US critical of scrap scheme

TOKYO // The Japanese government has refuted claims by its US counterpart that its cash for clunkers scheme discriminates against American manufacturers. Under the Japanese initiative, consumers receive up to $2,800 (Dh10,284) if they trade in a car aged 13 or older for a new vehicle that meets the fuel economy standard of 35.5 mpg. However, no American vehicles meet this standard. A Japanese trade official said there is nothing discriminatory in the programme because consumers can apply for the incentives with any car that meets the fuel economy requirements.