Friday, July 31, 2009

Cash for Clunkers program is extended through the weekend

The Obama administration has officially said that any purchases made under the Cash for Clunkers program this weekend will be honored by the government. As recently as last night there were multiple reports that the program could be suspended today.

The attempts to extend the program are probably a wise move as an abrupt suspension would have greatly upset a good portion of the American public. Many people who want to take advantage of the program still have yet to bring in their clunkers.

Now that the program has been extended at least through the weekend expect consumer to rush in and make sure they take advantage of the bill. As I wrote earlier, I expect the program to get more funding and be extended even beyond the weekend for political reasons but many consumers will likely rush in to make a purchase this weekend and guarantee themselves the $3500 or $4500 credit.

House Approves Cash For Clunkers $2 billion extension

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The U.S. House of Representatives approved on Friday a $2 billion extension of the "Cash-for-Clunkers" automobile sales incentive program.

The Democratic proposal would run through September 30, 2010, and tap funds from an Energy Department loan guarantee program included in the economic stimulus package enacted in February.

An initial $1 billion in funding approved this summer to boost stagnant industry sales has already been exhausted, officials said.

Consumers stormed dealers over the past month to take advantage of federally backed rebates of up to $4,500 on trade ins of gas guzzlers for more fuel efficient vehicles.

Unofficial government and industry estimates show that close to 250,000 vehicles were sold under the program.

The Senate is expected to act on the House bill.

Already a key senator, Energy Committee Chairman Jeff Bingaman, said he opposes using Energy Department funds for the auto program.

Another senator, auto industry ally Debbie Stabenow, said pushing the measure out of Congress would potentially take a lot of work compared to the extraordinarily swift action in the House.

The White House supports new funding for the program on grounds the initiative so far has provided a viable, national economic stimulus amid recession.

You can learn if your 'clunker' is eligible for a $3,500 or $4,500 instant rebate by using Bernardi Honda's easy to use "Cash For Clunkers" tool.

Monday, July 20, 2009

Bernardi Honda - Cash For Clunkers Tool Published

On July 21, Bernardi Honda published its "Cash For Clunkers Tool". Unique in the New England area, it removes the mystery and insulates you from the confusing complexity of the new Department of Transportation "CARS" program. The tool can be accessed using the hot link on the home page of the Bernardi Honda web site.

The CARS program (Car Allowance Rebate System), commonly referred to as "Cash For Clunkers", was authorized on June 24, 2009 by Congress to stimulate the sales of new cars, trucks, vans, and SUVs. The CARS program grants buyers of eligible new fuel-efficient vehicles a certificate worth $3,500 or $4,500 that reduces the price of a new vehicle when an eligible "clunker" is traded. The program is scheduled to end on November 1, 2009 or when the program's funding is depleted - whichever occurs first.

In five simple steps that take less than 3 minutes, you can print the Cash for Clunkers certificate for which you are eligible.

  • Select your trade from the list of vehicles that were manufactured since 1984

  • Select the new 2009 Honda or new 2010 Honda in which you are interested

  • Enter information that personalizes your certificate and then press "PRINT" - your certificate is printed IMMEDIATELY - no waiting for someone to call or email you!

To use your certificate, drive your trade to Bernardi along with proof that it has been registered to you and insured continuously for the last 12 months. Bernardi Honda will deduct the certificate amount from the selling price of the new Honda in which you are interested - no waiting for the government to take action!

If you have questions on the new Cash For Clunkers program, please feel free to call our CARS program experts at 800-254-0013 for a no-obligation consultation.

Thursday, July 16, 2009

Honda CR-Z Coming in 2010!

Futuristic styling. Hybrid power. Advanced interior design. And it's all wrapped up in a lightweight, fun-to-drive package. What a concept! It’s the Honda CR-Z concept, to be exact, and it made its North American debut at the 2008 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit.

And now it's official: Honda has announced that a CR-Z based on the concept vehicle will go into production and be on sale in 2010.

Shorthand for “Compact Renaissance Zero,” the CR-Z is a forward-thinking exercise in inspired design and environmental technology. The CR-Z draws its inspiration from a need to deliver spirited performance in an efficient manner. It’s all part of our commitment to help effect positive environmental change. So keep on the lookout for more details about the CR-Z.

According to Left Lane News article dated 10/25/07...
  • Powered by a gasoline-hybrid engine, Honda says CR-Z stands for ‘Compact Renaissance Zero.’ However Honda explains how they ended up with the CR-Z name, the car is an obvious successor to the popular CRX hatchback of the 1980s and early 90s.

  • Honda calls the CR-Z a “lightweight sports car,” indicating that it will have the performance to backup its sporty looks — highlighted by an over-sized grill and twin front air ducts. Honda failed to release any specific information about the show or production car, but it’s believed that the CR-Z shares its powertrain with the current Civic Hybrid.

  • The CR-Z’s interior follows the design theme of “Hi-tech and Sporty,” achieved by a very futuristic instrument panel. Honda also designed the interior to seem very airy and spacious by using mesh material on a simple framework.

As is the case with all Honda vehicles,
  • Bernardi Honda will, as the second largest Honda dealer in the Northesst, carry the all new CR-Z in all available colors and body styles as soon as it is released by Honda.
  • Bernardi Parts will, as the second largest Parts and Accessory dealer in the US, carry a full line of parts and accessories for the new 2010 Honda CR-Z as soon as they are made available by American Honda.

Tuesday, July 14, 2009

Honda Accord CrossTour Parts and Accessories

Honda has confirmed that they will offer a cross-over styled vehicle this fall. It is named "Honda Accord CROSSTOUR". They have not released any additional information to their dealers at this time.

Bernardi Honda will offer a complete color and trim level selection of the new cross-over styled Accord CrossTour when it is released.

BernardiParts.com will offer a complete selection of authentic Honda Accord CrossTour Accessories and Honda Accord CrossTour Parts for the new vehicle when it is released. A preview of the new accessories can be viewed at http://www.bernardiparts.com/2010-Honda-CrossTour-Parts-Accessories.aspx

Friday, July 10, 2009

Cars For Clunkers Tool

The Cash For Clunkers (aka Car Alowance Rebate System or CARS) program will be launced by the Federal Government on July 24. This innovative program makes 1 billion dollars available, in the form of $3,500 and $4,500 certificates, which are used to reduce the price of your new 2009 Honda or 2010 Honda vehicle.

The rules for determining eligibility for the government certificates are very complex and confusing.

To facilitate your participation in the Cash For Clunkers program, Bernardi Honda has developed a unique and easy to use Cash For Clunkers Tool that allows you to print your certificate in less than two minutes. You simply...

  • Select your trade-in vehicle from a list of all vehicles manufactured since 1984

  • Select your new Honda from a list of new Hondas that includes two important pieces of information:

    • the dollar amont of the certificate that you will receive

    • your 5-year savings in fuel cost compared to your current vehicle

  • Enter your contact information for inclusion on your certificate

  • Print your certificate and bring it to Bernardi Honda

  • Bernardi will reduce the price of your new Honda by the amount of your certificate - no waiting for the government to take action!

On July 21 you will find a link to the "Bernardi Cash For Clunkers" tool on the BernardiHonda.com home page.

Some experts are suggesting that the 1 Billion dollars will run out well before the Nov 1 program expiration. Thus, Bernardi Honda urges you to act quickly if you are planning to take advantage of this short-term program.

s the 2nd largest Honda Dealer in New England, Bernardi Honda will have an extensice inventory of new 2009 and 2010 Honda Fits, Civics, Accords, Pilots, Elements, CRVs, Insights, Odysseys, and S2000s that qualify for the Cash For Clunkers program. We will also have a sales team who are trained on the Cash for Clunkers program and can assist you in understanding its complexities.