Bob CollinsThe Associated Press is trying to find out if the Cash for Clunkers program is working.
In the era of “transparency,” it’s having a hard time getting any help from the Obama administration.
According to the AP, the Department of Transportation reports it’s “too busy” to provide information that car dealers are providing to it about the program.
But from what little data has been released, it appears it’s been a gold mine… for “foreign” car companies:
The limited information shows most buyers are not picking Ford, Chrysler or General Motors vehicles, and six of the top 10 vehicles purchased are Honda, Toyota and Hyundai. The Associated Press has sought release of the data since last week. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said Sunday the government would release it.
It’s true that many of the popular models are made in the U.S., but the Prius — one of the popular cars in this deal — isn’t one of them. It’s only made in Japan.
The Honda Accord, on the other hand, is made in Marysville, Ohio. The V6 model comes from Alabama. Seventy-six percent of Hondas sold in the United States are made in the U.S.
So far, the Ford Focus is the top-selling vehicle under the government’s program. It’s made in Wayne, Michigan.
But not all fuel efficient car models are benefiting from the program. Sales of the Chevy Cobalt, GM’s most fuel efficient car, tanked in July.
