There are so many cars on the road today which are legacies; vestiges of the exuberance now being deconstructed.  Undoubtedly, a significant percentage of gas-guzzler owners wish they were driving the prius' and minis and smart cars.  Even with gas at a recent low, a penny saved on parking, insurance, maintenance is an additional penny in your pocket.

As a stimulus to not only the auto industry but the economy as a whole, why not insititute a federal buy back of all automobiles which consume a certain level (high to excessve) of gasoline. 

The funds go into consumer hands to purchase more fuel efficient cars, the old cars go to conversion plants (the old SUV lines) where old school auto workers learn to adapt high consumpton vehicles for their lower bretheren.  

There should be no unemployment of the auto industry.  There should be a massive re-training program and a consumer stimulus to that program with a buy back.