In an effort to alleviate dealers' concerns over dwindling inventories and provide consumers with a wider range of cars to choose from, the federal government has agreed to let dealers submit cash-for-clunkers vouchers for vehicles not yet on their lots.

Automotive News explains: "Dealers who want to file deals for an ordered vehicle must first obtain the new car's vehicle identification number from a manufacturer, NHTSA said in a statement. Reimbursement requests still must have all required documents for the trade-in vehicle."

The New York Times reports Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood as saying, "Allowing consumers to order vehicles and qualify for the rebate will expand buyers' choices and keep production lines running."

Among those vehicles in high demand are the Ford Focus, Toyota Corolla and Honda Civic.

Likening the new provision to a "rain check," the LA Times writes: "Dealers have reported that inventories of these and other gas-sippers are running low, leading to fears that clunkers participants could end up buying less fuel-efficient vehicles than they otherwise would have."

If you're interested in the Cash for Clunkers program, now is the time to act. Check out our Cash for Clunkers page to see if you qualify. For the latest updates on the program, read our Cash for Clunkers news.