DETROIT — General Motors Corp. and DaimlerChrysler AG’s Chrysler Group have sweetened their incentive programs on new vehicles.
GM added extra cash on many trucks and extended interest-free financing for five years on most 2003 and 2004 cars. Chrysler increased incentives on most of its new vehicles and its lease program.
GM, the world’s largest automaker, already was offering heavy discounts on remaining 2003 models. The new deals on ’04 cars and trucks run through Nov. 3.
GM said it will carry over most of its consumer cash and financing offers on 2003 models until Jan. 2.
"We believe the October incentive program will really appeal to consumers and continue to bring even more of them into GM dealerships," said John Smith, group vice president of GM North America vehicle sales, service and marketing.
Chrysler incentives, also effective until January, will increase by up to $2,000 on most 2003 Chrysler vehicles, while model year 2004 vehicles get a $1,500 jump. The automaker said its lease customers can turn in their vehicles and waive up to five payments when leasing or buying a new one.
"The best values in America just got better," said Gary Dilts, senior sales vice president at DaimlerChrysler.
