Hyundai are ahead of the game on Cash for Clunkers, offering the $4500 rebates 3 weeks ahead of the official start of the scheme (Hyundai Nuvis Concept Pictured).
Despite our reservations about the Scrappage Scheme in the UK, it is clear that it has been a big success for car makers who have taken the opportunity offered by the scheme by the horns and milked it for all it’s worth. And none have been more successful at the Scrappage game than Hyundai, who have managed to sell more cars under the Scrappage scheme than any other car maker.
But with the US version of the Scrappage Scheme – Cash for Clunkers or ‘CARS’ – Hyundai are already upping their game to emulate what they did here on the other side of the pond. We reported the other day that Hyundai are offering the ‘Hyundai Assurance Gas Lock’ to buyers of new Hyundais in the US, effectively guaranteeing gas prices at $1.49 a gallon for a year.
But that’s not Hyundais only tactic. With the Cash for Clunkers scheme not due to kick in until 23rd July, Hyundai has decided there is no point waiting, and has decided that they will offer the $4500 incentive under the scheme straight away. And they’ve already started to make sales.
So how can they jump the gun like this? Well, it appears that the US Government has said that although the scheme doesn’t start until 23rd July, all sales from 1st July will be eligible. So Hyundai has dipped in to its pocket and funded dealers the Cash for Clunkers incentive for sales they make from the start of this month. Shrewd move.
Looks like Hyundai are going to clean up on sales in the US in the same way they have in Europe and the UK. Hats off to them.
karenc says
Many car won’t qualify for a voucher from cash for clunkers. If your doesn’t, you can get a tax deduction if you donate car to charity.