Skip to Content
Streetsblog New York City home
Streetsblog New York City home
Log In
Car Culture

Kalashnikovs for Clunkers: The Next Stimulus Plan

Max_Motors.jpg

In case you don't qualify for the federal Cash-for-Clunkers rebate program, Mark Muller of Max Motors in Butler, Missouri, has an offer you might want to consider: get a free AK-47 with a new truck.

The dealer, whose motto is "God, Guns, Guts and American Pick-Up Trucks," one-upped himself from last year's offer of pistols or petrol, and said that sales have doubled since the promotion started. He also had some choice social commentary in various interviews:

    • "There's a bunch of evil in the world and people need to protect themselves."
    • "I'd personally like to have a sporting chance, instead of just becoming a victim."
    • "Without guns, we are subjects. With guns, we are citizens."
    • "The only 911 call I need is chamberering a round."

Fortunately you can't just walk out of Max Motors with an AK; Muller provides you with a voucher for $450 redeemable at a local gun dealer, where you still have to go through a background check. Maybe I haven't been to a gun show in a while, but doesn't that seem like a lot of gun for so little coin?

No matter your moral leanings, you have to admit Muller's plan is ingenious marketing, given that, outside of iPhones, guns are about the only thing selling well in this economy under this presidency. He has even given interviews to Al Jazeera, and Russia Today.

Two of the more entertaining interviews after the jump:

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog New York City

Byford Hopes Cash-Strapped NYC Will Help Fund Trump’s Penn Station Rehab

The Trump administration controls the future of Penn Station — but wants New York to pay for it.

January 29, 2026

Delivery Workers Are the Safest Cyclists On the Road, Study Finds

A new study from sociology researchers at Hunter University found that Delivery Workers are the safest cyclists on the road.

January 29, 2026

Thursday’s Headlines: A Sketchy Case Edition

Congestion pricing looks like it'll be safe, thanks to flimsy arguments from President Trump's lawyers. Plus other news.

January 29, 2026

How to Use Data to Fight For Safe Streets and Stop Super Speeders

College coders built a simple tool for DMV staff and administrators to identify repeat dangerous speeding behavior.

January 29, 2026

‘Gateway’ Drug: Trump Is Holding the Second Avenue Subway Hostage

The president blocked funds for the Second Avenue Subway during the government shutdown in October — and the MTA has still not received the money, sources said.

January 28, 2026

TRAIN IN VAIN: Amtrak Pulls Plug On Metro-North Expansion

All aboard? Not so fast. Amtrak is putting the brakes on an expansion of the Metro-North that would have extended service to Albany.

January 28, 2026
See all posts