Cash for Clunkers program restarting after computer glitch

The federal government's program to give consumers up to $4,500 toward the purchase of a new, more fuel-efficient car when they trade in their older less-efficient vehicle was delayed last week by a computer problem, but the program is expected to be on track today

The federal computer system set up for car dealers to register for the Cash for Clunkers program crashed shortly after it went online last week. The heavy demand overwhelmed the system created by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, a spokesman said.

When car dealers went to the website, they received the news: "We're sorry, the system is down right now. We are aware of the problem. You will not be able to register until the problem is fixed."

NHTSA said the system initially encountered more demand than it could handle, but predicted everything would be in order this week.

For more on the Cash for Clunkers program:
- check out this U.S. News & World Report article