The federal government released data related to the recently ended Cash for Clunkers (C.A.R.S) program and the Oregon economy fared well. The U.S. Department of Transportation said that Oregon dealerships submitted $37 million in voucher requests under the program. With an estimated state population of just over 1% of the total United States, Oregon came in exactly where one might expect with just over 1% of the total $3 billion C.A.R.S. budget.

What may come as a surprise is that Canadians may have benefited from the US funded program, as well. States bordering Canada and with major population centers near borders tended to have disproportionate CARS vouchers compared with their state population. For example, Michigan accounts for 3.2% of the U.S. population but took 4.6% of the CARS budget. Other states with disproportionate C.A.R.S. vouchers include Ohio, Minnesota and Virginia; two of which share a significant border with Canada. The disproportionate amount of C.A.R.S. funds in these 3 border states is nearly $4 million dollars or up to 1,000 new vehicles.

A reading of the full C.A.R.S. legislation finds no mention of a requirement that new car purchasers be American’s or legal U.S. residents. Will we ever know how much money from the popular C.A.R.S. program went to Canadian citizens? If it is true that there is no provision to make the program for U.S. residents only, should there have been?

See the U.S. Department of Transportation press release for a full C.A.R.S. breakdown.

Click here to read the full C.A.R.S. legislation (PDF).

Related posts:

1. Portlanders Say Goodbye To The Cash For Clunkers Program
2. Cash For Clunkers May Be Extended: Oregon Dealerships Relieved
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