The Car Allowance Rebate System (CARS), was passed by Congress the week of June 15th. Under this program, NHTSA is charged with developing rules for program implementation in 30 days. Watch for details when the program will officially launch or contact your local dealer.

Under the provisions of the bill, consumers may trade-in their older vehicles and receive incentives worth up to $4,500 toward the purchase or qualified lease of a new, more fuel-efficient car or truck. This $1 billion program provides incentives for vehicles leased or purchased before November 1, 2009, while incentives supplies last. The chart below summarizes the incentives under the program.

Below is a chart summarizing vehicle eligibility aspects of the program: