Following the announcement that President Obama signed the newly enacted Consumer Assistance to Recycle and Save (CARS) program, three Acura luxury vehicle models are expected to qualify for government credit vouchers under the stimulus program. The CARS program, also known as "Cash for Clunkers," is a government subsidy that encourages drivers to purchase a new, more fuel-efficient vehicle to replace an older, less fuel-efficient vehicle.
Under the CARS program, government vouchers will be issued to participating dealers for $3,500 or $4,500 (the amount depends on the difference in fuel economy between the older vehicle replaced versus the new model purchased) for new vehicles purchased by qualifying customers. Acura vehicles likely to qualify for government vouchers are the 2009-2010 TSX four-cylinder sports sedan, the turbocharged RDX crossover SUV, and certain models of the 2010 MDX luxury sport utility vehicle that will become available later this year.
The NHTSA1 has created a dedicated website (www.cars.gov) to assist consumers and dealerships in determining program eligibility and to answer questions about the program. Consumers are encouraged to visit this website for more information, and sign up for program updates. The EPA2 also has information about "CA$H FOR CLUNKER$" on their website (www.fueleconomy.gov). Final program details will be issued by the government within the next few weeks.
In addition to offering top tier luxury and safety, Acura vehicles employ numerous technologies that promote clean, efficient power which is the core objective of the CARS program. An example of such technology, all Acura engines employ VTEC® (Variable Valve Timing and Lift Electronic Control) valvetrain timing and a Drive-by-Wire™ throttle system that team to help generate excellent power and fuel efficiency. In addition to delivering good fuel efficiency, all Acura engines comply with the latest EPA TIER 2-BIN 5 and CARB LEV II ULEV emissions standards.
In addition to excellent fuel efficiency, Acura prides itself on exceptional safety as evidenced by recently becoming the first (and only) vehicle manufacturer to simultaneously receive 5-star crash safety ratings from NHTSA* and Top Safety Pick from IIHS for every vehicle in its lineup. The NHTSA 5-star crash safety rating and IIHS "GOOD" ratings are a direct result of Acura’s "Safety Through Innovation" initiative that is based on the brand’s commitment to leadership in safety.
The Acura brand also ranked first in overall luxury brand residual value in the Automotive Lease Guide (ALG) 2009 Residual Value Awards. According to ALG, Acura's line of luxury performance vehicles is expected to retain the highest percentage of its purchase price after a traditional three-year lease.
Acura offers a full line of technologically advanced performance luxury vehicles through a network of 270 dealers within the United States. The 2009 Acura lineup features five distinctive models including the RL luxury performance sedan, the TL performance luxury sedan, the TSX sports sedan, the turbocharged RDX crossover SUV and the award-winning MDX luxury sport utility vehicle.
For media information and high-resolution photos and video of all Acura vehicles, please visit www.acuranews.com. For consumer information, please visit www.acura.com.
*Government star ratings are part of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) New Car Assessment Program (www.safercar.gov). All models tested with standard side-impact air bags (SABs).
1National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
2U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
