国际英语新闻：More requests for "cash for clunkers" deals in U.S.

CHICAGO,Aug. 12 (Xinhua) -- U.S. auto dealers continue to submit more than 20,000 "cash for clunkers" deals to the Transportation Department daily, reports reaching here said Wednesday.

    As of Wednesday morning, auto dealers have 316,189 vehicle voucher requests with a value of 1.33 billion U.S. dollars, up 179 million dollars from the 1.15 billion dollars on Monday, according to department data. That means dealers have submitted requests averaging 90 million a day this week, or just over 21,500 deals a day.

    Analysts say the remaining funds in the 3 billion "cash for clunkers" program could run out in the next few weeks as deals are increasing.

    Last Friday, U.S. President Barack Obama signed into law a 2 billion extension of the "cash for clunkers" program that gives drivers a rebate of up to 4,500 dollars to trade in passenger cars that have a combined fuel efficiency rating of 18 mpg (18 miles per hour) or lower and are up to 25 years old. The vouchers must be used on vehicles at least 4 mpg more efficient, while slightly different rules apply to light trucks.