The Car Allowance Rebate System (CARS) program created a sales frenzy fueled by $3 billion in federally funded incentives, stimulating the economy from the local dealership to the factory. But which automakers benefited most?

Figures released yesterday from the Department of Transportation, based on 635,186 sales, show Toyota was the clear winner. With a broad product portfolio of fuel-efficient models, including the Scion vehicles, and a large dealer network, Toyota was poised to benefit from the so-called “cash for clunkers” program. General Motors is close behind, trailed by Ford. Chrysler trailed its domestic competitors by a significant margin, limited by its diminished dealer body and few product offerings that met the fuel economy requirements for the CARS program.

Cash for clunkers new-car sales

19.2% Toyota
17.7% General Motors
15.0% Ford    
13.2% Honda    
8.3% Chrysler
7.8% Nissan   
6.8% Hyundai
3.8% Kia
2.4% Subaru  
2.3% Mazda   
1.9% Volkswagen   
0.5% Suzuki   
0.4% Mitsubishi  
0.4% Mini  
0.2% Smart
0.1% Volvo    
<0.1% All other

Have you traded in a clunker? Share your experience in our cash for clunkers forum.

Also see "Cash for clunkers: Top 10 most popular new cars and trade ins."

—Jeff Bartlett