Who started cash for clunkers?

The Cash for Clunkers program, officially known as the Car Allowance Rebate System (CARS), was initiated by the U.S. government in 2009 as part of the economic stimulus package to boost the struggling auto industry during the recession. It was proposed by President Barack Obama and implemented by the Department of Transportation, allowing consumers to trade in older vehicles for incentives towards the purchase of new, more fuel-efficient cars.