance company in turn have seen the benefits.
Concerned about the perception that "Big Three," (Ford, GM and Chrysler) cars are not fuel efficient, Matt said, "You have an absolutely great option, with a better warranty, when you go with American. And there's plenty of options that qualify."
He told a story about a woman who owned a car for 15 years. Every morning , she would pour a quart of oil and brake fluid into the car, just so it would work well enough to get from point A to B. When Matt came to her house to help her bring it in to Scranton Motors, he saw a shiny pool in her driveway.
After trading in her clunker, she got a brand new Pontiac G6. The woman left "ecstatic."
"Her husband doesn't have to go out in the morning to start the car for her anymore," said Matt with a laugh. "So they're going to have a better relationship because that car is off the road."
