WASHINGTON — The United States welcomed Tuesday changes made to Japan's "cash for clunkers" auto stimulus program, saying they opened prospects for more US auto exports into the Asian economy.
US officials said Japan agreed to modify the program, which provides consumer incentives to buy fuel-efficient cars, following complaints it discriminated against American vehicles.
The complaints centered on restrictions that, according to US auto makers, blocked the "clunkers" rebates from being spent on cars that undergo a special inspection procedure for imports.
"I welcome the objective of the modifications that Japan made today to its automotive 'cash-for-clunkers' program," said US Trade Representative Ron Kirk.
"Today's announcement opens opportunities for US autos imported using Japan's Preferential Handling Procedure certification process to qualify under that program," he said.
Kirk said details of Japan?s announcement were being evaluated "to ensure it meets the concerns my office has been raising with Japan since last fall.
"USTR will continue to work with our trading partners to ensure that American automakers and workers receive fair treatment in Japan and around the world."
Japan's move came ahead of a congressional hearing Thursday on "Japanese and South Korean barriers to US auto imports."
USTR has been raising concerns about access for US automobiles to Japan?s so called eco-friendly vehicle purchase program, US officials said.
Of specific concern has been that US autos imported using Japan?s PHP import certification process were not eligible to qualify under Japan?s purchase program, the officials said.
The change Japan announced Tuesday opens opportunities for autos imported using the PHP process to qualify, taking into account US fuel economy ratings for specific automobiles, they said.
In 2008, Japan exported more than two million cars and light trucks to the United States, but imported just 12,181 cars and light trucks from the United States, congressional reports said.
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