Just a quick update on the Cash for Clunkers program — It seems that over 200 New York car dealers who have previously participated in the Cash for Clunkers program have announced that they will no longer be participating. Despite the program spurring sales, these dealers claim that the government is too slow at reimbursing the trade-in credit. In fact, they say that they have been paid for less that 2% of the credit they gave for these trade ins.

So does this mean there are thousands if not millions of dollars of money sitting in the Cash for Clunkers budget that should have been paid to dealers already? Perhaps Congress is going to have to approve another budget increase or we may see this program go to the dogs as faster than it came to success.

Read (Associated Press) via jalopnik

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Shell has recently released a press relesae detailing their intentions to release a slew of hydrogen fueling stations in New York. Today they have announced that a new fueling station has opened at the JFK International Airport. This will be in addition to the already opened hydrogen station in White Plains that originally launched in April of last year.

Furthermore, Shell says that they will open a third hydrogen fueling station somewhere in the Bronx later this month. This is all in an attempt to add to their growing number of stations in other places such as Tokyo, Shangai and Washington, D.C.

This is cool and all, and definitely a glimpse into the future, but perhaps Shell should have waited until more hydrogen powered vehicles hit the market. Right?

Read (AutoBlogGreen)

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1962 Ferrai 250GT Pininfarina Cabriolet Series II

Not all classic Ferraris are atrociously expensive, although it is a fairly good indication that the cars are certain to significantly increase in value once the recession subsides. At the Hamptons Auto Classic on June 13 in Bridgehampton , NY, some of the big wigs who’ve sold their fancy residences there are evidently selling off their classic car collections too.

One of the stars of the show is this 1962 Ferrari 250 GT Pininfarina Cabriolet Series II, estimated at just $525,000 – $575,000 while 250 GT spyders regularly bring seven figures. One of only 200 built, the car has had full restoration to very high show standards.

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There are reports that the owners of a New York car dealership, specializing in Bentleys and Aston Martins, have been accused of corporate espionage against rival Ferrari and Maserati dealers. The charges concern some illegal ‘e-mail tapping’ attempted by the Bentley/Aston Martin dealer, in which they gained unauthorized access to a New York Ferrari dealer’s email server about 2,500 times in 8 months last year.

The Bentley/Aston dealers were reading the emails and also contacting customers of Ferrari that were currently negotiating with them. The maximum penalty, if the Bentley/Aston dealer is found guilty, could amount to 5 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

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Mitsubisihi recently released word that they will be showcasing their all new Outlander Prototype next week at the New York auto show.

There’s no specifics but Kicking Tires speculates that the care will share the Ralliart sedan’s 237HP turbocharged 4 cylinder engine. Mitsubishi, on the other hand, assures us that it will be far more fuel efficient than the 3.0 litter 6 cylinder engine in the current Outlander model.

I guess we’re just going to have to wait until next week when this thing is official unveiled.

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The next E63 AMG Mercedes-Benz hasn’t been officially presented yet and we’re expecting it to arrive in New York next month. But Mercedes has decided to allow its German customers a sneak peak of its next impressive sedan. The German Sport Auto magazine is going to show it during it’s annual reader’s choice awards book. What do you think? How do you like the picture? From what we can see so far we’re looking at a new fascia aero kit, big wheels and upgraded brakes. I bet it will cost a fortune to when it will be properly introduced next month.

via Sport Auto

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You may not be able to buy your sweetie that new Porsche for Valentine’s Day this year, by you could buy him (or her) tickets to a great auto show where they can drool over one. The New York Auto Show, which runs from April 10th through April 19th, is offering a $2 discount on all tickets purchased online before Valentine’s Day.

“As well as being the best time to research your next car, spring is also the season of love. So to celebrate two of our favorite things — cars and romance — we thought it would be a great idea to offer our tickets early and at a discounted price. Who wouldn’t love that?” said show director Candida Romanelli. “A trip to the New York Auto Show is the perfect gift for the car-lover in your life. We have found over the years that people are so passionate about cars that many have even become engaged during their visit to the Show.” For more information on the New York Auto Show or to purchase tickets with the online discounts, visit the website www.autoshowNY.com.

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The MINI E seems to become quite popular. The car received a huge endorsement from the City of New York. The BMW group will loan 10 electric MINIs to the City of New York for the SCOUT program or Street Condition Observation Unit. The MINIs will arrive this spring and they will go into action. Each SCOUT car is doing 100 miles per day. Its mission is to monitor the problems on the streets and monitor the City’s response to 311 complaints.

The MINI has a 150 miles driving range on a charge and the 150 kW engine produces 201 hp. 500 MINIs are going to arrive in the U.S. with the first ones to be delivered in April. Besides the USA, London and Berlin will begin testing the MINI Electric soon. And who wouldn’t want to test it?

via BMW Blog

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