The U.S. government is offering vouchers of up to $4,500 toward the purchase of a new automobile, with several vehicles in the Ford  lineup that qualify for the Consumer Assistance to Recycle and Save (CARS) Act, better known as Cash for Clunkers.

This is a temporary U.S. government sponsored program to assist customers in trading-in a qualifying vehicle for a new, more fuel-efficient and less-polluting one. Customers will receive a $3,500 or $4,500 voucher from the government on top of all other incentives in exchange for their vehicle.

Ford greatly appreciates lawmakers’ efforts to quickly move this proposal across the legislative finish line. It should help consumers, support jobs and improve the environment.

Here’s what you need to know:

* Even though the bill has passed the House and the Senate, President Barack Obama will need to sign it into law. Within 30 days after that, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) will put in place a plan to implement the program.  Consumers will use the program to receive a voucher at the point of sale to trade-in a qualifying older vehicle for a new, more fuel-efficient, eco-friendly one.

* The trade in vehicle must be in drivable condition, have been continuously insured and registered to the same owner for at least one year and be a 1984 or newer model year. Additionally, the car must have a combined fuel economy of 18 mpg or less.

* The U.S. government has approved $1 billion for this program. The program will end when the budget has been exhausted or by November 1, 2009, whichever comes first. We estimate that this covers about 250,000 vouchers which are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

The following vehicles in the Ford lineup qualify for this program:

Focus, Fusion, Taurus, Ranger, Edge, Escape, Flex, Taurus X, Transit Connect, Fusion Hybrid and Escape Hybrid

In addition, there is a provision to assist truck customers who want to purchase a more fuel-efficient truck, and the Ford F-150, Super Duty and Econoline will qualify.

Hurry into your Ford Dealer to take advantage of this exciting offer.