Washington - The US House of Representatives on Friday added 2 billion dollars to the popular "cash for clunkers" programme, which is nearly out of money just a week after its official launch.

The House approved the 2-billion-dollar patch by 316-109 votes, taking money from a fiscal stimulus package approved earlier this year. The US Senate will likely take up the bill early next week.

The programme, which gives consumers money to trade in old petrol- guzzlers for cleaner new cars, was initially only given 1 billion dollars in funds. Its surprising popularity meant it was already practically out of money.

"It has succeeded well beyond our expectations and all expectations," Obama said from the White House.(dpa)