Calibers in short supply.

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, new Calibers on dealer lots are getting tough to find. In fact, of the “Cash for Clunkers” program’s top-selling vehicles, only the Toyota Prius is in shorter supply.

As of July 31, there was just a 17-day supply of Calibers in inventory and dealers are concerned they may lose deals because the Car Allowance Rebate System’s current rules require them to supply the vehicle identification number and manufacturer’s certificate of origin (MCO) with each claim filed. The MCO is typically not available until the new vehicle is delivered to the dealer. The There are also fears the program may run out of funds before new vehicle shipments can be received.

For this reason, dealers are asking the government to modify the rules to allow dealers to claim vehicles that have been ordered to replenish stock. The DOT is studying the idea, trying to come up with a workable solution that allows timely payments for dealers while protecting the program from fraud.