Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Would you buy American if your boss gave you $1,000?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/13/would-you-buy-american-if-your-boss-gave-you-1-000/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/13/would-you-buy-american-if-your-boss-gave-you-1-000/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/12/13/would-you-buy-american-if-your-boss-gave-you-1-000/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Chet Czaplicka doesn't own one of the Big 3's suppliers or run a car dealership. Instead, he is the chief executive of a blood-processing firm in the Detroit suburb of Livonia, Michigan. But like most people in that part of the country, he has several autoworkers in his family. And, perhaps more importantly, he understands how extensively the overall US. economy is enmeshed with the production of automobiles.

"I live here. My business is here. My Ma draws a pension from Ford," Czaplicka says in a recent Detroit News article. "If these companies go down, I'm screwed."

But instead of just bitching about it, Czaplicka is doing something. He's offering each of his employees $1,000 if they'll buy a Ford, GM or Chrysler vehicle. He's looking at a $92,000 payout if every one of his workers take him up on the deal before it expires Jan. 5.

At least one of Czaplicka's company's employees has been inspired to go shopping for a Ford. The story says Sean Murtha is considering a new Ford Edge for his wife. "A thousand bucks, that's like three months of payments," says Murtha, who is with the company's Fort Lauderdale office. "We're a bit removed from the Detroit scene but it's nice we can contribute."

[Source: The Detroit News]

Would you buy American if your boss gave you $1,000? originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 13 Dec 2008 18:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bailoutbig 3Big3car shoppingCarShoppingcash backCashBackincentivesrebatesSat, 13 Dec 2008 18:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Ford brings summer incentives to buyers]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/06/28/ford-brings-summer-incentives-to-buyers/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/06/28/ford-brings-summer-incentives-to-buyers/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/06/28/ford-brings-summer-incentives-to-buyers/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



In a move that's as predictable as the sun rising in the east and setting in the west, automakers are beginning to offer more sales incentives to boost summer sales figures. Ford is no exception, and as of today, those willing to drive away in a new Blue Oval offering can benefit from zero-percent financing on all new 2007 models. Want to buy a pickup or SUV? Ford will cut you a check for $2,007 in addition to the no interest financing for 36 months. However, Ford and Mercury CUVs aren't benefiting from the cash back offer.

The sales push ends on July 7th; so expect to see the prerequisite ads flooding airwaves soon after you read this.

[Source: Detroit News]

Ford brings summer incentives to buyers originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 28 Jun 2007 10:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>0 percent financing0PercentFinancing2007cash backCashBackfordincentiveslincolnmercurysaleszero percent financingZeroPercentFinancingThu, 28 Jun 2007 10:37:00 EST<![CDATA[GM intros incentives for full-size trucks]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/05/08/gm-introduces-incentives-for-full-size-trucks/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/05/08/gm-introduces-incentives-for-full-size-trucks/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/05/08/gm-introduces-incentives-for-full-size-trucks/#commentsFiled under: , ,



This is possibly the least shocking news of the day when you consider that the housing market, which fuels the full-size pickup segment, is in a slump and gas prices are rising once again. Nevertheless, General Motors must respond to market pressures, and in the wake of Silverado sales that fell 7% last month (that's the all-new, winner of the Motor Trend Truck of the Year, critically acclaimed Chevy Silverado), has decided to offer some new incentives to spur sales of Chevy's new truck and its mate, the GMC Sierra. From now through July 9th, customers can get zero-percent financing for 36 months or reduced-rate financing for 60 months on either model. If you're paying cash on the spot, GM can instead offer you $1,250 cash back on the Silverado or $1,500 on the Sierra.

Don't feel bad GM, Toyota has seemingly been offering incentives in one form or another on its new Tundra since the day it was born, and sales of the Ford F-150 fell 12% last month according to Automotive News. See? It's not just you.

[Source: Automotive News, sub. req'd]

GM intros incentives for full-size trucks originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 08 May 2007 19:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>car loancar lonCarLoanCarLoncash backCashBackfinancingincentiveszero percentzero-percentZeroPercentTue, 08 May 2007 19:04:00 EST<![CDATA[Toyota offering $1,500 back on base model Tundra]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/03/09/toyota-offering-1-500-back-on-base-model-tundra/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/03/09/toyota-offering-1-500-back-on-base-model-tundra/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/03/09/toyota-offering-1-500-back-on-base-model-tundra/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Toyota has apparently instituted a nationwide cash-back deal for the base model Toyota Tundra pickup that will send $1,500 back into the pockets of potential owners. According to the Wall Street Journal, the rebate will last the entire month of March. KickingTires is reporting that Southeast dealers in Alabama, Georgia, Florida, North Carolina and South Carolina are offering the full $1,500 rebate, while other dealers around the country will offer from between $250 to $1,000 cash back.

Though many will use this news as ammo against Toyota and its effort to crack into the full-size truck market, it's not that big of a deal considering the rebate is focused on what is likely the least popular model in the Tundra lineup, the base model. Also, Ford was forced to offer a rebate on its much hyped Edge CUV shortly after it was launched for the same reason. In the same breath, we have the urge to tell Toyota "told ya so!" Clearly, it's proving more difficult than Toyota realized to nab new truck buyers. The automaker even revealed to the Journal that it was concerned it will not reach its goal of selling 200,000 units in the Tundra's initial year of availability. We've got two words for Toyota if it wants to boost sales of the Tundra: "Tough Box"!

[Source: Wall Street Journal (sub. req'd) via KickingTires]

Toyota offering $1,500 back on base model Tundra originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 09 Mar 2007 14:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cash backCashBackrebatetoyotatundraFri, 09 Mar 2007 14:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Take our cars, please: Top 10 cash-back offers]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/17/take-our-cars-please-top-10-cash-back-offers/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/17/take-our-cars-please-top-10-cash-back-offers/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/17/take-our-cars-please-top-10-cash-back-offers/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Automakers with remaining 2006 inventory are getting desperate in some cases to get rid of their lot. Cars.com has assembled the 10 best incentive offers based on the percentage off of a car's base MSRP, and Kia tops the list by offering 26.32% off the Sorento and 23.87% of off the Sedona minivan. Why so much? Because they're 2005 models! The third vehicle on the list, however, is the most appealing to us. Saab wants to get rid of the last remaining 9-2X models and is offering $5,000 off of the car's base MSRP, which amounts to a substantial 21.75% discount on what is essentially a more luxurious Subaru WRX. The rest of the list is as follows.
  • 2005 Kia Sorento - $5,000 (26.32%) exp. 1/2/07
  • 2005 Kia Sedona - $5,000 (23.87%) exp. 1/2/07
  • 2006 Saab 9-2X - $5,000 (21.75%) exp. 10/2/06
  • 2006 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Extended Cab - $4,500 (21.31%) exp. 10/2/06
  • 2006 Dodge Ram 1500 Regular Cab (excl. SRT10) - $4,500 (21.28%) exp. 10/2/06
  • 2006 Ford Freestar - $5,000 (21.14%) exp. 10/2/06
  • 2006 Lincoln LS - $8,000 (20.36%) exp. 10/2/06
  • 2006 Mercury Grand Marquis - $5,000 (20.18%) exp. 10/2/06
  • 2005 Kia Spectra - $2,500 (19.46%) exp. 1/2/07
  • 2006 Ford F-150 SuperCab - $4,500 (18.66%) exp. 10/2/06
[Source: Cars.com]

Take our cars, please: Top 10 cash-back offers originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 17 Sep 2006 07:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>20052006cash backCashBackincentiveincentivesrebaterebatesSun, 17 Sep 2006 07:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Chrysler turns to 0% financing as Employee Pricing ends]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/08/30/chrysler-turns-to-0-financing-as-employee-pricing-ends/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/08/30/chrysler-turns-to-0-financing-as-employee-pricing-ends/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/08/30/chrysler-turns-to-0-financing-as-employee-pricing-ends/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Chrysler summer-long Employee Pricing incentive ends today and is being replaced by a good old fashion Zero Percent Financing deal. The new deal applies to all 2006 models, which means Chrysler is eager to reduce the inventory of its dealers to make room for a flood of new products it plans on introducing this year, including the Chrysler Sebring and Aspen that were given prices today by the company.

Chrysler now falls in line with Ford that announced last week it was going back to zero percent financing for six years as an incentive to lure customers back into the showroom. While Ford is willing to offer the deal to people with borderline credit, Chrysler is only offering its promotion to well qualified customers. For its part, GM is offering anywhere from $500 to $1,500 cash back on most of its models right now.

Both incentive deals by Ford and GM end after the upcoming Labor Day weekend, while Chrysler new zero percent financing deal will go on until Sept. 30th.

[Source: The Detroit News]

Chrysler turns to 0% financing as Employee Pricing ends originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 30 Aug 2006 16:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cash backCashBackdealdealerdealersdealershipdealsfinancingincentivesinventorylabor dayLaborDayrebateszero percentZeroPercentWed, 30 Aug 2006 16:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Mazda will cut incentive spending beginning with CX-7]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/08/16/mazda-bins-incentives/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/08/16/mazda-bins-incentives/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/08/16/mazda-bins-incentives/#commentsFiled under: ,



The Nihon Keizai, a Japanese business publication, reported that Mazda will cut incentives spending in the U.S. in an effort to raise vehicle average transaction prices and profit margins for each vehicle it sells. As of late, automakers have been frowning upon incentives as dangerous and profit-eroding, no doubt in response to the huge decrease in sales following last summer's "employee pricing" binges.

Initially, the automaker will cut incentives on the new 2007 CX-7 crossover (pictured), and subsequent 2007 models will roll out sans incentives. Ford Motor Company as a whole has been improving on the profit margin front thanks to a reduction in incentives from $2,000 to $1,800 on average per vehicle.

[Source: Reuters]

Mazda will cut incentive spending beginning with CX-7 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 16 Aug 2006 20:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cash backCashBackCX-7incentivesrebatesuteWed, 16 Aug 2006 20:02:00 EST<![CDATA[GM announces new incentives through end of summer]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/07/19/gm-announces-new-incentives-through-end-of-summer/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/07/19/gm-announces-new-incentives-through-end-of-summer/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/07/19/gm-announces-new-incentives-through-end-of-summer/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,



Today General Motors announced a new discount program for Chevrolet, Buick, Pontiac, GMC, Saab and Saturn (not Cadillac and HUMMER) that features a little bit of cash back and a lot of 0% financing. The industry is seeing a larger than normal number of people opt for financing because of rising interest rates, and GM's own 72-Hour Sale over the Fourth of July weekend that offered 0%-financing deals gave the company a boost almost big enough to reach its sales goal for July.

The new incentives will be marketed separately for each of the six brands participating, with Saturn taking the decidedly hassle-free approach of just lopping 10-percent off the sum of the sticker price and destination charges. The other brands will have a menu of financing options and bonus cash that range from 0% financing for 36 months all the way up to 72 months on some SUVs and big pickups. This new incentive drive will also extend financing and bonus cash offers on most 2007 SUVs and big pickups, though won't go so far as to offer 0% financing on any '07 models.

This push will take us all the way through the end of the summer and conclude on September 5th, which means GM will have survived the summer without offering us the enticing yet damaging carrot of employee pricing.

[Source: The Detroit News]

GM announces new incentives through end of summer originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 19 Jul 2006 14:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>0 percent financing0%0% financing0%Financing0PercentFinancingbonus cashBonusCashcash allowancecash backCashAllowanceCashBackincentiveincentivesWed, 19 Jul 2006 14:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Chrysler kicks off Employee Pricing Plus with 30-day guarantee and 0% financing]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/06/30/chrysler-kicks-off-employee-pricing-plus-with-30-day-guarantee-a/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/06/30/chrysler-kicks-off-employee-pricing-plus-with-30-day-guarantee-a/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/06/30/chrysler-kicks-off-employee-pricing-plus-with-30-day-guarantee-a/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Today the Chrysler Group announced that all customers would be eligible for employee pricing on qualifying 2006 and select 2005 model year Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge vehicles as of July 1st. The Employee Pricing Plus program also offers customers zero percent financing for 36 months on most models financed through Chrysler Financial. Instead of financing, customers can also choose $3,500 cash back. But that's not all, customer's will also have the option to return a vehicle under the 30-day Return Program (providing certain conditions are met).

Which vehicles are excluded, you ask? The Dodge Viper, Ram SRT-10 and Sprinter van.

In order to promote the new Employee Pricing Plus program, participating dealerships will be until midnight starting tomorrow through July 5th. The company has also launched the "Ask Dr. Z" advertising campaign, which we'll have more details about in a later post.

[Source: Chrysler]

Chrysler kicks off Employee Pricing Plus with 30-day guarantee and 0% financing originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 30 Jun 2006 12:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>0 percent0Percentcash backCashBackemployee pricingemployee pricing plusEmployeePricingEmployeePricingPlusfinancingguaranteeincentiveincentiveszero percentZeroPercentFri, 30 Jun 2006 12:31:00 EST<![CDATA[End of life pricing on Lincoln LS: $8,000 discount]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/06/23/end-of-life-pricing-on-lincoln-ls-8-000-discount/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/06/23/end-of-life-pricing-on-lincoln-ls-8-000-discount/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/06/23/end-of-life-pricing-on-lincoln-ls-8-000-discount/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Ford recently revealed its incentive lineup for the month of July and the Lincoln LS, which is on its way out, is now available with incentives that range from $4,000 to $8,000. It was previously being sold with $3,000 to $4,000 on the hood. The Lincoln Town Car is also being offered now with a bankroll of $6,500 to $7,000.

Other models that saw increased savings included the Ford F-150 and Lincoln Mark LT with an additional $500, the Ford Explorer and Crown Victoria with an additional $1,000, and the Lincoln Navigator with another $1,500.

Ford's payout on the Mercury Mariner and Mountaineer, however, fell $500. The Ford Focus payout also was reduced by $1,000. 

The LS was a decent attempt at domestic competition for the German luxury sedans that still epitomize the sport sedan market, but was saddled with improper engine/transmission combos that paired its healthy V8 only with an automatic transmission and the base V6 with an available manual. As such, it never struck a chord with shoppers seeking performance and luxury. Those looking for a domestic alternative found one in the Cadillac CTS.

[Source: Autoweek]

End of life pricing on Lincoln LS: $8,000 discount originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 23 Jun 2006 12:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>car buyingCarBuyingcash backCashBackincentiveLSluxury sedanLuxurySedanrebatetown carTownCarFri, 23 Jun 2006 12:32:00 EST<![CDATA[Promises for fire-sale-free year might be broken]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/06/10/promises-that-we-wont-see-a-fire-sale-this-year-might-be-broken/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/06/10/promises-that-we-wont-see-a-fire-sale-this-year-might-be-broken/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/06/10/promises-that-we-wont-see-a-fire-sale-this-year-might-be-broken/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Consumer confidence is slowing down, as are vehicle sales if the month of May was any indication. A storm is brewing... one that might just result in a reversal of certain promises made by Ford, General Motors and Chrysler to the effect of, "read our lips, no big rebates."

Analysts are predicting that the environment is such that the Big Three will have no choice but to institute new rebates of epic proportions to move the cars stacking up in the reserves and to give sales a jolt. And this time around, Ford will be the one that starts the party with the $4,000 it recently slapped on the hoods of some of its models.

The move could put the industry back in a desperate position, where dealers are making very slim margins and automakers are losing thousands of dollars per sale.

[Source: Reuters via Automotive News]

 

Promises for fire-sale-free year might be broken originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 10 Jun 2006 17:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>0 financing0Financingcash backCashBackemployee pricingEmployeePricingincentivesrebatesSat, 10 Jun 2006 17:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Toyota's 2006/2007 Tundra tightrope]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/03/20/toyotas-2006-2007-tundra-tightrope/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/03/20/toyotas-2006-2007-tundra-tightrope/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/03/20/toyotas-2006-2007-tundra-tightrope/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,



Toyota unveiled the 2007 Tundra pickup at the Chicago Auto Show earlier this year. The automaker, however, doesn't want potential customers to wait for the new vehicle, which won't arrive at dealerships until early next year.

So the company is spending millions on incentives, low interest rates, and other strategies to clear out this year's model. According to Edmunds.com, Toyota spent on average $4,485 in incentives on each Tundra its dealers sold last month. That is considerably more than the $2,911 and $700 the company spent in February 2005 and 2004, respectively. The article does point out, though, there was a sales dip on many Toyota vehicles back in February 2006 which may also account for the larger figure.

Financial incentives are not the only strategy the company is using, though. In Chicago, Toyota may have deliberately shown the new model two floors below the current version to prevent people from comparing the two and, again, waiting for next year to make their purchase.

[Source: Express News]

Toyota's 2006/2007 Tundra tightrope originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 20 Mar 2006 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2007cashbackincentivesleasespickupToyota TundraMon, 20 Mar 2006 13:30:00 EST