At
the end of the CARS program, almost 700,000 clunkers were taken off the roads,
and replaced by more fuel-efficient vehicles. With the $3 billion provided by
Congress, $2.877 billion car rebate applications were submitted
by the Aug. 25 deadline. The most purchased cars are those made in America,
ranging from the Ford Focus to Toyota Corolla
and Honda Civic. According
to available figures, 84 percent of US auto consumers traded
in their trucks and 59% purchased passenger cars. For
trade-in vehicles, the average fuel economy was 15.8 miles per gallon, while
the average for vehicles purchased is 24.9 miles per gallon, representing about
58% improvement. According
to Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood, American consumers and workers are the
clear winners of the clunkers program. This program also resulted in the purchase
of fuel efficient cars that will help auto consumers save money, while also,
improving the environment. | 
