Congresswoman Richardson Applauds Decision By Japanese Government To Allow Imported American Cars To Qualify For Japan's Version Of "Cash For Clunkers"

Press Release

Congresswoman Laura Richardson has announced that the Japanese government has revised the guidelines for its "eco-cars" program, that nation's version of "Cash for Clunkers," following a letter sent by herself and several Congressional colleagues from the New Democrat Coalition to Japan's Ambassador to the United States, Ichiro Fujisaki. The letter was sent in response to the program's original policies, which made all imported new Chrysler, Ford and General Motor vehicles ineligible.

"The decision by Japan to revise its vehicle stimulus program's guidelines is a fair adjustment and a welcome change to the initial policy. When the United States "Cash for Clunkers' program was implemented late last year, the United States did not penalize Japan, American workers or consumers; hence it would only be appropriate for our ally to do the same," Congresswoman Richardson said. "With our program, the only limitation we placed on new automobiles was that they must meet improved fuel efficiency standards compared to the vehicle that was being traded. This allowed all auto companies and dealerships selling new cars and trucks in the United States to benefit from the program, including Japanese brands like Toyota, Honda, Nissan and many others. By following in the U.S.'s open-market footsteps, Japan is stepping forward, benefiting its people by giving them a larger selection of vehicles to choose from, and assisting the entire worldwide economy."

In the original guidelines for the "eco-cars" program, cars imported under the Preferential Handling Procedure (PHP), which is the import method used for most American automobiles, were ineligible because each individual vehicle is not inspected. In response, Congresswoman Richardson and other members of the New Democrat Coalition wrote the Government of Japan to protest its action and to request that the list of eligible vehicles be modified to include PHP vehicles. On January 19, the Embassy of Japan announced that the guidelines had been revised to include PHP vehicles as had been requested.

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