A federal program to situation rebates to U.S. customers towards the acquisition of a brand new car may present a much-needed jolt to the auto business thats seen vegetation idled and showrooms emptied by the coronavirus, in accordance with the Obama administration official who oversaw this system often called money for clunkers.

Ray LaHood oversaw this system formally named Vehicles Allowance Rebate System as Transportation Secretary in 2009. In an interview, he backed a Ford Motor Co. governments suggestion {that a} sequel to this system may very well be useful if the business, lawmakers and the Trump administration agree that auto demand wants a lift as soon as the virus begins to abate.

“It was a lifeline to the automobile sellers whose showrooms had been wanting fairly bleak with none prospects, and I feel when you discuss to anyone within the car business it was the start of the lifeline for the car business from the Obama administration,” LaHood mentioned Thursday. “If they'll mannequin one thing...