Oregon Public Broadcasting

Auto dealers around the Northwest are thrilled that Congress has extended the Cash for Clunkers program until about Labor Day.

Clunkers pile up at the Olympia Auto Mall

Many dealers, like Vince Hanson of Olympia, stopped taking clunkers earlier this week when it looked like the program would run out of money.

Hanson re-started the popular promotion the moment the Senate voted to refill the tank.

Vince Hanson: “It's been absolutely crazy. I don't remember a time in recent years where we've seen anywhere close to this kind of traffic coming in, people just looking to get the good deal. Everybody had inventory and we all still have a good supply of inventory.”

The clunkers piling up at the Olympia Auto Mall are overwhelmingly American-made SUV's, minivans, and pick-up trucks of 1990's vintage.

Through Wednesday, Washington State dealers had accepted more than three thousand clunkers.

The Federal Transportation Department did not have Oregon or Idaho clunker sales immediately available.

Online:

www.cars.gov