Autoblog

Despite some fairly uninspiring comparison test results in most monthly buff books, the Dodge Caliber appears to have the making of a hit on the strength of its distinctive look, versatile packaging and low price of entry. In fact, initial sales have been so robust that DaimlerChrysler is reeling in employee discounts on the model in celebration.

In recent years, employee discounts have become something less than exclusive-- virtually anybody who's second uncle's former roomate (twice-removed) once worked for one of the domestic manufacturers could finagle a healthy price-cut. That may still be the case over at DCX for certain models, but the automaker has told its dealerships that 'plan' discounts will only extend to immediate families of workers and/or retirees.

While that may be disappointing news for those with tenuous relations to DCX workers, it's undoubtedly a good sign that the Caliber is doing well without the need for spiffs.

[Source: Reuters]

Ford Motor Company announced Thursday that it is rolling out a zero-percent financing incentive program for its Escape and Mariner Hybrids.

The plan offers zero-percent financing for 60 months, or a $500 down payment-matching cash incentive. Ford launched the program in California and Washington, D.C. last month, and apparently the results have been promising enough that the company is taking the program nationwide.

The Escape is selling slowly in both gasoline-powered and hybrid versions, and big rebates for the gas-powered version have placed Ford's green version at a serious price disadvantage (the hybrid is up to $6,000 pricier). As Ford also offers zero-percent/60 month financing on the standard Escape, Ford feels it needs the spiffs to improve the hybrid's value.

Sounds like Kermit, Ford's Escape Hybrid spokesfrog, has his work cut out for him.

[Source: Automotive News]