And the beat and battering noise of some old cars will continue to go on. 

The Cash for Clunkers fuel efficient program was directed at adults, but the future lies with youth who are unable to generally purchase cars on their own at dealerships.  There are age and credit requirements for car financing and teens cannot purchase or trade in cars without parental involvement and consent.

Most youth including Atlanta area teens are not directly concerned with boosting auto production and workers being called back to work in the automobile factories.

Jumpstarting the economy or receiving a rebate valued of $3,500 or $4,500 is not on most youth’s “A” list.  Instead they seem concerned with texting, watching certain reality shows, some sports games, the latest fashions and fast cars.  When asked about the purchase and rebate program, Atlanta area teenager Gregory Hillman who wants to be a chemist said, “I want a Camry because it has a good mileage per gallon rate, looks good and doesn’t cost much.”

The serious approach by President Barack Obama and his administration to help remaining auto dealers (some who were ordered to close earlier this year by car makers) by promoting the recent popular Cash for Clunkers rebate which came under budget with sales of approximately 690,000 cars. The government program which ended a week ago has some insiders wondering. 

Originally a $1 billion program to help car buyers trade in their old cars and receive credit for a more energy efficient vehicle, the program costs after one week headed towards $3 billion last Monday before it ended. 

At first, the government’s computers were unable to handle the nation’s dealership reimbursement traffic. Some economic and energy officials feel the recycling aspect of the program was not helpful to many.  Other critics feel the program will dry up future sales in September and October.

Considered a headache by some dealers because of a 13 page application process which required official documentation for reimbursement, some dealers frowned at the slow reimbursement process.  Other Atlanta dealerships saw the program as an asset and accelerator which spurred additional foot traffic and sales.  General Motors officials said they will increase production for this quarter and fall quarter and estimates they will employ about 1,350 laid-off workers and increase production by 60,000 cars.

Some dealerships had been receptive to the reimbursement and rebate program. For example, Nissan South manager Rusty Betty of metropolitan Atlanta said the program boosted sales and the dealership sold about 70 cars.  He was excited about the popular rebate program.

Charlie Eddie, Sales President at Gene Evans Ford said he was not glad the program was over.  It was a help and “they need more cars and money.”

Future businessman and Atlanta area teenager Marlon Banks said if he could trade a vehicle and buy a new car, he would “buy a Lamborghini because it is slick and runs nice.”  Neva Hope, 15, who wants to be a pediatrician said she would buy “a Toyota because they have really nice affordable cars.”

Toyota, Honda and Ford benefited from the rebate program.  However, General Motors and Chrysler did not post significant gains. 

Ford attributed the boon to showroom traffic in part due to a pick up of sales on smaller more fuel efficient vehicles such as the Escape, Focus and Fusion.  The sales increase prompted another healthy month for the automaker.

Ford had sales from the program of 181,826; Honda – 161,439 and Toyota, 225,008.  The overall increased sales rose more than five percent for the automakers.  The Toyota Corolla proved to best the most popular vehicle among new car buyers.

The lucrative car rebate program proved to be popular and part of the free, reduced or “now” consumerism.  However, the test of time lies in adults providing teens with an education and courses in recycling, budgeting and leadership. It is our youth who will play a major role in the leadership of our economy for many years to come. 

Will Cash for Clunkers be a new beginning or a sordid end emphasizing band aids or quick remedies to turn around the future of this country?