Auto Group Comments on Cash for Clunkers Legislation

U.S. EPA Data Show Progress in Reducing Auto Emissions and Major Benefit of
Removing High-Emitting Vehicles from the Road

MCLEAN, Va., June 24 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- With President Obama's
signature expected within the hour, the "cash-for-clunkers" legislation now
will provide up to $4,500 in tax credits for Americans who trade in higher
emission older vehicles; an automotive group cites recent data from the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that underscores the environmental merit
of removing the most polluting vehicles from the road.

Current-model-year automobiles, minivans, pickups and SUVs emit more than 99
percent fewer ozone-related emissions than vehicles of the late 1960s and are
even cleaner than cars that are just five years old. EPA data show
substantial air quality improvements nationally as well as in metropolitan
areas that previously faced serious air quality challenges. Much of that
improvement can be attributed to much cleaner motor vehicles.

"According to EPA, the majority of auto emissions come from older vehicles
that are not designed to meet current and proposed emissions standards and
which often are not properly maintained. Poorly maintained older vehicles can
emit more emissions than several hundred new cars," said William H. Bradshaw,
chairman of Automotive Retailing Today (ART) -- the only organization that
represents virtually all major auto manufacturers and dealers.

In addition, greenhouse gas emissions from tailpipes as well as from
automotive manufacturing and retail facilities are substantially lower than a
generation ago. A 2009 model vehicle emits 30 percent fewer carbon dioxide
(CO2) emissions than a 1974 model vehicle. CO2 emissions will be reduced an
additional 30 percent by 2016, according to groundbreaking new auto emissions
policy announced in May by the Obama Administration.

"The 'cash for clunkers' legislation not only helps improve air quality and
reduce greenhouse gas emissions, but also consumers can breathe easier knowing
that automobiles are the most recycled consumer product in the nation, more so
even than aluminum cans and yard trimmings," added Bradshaw.

Americans need to better understand how their purchase of a new vehicle helps
reduce air pollution and that major air quality improvements have already
occurred because of advancements in vehicle technology. A recent survey
conducted for ART by Harris Interactive found most Americans are not familiar
with the magnitude of air quality improvements. Seventy nine percent (79%)
believe that air quality in major U.S. cities has either gotten worse or
stayed the same over the last ten years, despite EPA data to the contrary.

"Most Americans don't realize they are breathing healthier air and probably
would not guess that the auto industry has played a major role in that
progress or that the auto industry is committed to even further improvements,"
added Bradshaw. "When it comes to greenhouse gases, most probably aren't aware
that the auto industry had regulations in place since the 1970s to reduce the
carbon footprint of its products and has voluntarily signed up to shrink it
even further."

About ART
ART, a coalition of major automobile manufacturers and dealer organizations,
works to promote a better understanding of the retail side of the automotive
industry and to build stronger customer relationships through shared research
and development programs. ART attempts to dispel outdated perceptions of
franchise auto dealerships and automotive careers. For more information,
visit www.autoretailing.org or www.autocareerstoday.org.

SOURCE Automotive Retailing Today

Denise Patton-Pace of Automotive Retailing Today, +1-703-845-1153,
dpatton.pace@verizon.net, or Ron DeFore, +1-202-289-2001,
rdefore@stratacomm.net, for Automotive Retailing Today