Senate's Reid hopes to pass "clunkers" Thursday

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid said the chamber would do its "very best" to approve a $2 billion extension of the "cash for clunkers" auto sales incentive on Thursday.

Reid said supporters had the votes to approve the measure, which offers consumers a federally backed rebate of up to $4,500 to trade in old cars for new ones that are more fuel efficient.

Republicans were expected to offer several amendments, but none were expected to pass.

(Reporting by Donna Smith and John Crawley, editing by Maureen Bavdek)