Japan's Clunker Plan Shuts Out U.S.

Japan is now running its own stimulus plan designed, in the midst of a marketwide slump, to boost sales of fuel-efficient cars—and the rules shut out all U.S.-brand vehicles.

According to Automotive News, Japanese automakers sold 319,342 vehicles under the U.S. cash-for-clunkers program this year, almost half of the roughly 677,000 vehicles purchased. About 115,000 of those Japanese vehicles were imported. Japan's cash for clunkers plan pays ¥250,000 ($2,778) to buyers who trade in cars that are at least 13 years old for vehicles that meet Japan's 2010 emissions standards. Buyers with no trade-in get $1,111 if their purchase beats Japan's 2010 emissions standards by 15 percent or more. But you can't spend it on a U.S. made vehicle. Here's why