The Clunker Cup Begins

Well the Cash Allowance Rebate System otherwise known as CARS, or “Cash for Clunkers” has come to an end. At times it was a bumpy road, but we can now celebrate the greatest new car sales month this year! If you followed it closely, you know that policies changed, websites didn’t work, money ran out, and a whole bunch of other issues too. But this program also raised a lot of interest and drew attention to Honda’s fuel economy and vehicle line.

One might say this program was designed to kill two birds with one stone. Half of the initiative was about improving our nations fuel economy in consumer’s cars and the other half was to act as an economic stimulus. The response was much greater than expected. Initially, the program was based on one billion dollars and supposed to last through October, but his quickly turned into 3 billion, and only lasted about four weeks.

University Honda sold 41 new Honda’s during the event! It was exciting to participate in something that has never been done before and may never be done again. It’s even more exciting to welcome so many new Honda owners into our family. We are thankful this program gave “new car procrastinators” a reason to come out of the woodwork and finally own a new Honda.

But this Cash for Clunkers program is not over yet. The Government insists that all clunkers be destroyed, in order to insure a healthier national fuel average. After a long debate the Federal government decided on a way to effectively and safely make sure the engines are never started again. Dealers are required to drain out all the engine’s oil and replace it with a sodium silicate solution. The Sodium Silicate is designed to harden with heat and ultimately will seize up the engine.

Being car oriented people, it really is hard to watch some of these engines die. But we must remember the government was the “high hand” on the clunker’s trade-in value, so if they want them destroyed then they get destroyed. Luckily, our service manager Eric Hart came up with an idea to have some fun with it. So this month, we are hosting the “Clunker Cup.” It’s a race to the finish…literally, as employees join an office pool drawing to see which car can sustain the Sodium Silicate solution the longest. Qualifying times will be recorded from ignition until the engine seizes. Stay tuned…