Only little over 80,000 of the clunkers deals have been processed by the NHTSA so far, with the American carmakers claiming 47% of the take. It will take a while - possibly months - for the final tally to be released, but the early numbers could be a good sign for the Detroit 3.
Another $2 billion in funding is expected to be added to the CARS till once the Senate takes action on the bill approved by the House last week, but in the mean time, the Obama administration has guaranteed the program will remain functional. Should the Senate vote down the extra money, however, the program will most likely cease immediately.
The 47% role of the American brands in the CARS haul is about 2% greater than their combined market share, reports The Detroit News, meaning they've effectively snatched some of that deficit back from the foreign marques.
Coming out a particular winner was Ford's Focus compact, which was the most popular vehicle chosen among the first 80,000 claims.
President Barack Obama released a statement on Friday calling for swift Senate action to keep the program alive as a key part of the ongoing economic recovery.
"This program has been an overwhelming success, allowing consumers to trade in their less fuel efficient cars for a credit to buy more fuel efficient new models....The program has proven to be a successful part of our economic recovery and will help lessen our dangerous dependence on foreign oil, while reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving the quality of the air we breathe," said the President. "I urge the Senate to act with the American consumers in mind to pass this important legislation."