Seven trade associations representing the automotive aftermarket on Jan. 6 opposed inclusion of a "Cash for Clunkers" program within the economic stimulus plan currently being considered in Washington.

Cash for Clunkers would use taxpayer dollars to purchase and crush older vehicles into blocks of scrap metal. There is no evidence that the program will achieve the stated goal of boosting new car sales. In a show of solidarity, the seven groups submitted a joint letter to the U.S. Congress urging lawmakers to reject a program that for no proven value and would do significant harm to the automotive aftermarket.

The associations that signed the letter are: Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA), Automotive Engine Rebuilders Association (AERA), Automotive Parts Remanufacturers Association (APRA), Automotive Warehouse Distributors Association (AWDA), Automotive Transmission Rebuilders Association (ATRA), Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) and Tire Industry Association (TIA).

Under the current proposal, the Cash for Clunkers program would provide federal taxpayer money to purchase and crush older vehicles. "These programs have been generally rejected by the states since they are not a cost-effective means to improve fuel mileage, reduce emissions, or spur to new car sales," the seven groups said in the letter.  "Conversely, Cash for Clunkers programs threaten jobs in the automotive aftermarket since they remove the opportunity to repair and upgrade existing cars and raise the price of used cars and parts."

The Texas Independent Automotive Association supports the stance taken by these seven aftermarket associations because the bill promotes the purchase of new vehicles when the older cars could still be repairable.  In order to prevent a Cash for Clunker bill from being included in the economic stimulus, TIAA needs you to send letters to the House and Senate leadership, as well as your elected representatives in Congress, to express your opposition to the inclusion of this provision in the economic stimulus legislation.   

You can easily send an e-mail to the Speaker of the House, the Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, your Senator and your Congress person by visiting http://capwiz.com/aftermarket/home and clicking "Take Action." Just enter your name and address, and the letter will be automatically forwarded to the appropriate offices.