Computer overload complicates last day of 'Clunkers' program

The last day of the Cash for Clunkers program turned even more hectic than expected this morning when applications overloaded the government's Internet-based intake system

“We've been trying for an hour an a half to get into the thing,” said Mark Zimmerman of Mark Zimmerman Ford BMW Hyundai Mitsubishi in Cedar Rapids, at 11:15 a.m.

Chad Ohly, sales manager at Chezik Bell Ford in Iowa City, was frustrated.

“We have a lot of interest and customers who want to buy cars, but the government's Web site is down right now,” Ohly said at 11:30 a.m.

Dealers only have until 7 p.m. C.S.T. to submit their final applications under the program, which is designed to stimulate the automotive industry and remove gas-guzzling, high-polluting cars from the road.

Many auto dealers have already stopped doing deals under the program because of the large amounts they've already extended under the program, and uncertainty over when and if the government will reimburse the credits they've provided buyers.