STRANGE BUT TRUE: Slovakian 'Cash for Clunkers' Incentive Sells More than Just Cars - BodyShop Business

STRANGE BUT TRUE: Slovakian ‘Cash for Clunkers’ Incentive Sells More than Just Cars

While Cash for Clunkers legislation struggles for acceptance in the United States, the concept is such a hit in Slovakia – where it’s known as “scrap-for-new” –  that auto retailers aren’t the only ones jumping on the bandwagon.

Slovakian shopkeepers selling everything from wallets to washing machines are offering consumers cash incentives to trade in their used, shabby wares for new items – feeding off the buzz created in March when the Slovak government began offering a cash payment to motorists who scrap old vehicles, the Agence France-Press (AFP) reported. A typical scrap-for-new sign hanging in a shop window said, “Have your old wallet scrapped and get a new one with a 40-percent discount.”

The Slovak scrap-for-new incentive, meant to boost struggling auto sales, offers about $2,600 to motorists who scrap cars 10 years or older to buy new vehicles. The program is similar to those found in France and Germany. Proposed Cash for Clunkers legislation in the U.S. would provide between $3,000 and $7,000 to motorists who scrap vehicles that are at least eight years old to purchase new, fuel-efficient vehicles.

“Scrap-for-new became a fashionable expression (in Slovakia),” a market researcher told the AFP. “Consumers are amused by it – it’s trendy.”

The scrap-for-new incentive is so popular in Slovakia that 45,000 cars have been scrapped since its inception, and many new vehicle models are sold out.

For more information about Cash for Clunkers legislation in the U.S., click HERE.

You May Also Like

Body Bangin’: The Disengagement Epidemic with Kevin Wolfe

Micki Woods interviews Leaders Way Owner Kevin Wolfe on why 73% of work professionals are disengaged today and what we can do about it.

Micki Woods, master marketer for collision repair shops and owner of Micki Woods Marketing, has released the latest episode of "Body Bangin'," the video podcast that is taking the industry by storm!

In this episode, Woods interviews Kevin Wolfe, owner of Leaders Way and former mechanical shop owner, on how he became the shop everyone wanted to work at. Wolfe also points out that 73% of work professionals today are disengaged — an all-time high — and discusses why that is and how we can fix that.

Body Bangin’: I Thought We Were Doing It Right with Josh Piccione

Micki Woods interviews Josh Piccione on repairing vehicles correctly — according to manufacturer guidelines.

Body Bangin’: Be a Star Not a Hamster with Robert Snook

Micki Woods interviews popular keynote speaker Robert Snook on how to differentiate and grow your business.

Body Bangin’: Know Me, Know My Car with Mike Anderson

Micki Woods interviews Mike Anderson on the importance of building an emotional connection with your customers.

Body Bangin’: Fighting for Consumer Safety with Burl Richards

Micki Woods interviews Burl Richards on his personal mission to fight for consumers’ rights and safety.

Other Posts

Body Bangin’: The Employer-Student Disconnect

Micki Woods interviews Raven Hartkopf, lead collision instructor at Collin College in Texas, on what students want from a shop employer.

Body Bangin’: Why Follow OEM Repair Procedures?

Micki Woods interviews Logan Payne of Payne & Sons Paint & Body Shop on the importance of following OEM repair procedures.

Body Bangin’: Getting Paid for Calibrations

Micki Woods interviews Andy Hipwell and James Rodis of OEM Calibration on how to get started doing ADAS calibrations.

Body Bangin’: What Are The Consolidators Up To With Laura Gay

Micki Woods interviews Laura Gay of Consolidation Coach on the current state of auto body shop consolidation.