I recall the motivation was improving fuel efficiency. "intended to provide economic incentives to U.S. residents to purchase a new, more fuel-efficient vehicl

I recall the motivation was improving fuel efficiency. "intended to provide economic incentives to U.S. residents to purchase a new, more fuel-efficient vehicle when trading in a less fuel-efficient vehicle." https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Car_Allowance_Rebate_System https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Car_Allowance_Rebate_System