Bethesda, MD – Feb. 19, 2009 – The Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA) has added the "Cash for Clunkers" issue to the agenda for the Aftermarket Legislative Summit, scheduled for March 11-12, in Washington, DC.

The "Cash for Clunkers" program that was removed from the Economic Stimulus package passed by Congress last week, would have appropriated $16 billion in federal funds for car owners to trade in their sport utility vehicles in exchange for vouchers to be used for the purchase of a newer, more fuel-efficient vehicle. Although it was removed, congressional supporters have vowed to include the provision in another legislative vehicle, likely an energy bill that is slated for debate this spring. Senator Tom Harkin, D-Iowa, who introduced S.AMDT.338 to the stimulus, and Senator Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., who wrote the "Accelerated Retirement of Inefficient Vehicles Act" (S. 247), have been clear in their intent to obtain enactment of such a program in the 111th Congress.

"The aftermarket strongly opposes the use of 'Cash for Clunkers' programs, which threaten jobs in our industry by removing repair opportunities for vehicles and raising the cost of used cars and parts," said Aaron Lowe, vice president, government affairs, AAIA. "We plan to use the summit to educate legislators on the fact that while these programs look good on paper, they have never been shown to be a cost effective means to improve fuel economy, reduce emissions or spur new car sales."

To register online for the 2009 Aftermarket Legislative Summit, visit www.aftermarket.org and click "Meetings/Events." For more information on the summit, contact Cael Pulitzer at 301-654-6664 or e-mail cael.pulitzer@aftermarket.org.

About AAIA
AAIA is a Bethesda, Md.-based association whose more than 23,000 members and affiliates manufacture, distribute and sell motor vehicle parts, accessories, service, tool, equipment, materials and supplies. Through its membership, AAIA represents more than 100,000 repair shops, parts stores and distribution outlets.