U.S. cars merge into Japan clunkers program

U.S. cars merge into Japan clunkers program    Japan trade officials this week opened the door for U.S.-made cars to be bought as part of Japan's version of the 'Cash-for-Clunkers' program.
   The Far East nation will allow U.S. cars to be bought using its Preferential Handling Procedure certification process. Previously PHP cars were not allowed to be bought with the money from traded-in cars, a measure that the office of U.S. Trade Representative Ron Kirk has fought since the fall.
   'I welcome the objective of the modifications that Japan made today to its automotive 'Cash-for-Clunkers' program,' Kirk said in a statement. 'Today’s announcement opens opportunities for U.S. autos. We are currently evaluating the details of Japan’s announcement 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.”