Michigan Highest Ranked State in Cash for Clunker Voucher Requests

Jalopnik reports that domestic car-producing states who have a large stake in the industry are where most Cash for Clunker vouchers are being requested, and Michigan leads the pack.

According to data from the NHTSA, Michigan is the highest-ranked state in terms of spending with $34,420,500 in voucher requests through Monday afternoon. This far outpaces Ohio, which is in second with $29,274,000 in requested vouchers. California is the most populous state in the nation, but is in third with $26,433,000, followed closely by Minnesota with $26,168,000 in requests.

The area with the least number of trades was Washington, DC, where not a single person took advantage of the program.

Jalopnik concluded that Cash for Clunkers appears to be popular across the map, but the highest concentration is in areas where people are concerned with the performance of the Not-So-Big Three (their words, not mine). That makes sense. The trickle down effect from these car sales won't just help our automakers, but Michigan stands to gain in terms of tax revenue and our local communities benefit when salespeople start spending their commissions at stores, restaurants, etc.



These were the ten most purchased cars according to Jalopnik (approximately 47% of the sales are vehicles from the Big-3).

1. Ford Focus
2. Toyota Corolla
3. Honda Civic
4. Toyota Prius
5. Toyota Camry
6. Ford Escape FWD
7. Hyundai Elantra
8. Dodge Caliber
9. Honda Fit
10. Chevrolet Cobalt

Jalopnik theorizes that foreign cars took 6 of the 10 slots because domestic automakers don't have the most fuel efficient vehicle choices on the road. I have to agree. The Big-3 were warned, but they ignored fuel efficiency because they were making tons of money on SUVs and trucks. Better late than never I guess. And, as Jalopnik points out, "the news is still slightly better for them that they're able to keep pace with their foreign competition."

(Cross-posted at Blogging for Michigan.)