Cash for Clunkers Scams

Beware of Cash For Clunkers Scams!

Just this week the “Cash for clunkers” bill was passed, however the scammers are already hard at work and fraudulent web sites have begun to pop up. The only official site is http://www.cars.gov/

In fact any site that uses the term ‘Cash for Clunkers” is not an official site since the name of the program is actually Car Allowance Rebate System. The only site to rely on is the official site at http://www.cars.gov/

Regulators have 30 days to set up all the details and a system for collecting and distributing vouchers, which would make it late July or August the before the vouchers are available.

The customer does not have to apply or register for any part of the program so be wary of any web site that requires you to give any personal information..

Program Guidelines

Your vehicle must be less than 25 years old on the trade-in date
Only purchase or lease of new vehicles qualify
Generally, trade-in vehicles must get 18 or less MPG (some very large pick-up trucks and cargo vans have different requirements)
Trade-in vehicles must be registered and insured continuously for the full year preceding the trade-in

Breakaway Honda

You don't need a voucher, dealers will apply a credit at purchase
The fuel MPG is based on the data at http://www.fueleconomy.gov/ using the new fuel economy formula under the red bar for combined City Hwy mileage.

Career Day at Breakaway Honda

On April 14th and 15th Breakaway Honda sponsored a career day for local middle schools and High Schools.

Students were introduced to both the sales and service aspects of the Automotive industry.

http://www.breakawayhonda.com/dealership/news.htm

http://www.prlog.org/10219781-greenville-honda-dealer-host-career-day.html

Dog-friendly Honda Element Concept Transforms SUV into Pet-hauling Champ

TORRANCE, Calif., U.S.A., April 8, 2009 - New dog-friendly transportation concepts designed for the Honda Element add canine-specific enhancements to one of the most dog-friendly vehicles available, American Honda Motor Co., Inc., announced at the New York International Auto Show

Developed specifically for the Element, the Dog Friendly™ components demonstrate the potential for a dedicated pet restraint system designed to meet the needs of dog owners. A finalized version of the Dog Friendly Element is scheduled to debut this fall. Major components will likely include:
a cushioned second row and cargo area pet restraint systems;
pet bed in the cargo area with an elevated platform;
an extendable cargo area load-in ramp;
a 12V DC rear ventilation fan;
second-row seat covers with a dog pattern design (matches the bed fabric);
all-season rubber floor mats with a toy bone pattern;
a spill-resistant water bowl; and
Dog Friendly exterior emblems

"In an interesting turn of events, cars are now chasing dogs," said John Mendel, executive vice president of American Honda. "Factory integration of a cushioned pet bed, restraint systems and other components is intended to transform the Element into the ultimate dog car." The Dog Friendly equipment, engineered specifically for the Element, is designed to accommodate the transportation of dogs in the second-row passenger seats or in the cargo area. The restraint system concepts were designed and fabricated by Takata Corporation, one of the world's leading automotive safety systems suppliers, exclusively for display on the Dog Friendly Honda Element concept vehicle. The restraint concepts are intended to complement the potential of the vehicle's existing restraint systems by helping to protect the dog and helping to prevent injuries to other vehicle occupants due to an unrestrained dog impacting them in a collision. For convenience, a ramp is included to help dogs access the rear cargo area. The ramp stores underneath the bed platform and can be conveniently accessed when the rear tailgate is down. "In-vehicle pet restraints should be part of every dog owner's safe travel practices," said Wayne Pacelle, President and CEO of The Humane Society of the United States. "The expanded availability of manufacturer-based restraints and features can help elevate pet comfort and convenience for owners. Good ventilation and access to water on longer trips should also be primary concerns." The Element has long been recognized for its dog-friendly interior with an easy-to-clean urethane floor and expansive, flat cargo area (up to 74.6 cu-ft. with rear seats removed), wide-opening side cargo doors, low lift-in height, and accommodating dimensions for tall items. The consumer pet travel advice Web site, Dogcars.com, honored the 2007 Honda Element with its first-ever "Dog Car of the Year" award. According to the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association, Inc., 39 percent of all households own at least one dog with an estimated total U.S. dog population of 74.8 million. All pet purchases and related products and services comprise an estimated total market value of more than $43 billion (2008 est.). Substantially restyled for the 2009 model year and available with new features, the Honda Element builds on its spacious and versatile SUV character with a more chiseled exterior appearance and a refreshed interior design. Three unique Element styles are available that range from the rugged and simple Element LX, to the more refined Element EX, to the sporty Element SC.

Breakaway Honda