A bill (S. 1766), authored by Senators Daschle (D-SD) and Bingaman (D-NM), has been introduced in the U.S. Senate containing a provision (Section 803) that would federally fund state scrappage programs for vehicles over 15 years old. Owners who turn in vehicles for crushing would receive a “minimal” payment and a future credit toward purchasing a newer vehicle, all in a misguided attempt to improve the overall fuel economy of the country’s vehicle fleet. This bill represents the most formidable Federal legislative threat to specialty aftermarket businesses in years.

Oppose the Use of U.S. Taxpayer Dollars for Scrappage

• Section 803 of S. 1766 would unfairly and unjustifiably deny automotive aftermarket businesses the availability of vintage cars necessary for us to market our products and services. As a consequence, our efforts to do business nationwide will be severely hampered.
• Section 803 of S. 1766 would give states that don’t currently operate scrappage programs an extra incentive to create a program due to generous federal funding.
• Section 803 of S. 1766 requires that federally funded state scrappage programs crush every car. It threatens enthusiasts nationwide with the loss of valuable parts and parts-cars for repair, restoration, and customization projects.
• Section 803 of S. 1766 does not require states to determine the fuel efficiency of vehicles being scrapped or that scrapped vehicles are being replaced by more fuel-efficient vehicles
• Section 803 of S. 1766 ignores the fact that cars turned in for scrappage often barely run or are rarely driven second or third vehicles that have a minimal impact on overall fuel economy.
• Section 803 of S. 1766 will diminish the availability of affordable transportation and repair parts to low-income drivers as more and more older cars are crushed.
• · Section 803 of S. 1766 does not guarantee that low-income individuals will be able to afford to purchase new vehicles – let alone more fuel-efficient vehicles – with the money provided by scrappage programs.
• Section 803 of S. 1766 ignores more socially responsible and cost-effective policy options like voluntary vehicle repair and upgrade programs that maximize the fuel efficiency of existing vehicles.

Contact Your U.S. Senators to Oppose Section 803 of S. 1766. Work to protect the specialty aftermarket industry. To find out who your U.S. Senators are, call the SEMA Washington, D.C. office at 202.783.6007 or access this information via the Internet at:

For assistance in turning this alert into a letter to your Senator, consult the SEMA document “How to Lobby Elected Officials.” This guide is available at: