WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Automotive Service Association (ASA) opposes the idea of another "cash for clunkers" program, an idea that federal legislators are considering for possible inclusion in a COVID-19 stimulus package.
The ASA said providing cash for people to purchase new vehicles would harm automotive repair operations because older vehicles would be removed from the highways.
An earlier cash for clunkers program took place in 2009 in the midst of the Great Recession, and while the move spurred new automobile sales, the automotive aftermarket was harmed, an ASA representative said.
"The Paycheck Protection Program and other federal government efforts have been very helpful to automotive repair shops during these difficult times. We hope Congress will take a pass on including a job killing, Cash for Clunker program in the next COVID-19 stimulus package," ASA Washington, D.C., representative Bob Redding said in a statement.