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CARS. Car Allowance Rebate System. Webinar NADA Members July 7, 2009. The Law. President Obama signed the Consumer Assistance to Recycle and Save Act on June 24
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CARS Car Allowance Rebate System Webinar NADA Members July 7, 2009
The Law • President Obama signed the Consumer Assistance to Recycle and Save Act on June 24 • Establishes program within NHTSA to provide government funds to facilitate purchase or lease of new fuel-efficient vehicle in return for trade-in that is less fuel-efficient
NHTSA’s Duties • Issue a final rule in 30 days (by July 24) setting out requirements for participation and disposal of trade-ins • Create an Internet Web site within 30 days to provide program information • Develop a system for dealer registration • Develop a system for processing transactions • Develop a new organization within NHTSA to run program • Prevent fraud; penalize violations
Progress by NHTSA • Web site established June 19: www.cars.gov; basic information and frequent updates • Retained contractor to design registration and transaction system • Obtained dealer registration data from OEMs • Retained contractor to operate transaction review process • Drafting rule so as to meet July 24 deadline
Consumer Information • www.cars.gov permits consumers to find EPA mpg data (link to www.fueleconomy.gov) and learn basics of program • Will soon contain list of eligible vehicles • Will contain list of registered dealers • Vehicle hotline expanded • Added 866-CAR-7891 • Ongoing media outreach • Use press to disseminate information • Warn against fraudulent sites • Ad campaign being developed • TV, radio, Internet, print • Materials available for dealer use
Program Dates • Law says rebates limited to transactions between July 1, 2009, and November 1, 2009 • Program will end when funds are exhausted, even if before November 1 • Law also says NHTSA has 30 days to issue rules to implement the program, and NHTSA will need all of that time to complete rule • Deals made on or after July 1 risky for dealer because transaction may not meet all specifications; NHTSA not authorized to pay unless requirements met
Program Basics • Customers trading in an eligible vehicle receive monetary credit toward purchasing or leasing a new eligible vehicle • If conditions are met, NHTSA makes an electronic payment to the dealer • Trade-in vehicle must be crushed or shredded
Registration Process • Dealer lists provided by OEMs in early July • NHTSA’s contractor will send each dealer a registration letter starting in mid-July • Dealer will follow instructions in letter to complete registration process • Dealer will certify to abide by program rules and inform NHTSA of change in license or franchise • System hopefully ready to begin registration by July 24 • Submission of financial information completes registration • 2-3 day process, confirmation of tax ID and bank or financial institution information
Transaction Process • Registered dealer will have online access to CARS transaction system • For each transaction, dealer will provide essential information using an online form: buyer info, VINs, mpg of each, etc. • Submission will include attachments: registration, insurance proof, title, certification from disposal facility, deal sheet showing MSRP, salvage value, all rebates, etc. • NHTSA will review all submissions, reject those that are incomplete or incorrect, and send payment on those that meet all requirements
CARS Credit plus… • CARS Act requires the dealer to use the CARS credit in addition to rebates or discounts offered or advertised by the dealer and/or OEM. The dealer may not use this credit to offset these rebates or discounts. • Dealer can combine the CARS credit with other State and Federal incentives, e.g., the Hybrid vehicle credit. • Dealer must disclose best estimate of “scrap value” to customer • Dealer may retain $50 of that for administrative costs
Value of Credits • New Passenger Car • $3,500 credit if its combined fuel economy at least 4 mpg above that of trade-in • $4,500 if difference at least 10 mpg • New Category 1 Truck • $3,500 if at least 2 mpg higher • $4,500 if at least 5 mpg higher
Value of Credits • New Category 2 Truck • $3,500 if trade-in is Category 2 and new truck at least 1 mpg higher OR trade-in is Category 3 of MY 2001 or earlier • $4,500 if trade-in is Category 2 and new truck at least 2 mpg higher • New Category 3 Truck • $3,500 if trade-in is Category 3 of MY 2001 or earlier and similar size or larger than new truck
Trade-in Vehicle • CARS Act established four criteria • Must be in drivable condition • Must have been continuously insured, registered to the same owner for previous 12 months • Must be less than 25 years old at time of trade-in • Combined “new” fuel economy rating less than 18 mpg (Category 3 not rated) • Category 3 work trucks no newer than MY 2001
Category 3 Trucks • May be traded in only for a Category 2 or Category 3 truck • Not more than 7.5 percent of program funds available for purchase or lease of new vehicles in this category • Once limit is reached, no more payments will be made for these transactions
Vehicle to Lease or Purchase • CARS Act applies to new vehicles • MSRP must not exceed $45,000 • Must achieve certain fuel economy ratings • Passenger vehicles at least 22 mpg • Category 1 trucks at least 18 mpg • Category 2 trucks at least 15 mpg • Category 3 trucks no mpg requirement • Other special requirements apply
Vehicle Categories • Passenger automobiles • Passenger cars • Category 1 truck • Non-passenger automobiles • SUVs, small and medium pickups, small and medium cargo vans
Vehicle Categories • Category 2 truck • Large van or large pickup truck • More than 115-inch wheelbase for pickups, more than 124-inch wheelbase for vans • Category 3 truck • Work truck rated between 8,500 lbs and 10,000 lbs gross vehicle weight rating (those with cargo beds 72 inches or more in length) and very large cargo vans
Vehicle Disposal • Dealer must certify that it will not sell, lease, exchange or dispose of trade-in for use as an auto in United States or any country • Dealer must transfer trade-in to entity that will ensure that the vehicle is crushed or shredded • Disposal entity can sell parts except engine block and drive train (unless drive train sold as separate parts) • NHTSA will publish list of disposal entities • NHTSA may include requirements for how engine can be rendered inoperative by dealer to reduce possibility of continued use
Preventing Fraud • Statute provides for civil penalties up to $15,000 for violations; clerical errors are not violations • NHTSA will be very aggressive in preventing fraud related to this program and punishing violators if it occurs • Dealers, purchasers, and disposal entities will certify to the accuracy of all assertions they make as part of program • Note: Willfully false statements may be punishable by criminal fines and imprisonment • Dealers and disposal entities should anticipate audits by NHTSA and requests for records
Final Points • NHTSA is doing everything it can to make this a successful program • The short time NHTSA has to implement the program creates significant challenges • We understand how anxious everyone is to begin transactions—we hope you all understand the challenges • We look forward to continued cooperation with all involved in the program • For further information see www.cars.gov