Comprehensive consumer research just released by Maritz Automotive Research Group reported that the Cash for Clunkers program created a great deal more vehicle sales than previously estimated without negatively impacting automotive sales for the future. In fact, of those surveyed, only four percent said they would have bought or leased a vehicle without the CARS incentive.

With the help of the Maritz year-round New Vehicle Customer Study (NVCS), the research firm surveyed nearly 36,000 consumers who traded in their clunker for a more fuel-efficient new car or truck in July or August 2009.  The findings of the study were that Cash for Clunkers was the impetus behind 542,000 incremental new vehicle sales, exceeding by far the previous estimates of 125,000-346,000 new cars or trucks sold.

“With such a large sample size, the NVCS study now offers the best and most robust data available as to the impact of CARS on automotive sales,” said Dave Fish, VP, Maritz Automotive Research Group, in the announcement. “Our findings not only provide strong evidence that many more vehicles were sold as a direct result of the incentive program than were previously estimated, but they also largely debunk the myth that Cash for Clunkers mortgaged future car and truck sales. In fact, the program resulted in sales of vehicles to people who don’t normally buy them.”

What the study did not address, or at least did not report addressing, is how many of these financed autos are still being paid for, and on time.