Government Cash for Clunkers program uses up $1.81 billion out of $3 billion pot

Cash for Clunkers up to $1.81 billion

WASHINGTON — Auto dealers have made Cash for Clunkers deals worth $1.81 billion, according to data released Wednesday by the federal government.

The program offers car buyers rebates of $3,500 or $4,500 for trading in older vehicles for new, more-fuel-efficient models. Congress set aside $3 billion to cover the costs of the rebates.

The $1.81 billion represents 435,102 Cash for Clunkers deals submitted by dealers to the online system the government set up to process rebate requests.