Autoblog

Chrysler and Fiat offering $1,000 rebates to VW owners as Marchionne gets tough

Zach Bowman — Mon, 10 Dec 2012 18:02:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Chrysler, Volkswagen, Celebrities, Fiat

The throw-down between Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne and Volkswagen has heated up in earnest. According to Bloomberg, Fiat and Chrysler are now offering current Volkswagen owners in the US $1,000 rebates to trade in their ride. It's the latest in a series of shots Marchionne has taken at his German rival. As you may recall, the Fiat executive entered into a spat with Volkwagen board chairman Ferdinand Piëch and CEO Martin Winterkorn in October after the duo called for Marchionne's resignation from presidency of the European Automotive Manufacturers Association (AECA). At the time, the Volkswagen executives were quoted as saying Fiat would not survive the European economic downturn.

In response, Marchionne called the German executives "reprehensible," and accused Volkswagen of using a pricing strategy that has created created a "bloodbath" in the EU. Volkswagen has taken to steep discounting to carve out ever-larger slices of market share in Europe, but the company has a much smaller foothold in the US. Marchionne may be trying to hit Volkswagen where the manufacturer is weakest with the new Fiat new incentive program.

Late last week, the Fiat executive was voted to a second term as ACEA president.

Chrysler and Fiat offering $1,000 rebates to VW owners as Marchionne gets tough originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 10 Dec 2012 18:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mercedes-Benz offering up to $5,000 discounts to VIPs

Chris Tutor — Sat, 03 Nov 2012 16:01:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, BMW, Lexus, Mercedes-Benz, Luxury

In an effort to take the US luxury-sales crown from BMW, Mercedes-Benz is offering some sweet deals.

The German carmaker has told its US dealers they can offer discounts up to $5,000 on the GL-Class SUV for "VIP customers," a distinction to be determined by general managers. The program also includes $750 off C-Class, $2,250 for E-Class, $3,000 for GLK-Class and $3,275 for S-Class vehicles (which also includes 2013 models).

"We limit the number of cars" in the Customer Advocacy Program, says Mercedes spokeswoman Donna Boland in a Bloomberg story. "It is not carte blanche."

While BMW beat both Lexus and Mercedes in 2011 US luxury car sales, Bloomberg says Mercedes leads so far this year by 5,221 units. Experts quoted in Bloomberg's story expect the competition between the two German companies to continue through the end of the year, which could be really good news for luxury car shoppers.

Mercedes-Benz offering up to $5,000 discounts to VIPs originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 03 Nov 2012 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Biggest Rebate Ever? Maybach buyers to get $100,000 spiff

Zach Bowman — Wed, 18 Apr 2012 14:00:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Sedan, Etc., Europe, Maybach, Luxury

Our sister site, AOL Autos, just dug up one of the largest rebates we've ever seen on a new car. If, for some reason, you must have a Maybach before the brand ceases production altogether, you may in line to snag a tidy $100,000 rebate. Daimler previously let slip that the company will kill the ultra-luxury brand in 2013 and replace it with a new high-end Mercedes-Benz S600 Pullman. Given that Maybach models never exactly jumped off of the showroom floor, we're guessing the German automaker needs all the help it can get moving the Type 57 and Type 62.

Even with $100,000 off the sticker price, you'll still need a suitcase full of C notes to take one of these machines home. The entry-level Type 57 commands a $376,300 MSRP while the Type 62 starts at $427,700. Even at those prices, reports suggest the the company lost a staggering $500,000 on each and every model it sold. It's a wonder the marque stayed around as long as it did.

Biggest Rebate Ever? Maybach buyers to get $100,000 spiff originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 18 Apr 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford Transit Connect Electric to qualify for $15,000 rebate in California

Autoblog Staff — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 09:28:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Minivan/Van, Government/Legal, Ford, Electric

The California Air Resources Board (CARB) is set to add an additional category to its Hybrid Incentive Voucher Program (HVIP) that awards buyers of zero-emissions light-duty commercial vehicles, including the Ford Transit Connect Electric, a discount of up to $15,000 on their green vehicle purchase.

Starting in November, light-duty zero-emissions commercial vehicles with a GVWR between 5,001 and 8,500 pounds will be eligible for vouchers of up to $15,000 in California. This discount will reportedly be available to all fleets, public or private, that register the zero-emissions vehicles in the state of California. This $15,000 discount, coupled with the federal government's $7,500 tax credit, means that some buyers of the Transit Connect Electric will get a whopping $22,500 off the vehicle's $57,400 price tag.

Vouchers for the light-duty zero-emissions category are valued at $15,000 for a fleet's first vehicle ordered, with $12,000 off all purchases thereafter for the remainder of Fiscal Year 2011. Proposed vouchers for Fiscal Year 2012 dip to $12,000 for the first three vehicles, $10,000 for the next 27 purchased, $8,000 for vehicles 31-65 and $6,000 for vehicles 66-100.

Ford Transit Connect Electric to qualify for $15,000 rebate in California originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 20 Oct 2011 09:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Secretary LaHood says plug-in vehicle point-of-purchase rebates could replace tax credits in 2012

Autoblog Staff — Thu, 19 May 2011 09:30:00 EST

Filed under: Hybrid, Government/Legal, Earnings/Financials, Electric

Back in February, President Obama proposed changing the credit for plug-in vehicles over to a point-of-purchase rebate, a move that would likely speed up the $7,500 payment. Under the proposal, dealers would reduce the sticker price of eligible plug-in vehicles and apply for reimbursement from the government.

Well, according to U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood, Congress will consider the proposed plug-in point-of-purchase rebate as part of changes to U.S. tax and energy policy for 2012. LaHood, who was touring Nissan's Smyrna, TN facility on Tuesday, told those in attendance:

We're doing a lot of talking about it. When you give people that incentive to buy a battery-powered car, they'll do it. We know these incentives help.

Under current policy, consumers who buy qualifying vehicles like the Nissan Leaf or the Chevrolet Volt receive a $7,500 credit when they file their federal income tax returns. LaHood says that the Obama Administration firmly believes that allowing dealers to handle the incentive as an immediate rebate will entice consumers and, hopefully, convince them to buy plug-in vehicles.

Secretary LaHood says plug-in vehicle point-of-purchase rebates could replace tax credits in 2012 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 19 May 2011 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Cash for Clunkers is costing charitable organizations donations

Noah Joseph — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 17:39:00 EST

Filed under: Government/Legal, Earnings/Financials

Cash for Clunkers is good news for people looking to trade in their old cars for new ones. It's good news for America's troubled car dealers. It's good news for automakers. And it's good news for auto workers, some of whom have been called back to work on assembly lines ramping up to meet demand generated by the initiative.

But with every upside, there are downsides, both predictable and otherwise. That appears to be the case for America's needy citizens according to a new report by Reuters. Not because the poor, elderly and disabled war veterans are driving around in old cars, but because the charitable organizations that once relied on the donation of old cars to sustain their activities have seen a marked drop in the number of old clunkers being donated, as their owners are apparently opting for government-sponsored trade-ins instead.

One veteran's aid organization, the Military Order of the Purple Heart, estimates that the $3 billion allocated overall by the federal government towards the C4C program - known officials as the Car Allowance Rebate System (CARS) - amounts to some 700,000 vehicles, which could cost charities like theirs some $105 million in donated vehicles. The lost income will mean that charities will have to cut services and perhaps even employees.

The organizations in question have yet to substantially change their approach to soliciting donations, however, a bill being proposed in Congress could allow patrons donating their cars to charitable organizations to declare tax deductions of $2500 or the car's appraised value - a significant jump over the current $500 (or auction price if the organization sells the car), but still a far cry from the $4500 many are receiving on trade-in under the Cash for Clunkers program.

[Source: Reuters]

REPORT: Cash for Clunkers is costing charitable organizations donations originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 17 Aug 2009 17:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Government credits 180,000 sales to Cash-for-Clunkers incentive

Michael Harley — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 06:54:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Government/Legal, Ford, Toyota

Even without a Cash for Clunkers $2 billion extension locked in place by the Senate, the U.S. government bean counters are crediting the auto incentive for moving more than 180,000 vehicles off dealer lots. The big winner so far is Toyota, knocking Ford's Focus off the top-selling vehicle spot with its economy-oriented Corolla sedan.

According to the numbers, more than 80 percent of the traded-in vehicles were light trucks (including SUVs, pickups, and vans), and 59 percent of the purchases are passenger cars... meaning the program is successfully replacing those thirsty vehicles with a class that is a bit more efficient.

The list of top-10 most traded-in vehicles is chock-full of domestic trucks. The soon-to-be-euthanized victims include five light trucks by Ford, three Jeep and Dodge brands, and two Chevys. And lastly, for those keeping track of the decimal points, the new vehicles being sold under the program earn an average 25.3 mpg, while the condemned only brought an 18.5 mpg average to the party.

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

Government credits 180,000 sales to Cash-for-Clunkers incentive originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 06 Aug 2009 06:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Dealers may have to pay taxes on Cash for Clunkers rebates

Sam Abuelsamid — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 08:00:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Government/Legal

Nothing is ever as simple as it seems. One prime example is the government's newly minted "Cash for Clunkers" program, or CARS (Car Allowance Rebate System) that launched yesterday.

As the rebate program kicks into gear, dealers that are hoping to cash in are facing a new worry. But according to Automotive News, they may end up having to pay federal and/or state taxes on the rebate money they receive from the federal government. It seems that the lobbyists and congressional aides who actually wrote the bill neglected to address the issue of whether the rebates count as income for dealers.

In the end, the bill passed by Congress explicitly states that the rebates don't count as income for consumers. As for the dealers, oops! Nothing in the rules published by the National Traffic Safety Administration or the law says anything one way or the other, which means that the Internal Revenue Service and individual states will have to make the call. Some dealers are already setting aside cash just in case they end up having to pay.

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req'd | Image: Justin Sullivan/Getty]

REPORT: Dealers may have to pay taxes on Cash for Clunkers rebates originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 28 Jul 2009 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Nissan engineers tweaking vehicles to meet Cash-for-Clunkers requirements

Michael Harley — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 10:29:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Government/Legal, Nissan

2009 Nissan Sentra FE+ 2.0 SR - Click above for a high-res gallery

In an effort to sweeten the incentive for those taking advantage of the government's Car Allowance Rebate System (a.k.a. "Cash-for-Clunkers"), Nissan has reportedly sent its engineers back to the lab in order to pinch every last mile out of each gallon of fuel. As it is written, the program offers a sweeter incentive when consumers purchase vehicles with greater efficiency (based on the difference in fuel economy between the purchased vehicle and the trade-in).

Putting the squeeze on the Sentra's four-cylinder powerplant yielded a 1 mpg improvement - not bad for some minor drivetrain tuning. If the EPA reviews and confirms the bump, the small gain may create the necessary 10-mpg difference Nissan's customers need for the top $4,500 credit.

The program is set to expire this November. That isn't enough time for Nissan, or any automaker for that matter, to make drastic changes. However, engineers are able to focus on quicker fixes such as using lightweight wheels, subtle engine tuning, and changing option packages to reduce weight. According to Nissan, the lure of trade-in bonuses to attract new customers has promoted the automaker to divert much of its engineering to the cause.

Gallery: 2009 Nissan Sentra FE+ 2.0 SR

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

REPORT: Nissan engineers tweaking vehicles to meet Cash-for-Clunkers requirements originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 27 Jul 2009 10:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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REPORT: Cash-For-Clunkers dealers instructed to kill engines with sodium silicate

Jonathon Ramsey — Sun, 26 Jul 2009 09:58:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Government/Legal, Earnings/Financials

According to Bloomberg, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration got wind that some cars being turned in under Germany's Cash-For-Clunkers program were being certified as destroyed, but actually being resold. To prevent that scenario from repeating itself in the U.S., land of Honest Abe, dealers have apparently been instructed to fill the engines of trade-ins with sodium silicate and run them for seven minutes in order to permanently disable them.

Early reports from around the country indicate that Cash-For-Clunkers is having the intended effect, and the authorities want to make sure no one takes undue advantage by making money on the turned-in vehicles. Normally sodium silicate, often referred to as "liquid glass," is used to seal leaks in things like head gaskets, but in this case, it's used to seize an engine that could be well worth reselling. Dealer records will be reviewed by federal agents, and if the dealer is found not to have complied, the dealer will have to pay $15,000 per infraction.

[Source: Bloomberg via Boston.com | Image - Dave7 under CC2.0]

REPORT: Cash-For-Clunkers dealers instructed to kill engines with sodium silicate originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 26 Jul 2009 09:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rules for CARS, the cash for clunkers bill, released

Sebastian Blanco — Sat, 25 Jul 2009 09:01:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying

Preliminary rules for the CARS act - which was known as the Cash for Clunkers bill and is now more officially known as the CAR Allowance Rebate System or the Consumer Assistance to Recycle and Save Act of 2009 - were released by the Federal government today. Automakers have been busy doubling the rebates and emphasizing the green results of the bill, but today was the first chance to see exactly how CARS will work. It's about time.

Most of the work is the responsibility of the dealers selling the cars. This makes sense, since the law was passed, in part, to help them. Dealers can find a nearby facility to scrap the cars that are turned in from the CARS website, and need to confirm with the scrappers directly that they can crush or shred the vehicles. Dealers must also do things like disable the engines of the cars coming in, as described on page 127 of the 136-page rulebook (PDF), and have seven days of accepting a trade-in vehicle to get paperwork - a lot of it - to the government in order to receive their money.

Customers are responsible for bringing in an old "clunker" that gets, at most, 18 mpg (thanks, charities) and buy a new vehicle with better mpg. It looks like it might be possible to get more than $4,500 for your trade-in, because any scrap value that the trade-in has can be added to the rebate.

Not everyone is pleased with CARS. The Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA) released a statement, available after the jump, saying they anticipate "a consumer backlash once reality replaces the hype." There won't be that much time for the hype to die down, though, since the CARS program is currently scheduled to end on Nov. 1, or when the $1 billion set aside for the program runs out (it could be extended). We'll see.

[Source: Automotive News (sub. req'd), CARS.gov, AAIA]

Continue reading Rules for CARS, the cash for clunkers bill, released

Rules for CARS, the cash for clunkers bill, released originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 25 Jul 2009 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New Hyundai 'We pay you for buying our cars' campaign really just deferred incentives?

Chris Shunk — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 10:57:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Marketing/Advertising, Hyundai

The Hyundai Assurance program may well go down as the most innovative and perhaps successful marketing campaign of 2009. The program was so perfect for our economic times that General Motors and Ford eventually followed suit with very similar offers. But according to The New York Times, Hyundai's marketing magic may have worn out with the South Korean automaker's newest offer - an incentive that sounds great until you dig just beneath the surface.

The new Hyundai campaign promises to pay customers during the first six vehicle payments on any model purchased before June 30. As you likely already know, the payment paradigm usually works the other way around, and the new Hyundai plan sounds like a real winner for the customer. In fact, though, the payment basically takes the place of a lump sum cash incentive that would normally be due at signing. That's right, we're talking about the repackaging of existing customer rebates. In this case, you get six small payments (on a Visa card) spread out over six months instead of one big rebate that you would traditionally receive up front. When considering the fact that the standard lump sum rebate can often be used to lower your car payments - while also taking a bite out of interest payments through the life of the loan - we'll take our rebates the old fashioned way.

[Source: The New York Times via Kicking Tires]

New Hyundai 'We pay you for buying our cars' campaign really just deferred incentives? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 03 Jun 2009 10:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford offering extra incentives to "orphaned" Chrysler owners?

Chris Shunk — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 08:27:00 EST

Filed under: Marketing/Advertising, Chrysler, Ford, Earnings/Financials

Ford is primed to receive a bump in sales as a result of the bankruptcies of General Motors and Chrysler, and the Dearborn-based automaker is picking and choosing where to take share from its domestic competition. One area ripe for conquest are customers who've purchased vehicles from soon-to-be closed Chrysler dealerships. Ford is banking that those customers are going to feel left out in the cold, and the automaker is going to provide some sweet deals to bring those consumers over to the Blue Oval.

The incentives range between $500 and $1,000, but they're only available in select regions at this time. The extra cash will help customers that currently own Chrysler vehicles since resale values of Pentastar-branded vehicles have plummeted over the past few months. Many Chrysler dealers that are losing their stores also own Ford dealerships, and the incentives should also help those dealers keep the customers they've cultivated over the years.

According to Automotive News, Ford officials are trying to be very careful not to send the message out to customers that the automaker is gloating about its comparatively positive position. With Chrysler still knee-deep in bankruptcy hearings and Ford still fighting for profitability itself, a bloodthirsty Blue Oval wouldn't look all that graceful.

[Source: Automotive News - Sub. Req. | Image: Karen Bleier/AFP/Getty]

Ford offering extra incentives to "orphaned" Chrysler owners? originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 03 Jun 2009 08:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mercedes adjusting GLK model mix, options list to kickstart sales?

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 18:29:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Crossover, Mercedes-Benz

2010 Mercedes-Benz GLK - Click above for a high-res gallery of images

Mercedes-Benz plotted the sales course of its distinctively-styled GLK crossover last summer, back when there were still a lot of people ordering their new rides with all available options. With that in mind, they shipped over boatloads of optioned-up GLKs whose MSRPs were north of $40,000, well above the model's $34,775 base price. Fast forward to January of 2009, and people want their new cars with fewer add-ons, maybe even just one or two frills. That has translated into optioned-out GLK models sitting around around on lots.

According to AutoWeek, in order to redress the issue, Mercedes has created new option arrays that give the consumer more choices for less money. Instead of having to order the Premium 1 Package to get a sunroof, for example, buyers will now be able to buy the sunroof separately and keep their bottom line lower by $1,700. Navigation will now also be available as a standalone $1,800 option instead of being bundled with the Multimedia Package, saving $1,550. As a nice touch, those who already purchased their GLK in the last two months are eligible for a $2,000 refund.

Gallery: 2010 Mercedes-Benz GLK 350

[Source: AutoWeek]

Mercedes adjusting GLK model mix, options list to kickstart sales? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 13 Apr 2009 18:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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GM to unveil new incentives to assure buyers?

Chris Shunk — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 09:28:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Government/Legal, Marketing/Advertising, GM

All the bankruptcy talk surrounding General Motors hasn't helped the largest U.S. automaker on the showroom floor, as sales have dropped by over 50% in 2009. Without additional incentives, GM sales may fall further with the the Obama administration's rejection yesterday of the 100-year-old company's most recent viability plan.

GM is apparently not planning on going quietly into the night, as the automaker is reportedly preparing some big-time incentives to help move metal in the midst of all this bankruptcy talk. Bloomberg is reporting that GM will unveil new incentives on April 1 (no joke) that in many ways mirror the Hyundai Assurance plan. Any worker laid off after purchasing a car or truck will reportedly be able to turn in the vehicle without taking a credit hit.

Another element of GM's reported incentive plan is backing the residual value of its vehicles. While details are still sketchy, the program would "provide some restitution for customers who are unable to resell their vehicles at a prearranged value when they want a new car or truck." Depending on the specifics, that could cost the automaker a pretty penny, as good resale value hasn't been its calling card for some time now despite recent efforts to the contrary like drastically cutting sales to fleets.

[Source: Bloomberg | Image: Spencer Platt/Getty]

GM to unveil new incentives to assure buyers? originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 31 Mar 2009 09:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Polk speculates about effect of government incentives on 2009 car sales

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 07:58:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Government/Legal

In light of the automaker benefits and car buyer assistance in the recently-passed stimulus package, analysts at R. L. Polk & Co. estimate there will be an average rebate of $330 for every vehicle sold this year. By allowing buyers to deduct the sales tax from a new vehicle purchase from their income taxes, Polks sees a sales increase of 94,000 units this year.

By contrast, the rebate provision in the original stimulus bill allowed buyers to deduct the interest on their car loans from their income taxes, in addition to the sales tax. Polk predicted the average rebate in that case would have been $1,250, and the U.S. light vehicle unit sales would increase by 359,000 units this year.

That would still only be a tiny bump in national volume when compared to Hyundai's gains due to its Hyundai Assurance Program: the Korean marque saw January sales rise by 14%, compared to a 37% drop suffered by the industry overall. And commenting on Germany's €2,500 rebate for people buying new cars, Polk figured the country could see 200,000 more cars sold this year, with smaller cars taking up much of that volume.

[Source: Polk]

Polk speculates about effect of government incentives on 2009 car sales originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 17 Feb 2009 07:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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How do you plan to spend you tax rebate? Enthusiasts already know.

Michael Harley — Fri, 16 May 2008 17:56:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Gadgets, Trends

The team over at SEMA, you know them as the group that supplies the automotive industry with aftermarket performance and cosmetic accessories, have asked more than 1,000 automotive enthusiasts how they intend to spend their federal tax rebate checks. Of course, we know what SEMA wants the answer to be...

Interestingly enough, most surveyed (21%) said they would use the money to pay down credit cards. Another large chunk (20%) said they'd bank the cash for now. Of those who said they'd spend the money on specialty automotive equipment, most intend to buy wheels, exhaust kits, cold air intakes, and engine performance accessories. From survey results, SEMA was able to determine most enthusiasts have altered, and delayed, buying specialty equipment due to the high cost of fuel. In fact, some of the hottest aftermarket performance parts right now are specifically designed to enhance fuel economy. We think you just found an excuse for that new CAI. Check out the press release after the jump.

[Source: SEMA]

Continue reading How do you plan to spend you tax rebate? Enthusiasts already know.

How do you plan to spend you tax rebate? Enthusiasts already know. originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 16 May 2008 17:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Ford ramps up F-150 production ahead of 2009 model changeover

Michael Harley — Mon, 17 Mar 2008 18:59:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Truck, Plants/Manufacturing, Ford

If you ever wanted to put an Ford F-150 in your driveway, this summer may be the best time to make your move. As the new 2009 F-150 nears production, Ford is increasing its plant's output of the 2008 F-150 to ensure enough supply remains during July and August when plant production will be transitioning to the all-new model. The last time Ford took such measures was back in 2003, when it sold the F-150 "Heritage" alongside its replacement. Things have changed, however, as there are now only two plants producing the F-150 (compared to four in 2003), and the economy isn't nearly as strong.

There is a fair amount of risk involved during a model change-over for a vehicle with such high sales and production numbers (Ford sold about 414,000 F-150s in 2007). On one hand, Ford needs to keep dealers from drying out during the production slow-down. On the other, the last thing dealers need is a surplus of 2008 models just as the 2009 models arrive. It is a delicate balancing game between supply and demand.

With production ramping, supplies are already up. As of March 1st, Ford had an inventory of 200,000 F-series pickups (a 96-day supply). Last year at this time, it had 176,200. Inventory isn't the only thing on the rise. In a move that will benefit consumers, financial incentives are skyrocketing. Compared to this time last year, incentives are up by $733 to a whopping $4,514 per truck. Nothing sounds sweeter to consumers than high inventory levels combined with substantial incentives -- if you are in the market for a new F-150, this is music to your ears.

Gallery: 2009 Ford F-150

[Source: Automotive News, subs. req'd, Photo by Tim Boyle/Getty]

Ford ramps up F-150 production ahead of 2009 model changeover originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 17 Mar 2008 18:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Automakers win: Canada dropping ecoAUTO rebate program

Michael Harley — Sun, 02 Mar 2008 18:03:00 EST

Filed under: Green, Honda, Toyota, Canada

After a controversial two-year run, the Canadian government has announced their ecoAUTO rebate program will be ended next year. The ecoAUTO plan offered a $1000 to $2000 CDN rebate to owners of new cars that consumed gas at a rate less than 6.5 l/100 km. Although the ambitious plan sounded like an excellent way to reward drivers of frugal transportation, the mathematical line in the sand snuffed those whose vehicles were still very efficient, yet just under the threshold.

One of the most vocal protests came from Honda. Unfortunately for them, their Canadian-market Fit was "unfit" for the rebate, yet the competing Toyota Yaris was approved. It didn't take long for the Japanese automaker to call out the Ottawa government in protest. Honda took their message public, and even offered their own version of the rebate to match the government's offer.

To mend the wounds of this green-rebate-gone-awry, the Canadian government has pledged $250 million to the auto industry for the development and research of environmentally-friendly technologies.

[Source: Autoblog Green]

Automakers win: Canada dropping ecoAUTO rebate program originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 02 Mar 2008 18:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chrysler offering new rebates; four defunct models priced to go

Frank Filipponio — Fri, 09 Nov 2007 13:28:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Convertible, Coupe, Wagon, Marketing/Advertising, Chrysler, Dodge

It looks like Chrysler is going to give car shoppers a holiday gift as incentive to signing on the dotted line. After a rough year that saw the automaker break away from its Daimler overlords, Chrysler wants to end 2007 on a high note. To that end it will be offering rebates on virtually every vehicle in the lineup during December. Though there's no word on specific amounts, according to The Wall Street Journal the campaign will begin with a series of ads on Nov. 20 and cover Jeep, Dodge and Chrysler vehicles. The biggest discounts will likely be offered on the four models about to be discontinued: the Chrysler Pacifica, PT Cruiser convertible, Crossfire, and the Dodge Magnum. If any of those has been on your short list, it looks like a great time to get one.

[Source: Automotive News, sub. req.]

Chrysler offering new rebates; four defunct models priced to go originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 09 Nov 2007 13:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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