Chrysler Offers 0% Financing, Big Cash Incentives

Chrysler Group LLC announced new incentives today that provide zero-percent financing for 60 months, low lease rates and up to $4,000 cash back on 2010 models. The offers are similar to programs that ended May 1, with some sweetening of the offers for the Chrysler PT Cruiser and incentives for customizing the Jeep Wrangler, The Detroit News reported. The new deals will run through June 1. On the purchase of a Chrysler brand product, the choice is attractive financing or a $3,000 discount. The lease rate is 1.9 percent financing for 72 months. For Jeep products, available cash is $4,000 on a Liberty, Grand Cherokee or Commander, and there is an additional $1,000 for those who use GMAC Financial Services. Wrangler buyers can get $500 worth of Mopar accessories or upgrades. Dodge buyers can opt for financing or $2,000 off an Avenger, Grand Caravan or Nitro. The cash back is $3,000 on a Charger. Challenger had record sales in April, and those who buy in May can continue to receive low finance rates and $2,000 in "Mopar Bucks." A Journey or Caliber comes with a $1,500 cash offer. Ram truck buyers are eligible for up to $3,000 off and an extra $1,000 bonus for using GMAC financing for a Ram light-duty or Dakota pickup. The automaker is sticking to its plan to remain competitive without resorting to huge discounts as in past years. The restraint did not hurt its U.S. sales in April, which were up 25 percent, the biggest increase since July 2005. April incentives focused on minivans, which drove sales of the Chrysler Town & Country to surge 80 percent and the Dodge Caravan to increase 56 percent. The lure of deals on the family vehicles drew traffic to showrooms in general, boosting sales of other vehicles as well, said spokeswoman Kathy Graham. Automakers continued to offer incentives in April, but they were 5 percent lower than in March when Toyota Motor Corp. led the charge as it attempts to boost sales that slowed following a series of recalls. Toyota said Monday it would continue to offer zero-percent financing and two years of free maintenance on the popular vehicles including the Camry and Corolla through June 1 and is also offering deals on Lexus luxury vehicles.