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

Tax Breaks for New Cars

New car buyers may be eligible for tax breaks on their new car purchase. According to the IRS consumers who purchase a new car, light truck, motorcycle or motor home with a value less than $49,500 will be eligible for a tax deduction for the amount of sales tax paid on that vehicle. To qualify the purchase must of been made after Feb 16Th 2009 and before January 1st 2010. The amount of the deduction is phased out for taxpayers whose modified adjusted gross income is between $125,000 and $135,000 for individual filers and between $250,000 and $260,000 for joint filers. The deduction is available regardless of whether a taxpayer itemizes their return.
It may not be taken on 2008 tax returns.

Breakaway Honda

Breakaway Honda earns 2008 Honda Presidents Award

Breakaway Honda Earns 2008 President's Award

Breakaway also won the Award in 2006, 2003 and 2002



The Honda President's Award is the most prestigious and coveted honor that Honda can grant to its dealerships.

Each year the Honda President’s Award is given to dealerships that rank in the top 15 percent nationwide for achieving excellence in:

• Customer Treatment
• Sales
• Training
• Facility Image

With over 950 Honda dealerships in the United States, Honda is pleased to recognize 149 dealerships with this esteemed distinction. President's Award recipients realize what this honor demands - excellence, which can only be achieved by working as a team. The President's Award reflects a total commitment to customers; it is the highest award that a Honda dealership can receive because it demands the highest personal investment and stimulates the greatest results satisfied, loyal customers.

Breakaway Honda

Demand for New Honda Insight Soars

Honda said that demand for hybrid vehicle Insight is soaring in Japan with orders topping its monthly target of 5,000 in just over a week.

The launch of the cheapest hybrid vehicle came amid a devastating slump in the global car market.

But Honda said demand for the Insight has been so brisk that the company has received more than 5,000 orders, easily beating its monthly target.

"This is so much better than expected.

Even before the launch, Honda had received about 5,000 orders for the Insight, Asanuma said. The Insight goes on sale in April in the US, and in March for Europe.

Honda's Insight is cheaper than Toyota's Prius, the most popular hybrid.
Hybrids tend to be more expensive than regular cars because they come packed with both a petrol engine and an electric motor. Switching between the systems, depending on speed, boosts mileage.

We are taking orders for the new Insight coming April 22 2009

http://www.breakawayhonda.com/