Ford Sweetens Dealer Incentives to Boost Sales

DETROIT – First credit unions had to compete with dealer incentives that offered consumers the choice of 0% financing or rebates. Now credit unions will have to deal with new dealer incentives. After suffering a 4.6% decline in sales in April, Ford announced a new incentive in an effort to boost sales. The programs offer more cash to dealers, plus extra cash and 0% financing for buyers. The new dealer incentives are specifically focused on Ford’s F-150 pickup. Dealers who meet their sales quotas on the vehicle will get up to $1,500 per unit sold. Meanwhile, customers can get a $1,000 rebate and 0% financing for 60 months on the Freestar minivan and Explorer four-door model. In addition, financing through Ford Motor Credit Co. brings the customer another $1,000 rebate. Ford also raised its rebate to $3,000 for the Explorer Sport Trac and $3,500 for the Crown Victoria. Chysler also raised its rebate to $3,500 on some of its models.