The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) is urging Congress to include two additional provisions to legislation that would provide a government voucher to consumers who buy a new car in exchange for scrapping a less fuel-efficient vehicle. 

The provisions would 1) require that scrapped vehicles be less than 25 years old and 2) permit the engine and drivetrain to be recycled if they have been disassembled.

The recommendations were proposed in a letter to the Congressional leadership as lawmakers finalize an accelerated vehicle retirement program known as “Cash for Clunkers.”

While SEMA has supported vouchers toward the purchase of fuel-efficient new vehicles as a mechanism to direct new car sales to the automakers and dealerships, the association has steadfastly opposed tying these vouchers to a vehicle scrappage requirement.

Under the draft legislation currently circulating in Congress, the program would last up to one year and potentially scrap one million older cars and trucks. The scrapped vehicle must get less that 18 mpg (15 mpg for heavy pick-ups and vans).

The car buyer would receive a $3,500 voucher if they bought a new passenger car that was at least 4 mpg higher than the older vehicle, or a new pickup truck/SUV that was at least 2 mpg higher than the old truck. They would receive a $4,500 if the passenger car was at least 10 mpg higher and the truck/SUV was at least 5 mpg higher. The program would mandate that the engine block and drivetrain be destroyed.

“SEMA is working with lawmakers to mitigate some of the legislation’s unintended consequences and its potential damage to the automotive aftermarket,” says Chris Kersting, SEMA’s president & CEO. “These commonsense proposals will make sure the government is not spending $3,500 or 4,500 on a vehicle that may only be worth a few hundred dollars but may have potential value to vehicle collectors and to promote the benefits of parts recycling.

A vehicle that is 25 years old or older is rarely driven, does not contribute to the nation’s dependence on foreign oil, and is worth far less than the government voucher, states SEMA.

A 25-year exclusion would also guarantee that older cars that have an historic or aesthetic value are not inadvertently crushed. These vehicles are valued by hobbyists or may be a source of recyclable parts for use on restoration projects.

The letter to the Congressional leadership notes that recycling the engine and transmission is environmentally sensitive. “If the legislation simply requires that the equipment be disassembled as the vehicle is scrapped, it would fulfill lawmakers’ intent to prevent an engine/drivetrain from being directly installed into another vehicle,” Kersting adds. “The responsible recycling of parts is a better solution for preserving natural resources and reducing CO2 emissions than crushing the equipment.” 

Rebuilt engines require an estimated 80 percent less energy to produce than a new engine and cost 30% to 50% less since the core has been salvaged, according to SEMA. Critical internal parts are replaced so the final rebuilt product is one that meets or exceeds original equipment performance standards. The engine/transmission can even surpass new car technology with the simple addition of new-technology retrofit equipment. 

SEMA’s recommendations are intended to reduce the damage a vehicle scrappage program would impose on thousands of independent repair shops, auto restorers and recyclers, customizers and their customers across the country.

For more information, visit www.sema.org and www.enjoythedrive.com.