Obama's Auto Incentives Are Off the Mark

The AP reports

Consumers could receive rebates of up to $4,500 for turning in their gas-guzzling cars and trucks for more fuel-efficient vehicles under a House proposal.

President Barack Obama has urged Congress to approve consumer incentives for new car purchases as part of the government's efforts to reorganize General Motors Corp. (GMGMQ.PK) and Chrysler LLC through the bankruptcy courts.

A noble goal! But it has the opposite of the intended effects because it rewards people who bought gas guzzlers in the past and gives no reward to those who bought fuel efficient vehicles.

I can hear you saying that you did not consider this when you purchased your vehicle, and that you doubt that Americans were clever enough to anticipate this.

Well, not everyone can be as smart as Chicago cab drivers, or people who bought Hummers in 2008.

Comments

[apd09:]

What a ridiculous and pompous statement, "it rewards people who bought gas guzzlers in the past and gives no reward to those who bought fuel efficient vehicles." You car is not the reason gas prices are high, pollution is high, and why people believe the planet is warming.
Stop being so me, me, me, and realize it is the glut of SUV's on the road that are causing the problems. Good for you, you bought someone environmentally friendly, but you are not the problem. Guess what, I bought a used 1999 Ford Explorer in 2003, it has been paid off since 2006, and I am not going to take on a car payment right now. I have no reason to take on a car payment right now. I do not want to take on a car payment right now. But I would consider if I get a higher than market value trade in and rebate on my car.
Enjoy your electric cars and scowl at me. But remember, I am the one you need to convince to change and you catch more flies with honey...

Jun 10 02:07 PM

[Avithegreat:]

This guy needs to stop focusing on his ego at the expense of our planet.

"it rewards people who bought gas guzzlers in the past and gives no reward to those who bought fuel efficient vehicles."

What he's saying is, people who weren't encouraged to make more ecologically responsible choices so far, shouldn't be encouraged to do so in the future.

Are you so in love with your own ego that you'd rather receive a pat on the back instead of helping thousands of people make the move in to a more eco friendly era? Did you purchase a fuel efficient vehicle hoping to get some kind of reward? Are you disappointed when people walking down the street don't stop you to tell you what a great guy you are?

Get over yourself, and support the man who's trying to lead the reluctant majority to a healthier future!

Jun 15 09:06 AM

[NAFI:]

why are people so stuipid. When you refine crude you get a ton of ethylene, benezene, etc, etc. You might as well use it. Crude is here to stay. Without it, we live back to the turn of the 1800's. Oh yeah, and your car will be made completely out of steel. Which means more coal fired furnaces. The oil crunch will cause a ton of oil tankers to dump their entire loads in the deep ocean since they can't sell it here and there is no way their country will take it back, cause they already have enough. Self centered on green is a hypocritical idea that will fail. This 'we should be like europe' thing is frustratingly stupid since europe refines 90% of it's imported oil in facilities built in foreign countries. I guess don't crap where you live is how we should start doing it as well, again hypocritical at best. Great Article and Spot On Econmoically!!!!!!

Jul 27 10:53 PM