GM Follows Toyota's Move to 0% Financing
General Motors Co. is offering a 0-percent/60-month financing program on most of its 2010 model vehicles, Automotive News reported. The move mirrors a 0 percent marketing plan just announced by Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A. Inc. Both automakers are under heat to rebuild sales -- GM following its bankruptcy, Toyota after the largest U.S. product recall in its history. Susan Docherty, GM vice president for U.S. marketing, said the company was not chasing Toyota. “That was our plan prior to hearing about what Toyota was going to do. We locked this in about a week ago,” she said on GM's monthly sales call with reporters and analysts today. GM reported a 12 percent U.S. sales gain for February in a market that rose 13 percent. Docherty said the program will cover about 55 percent of all GM models. “Obviously, with our hot launch products, we don't need to put 0 percent financing for 60 months on that,” she said. “That 0-for-60 will be primarily on products like our pickups. “That's completely in line with what our marketing strategy is. We're going headstrong into truck month for both Chevrolet and GMC, which is a traditional play that we have normally done during March.” The plan also includes 0 percent/72-month financing for remaining 2009 model inventory, Docherty said. That offer covers about 97 percent of GM's 2009 models.
More Industry

Gone to the Dogs
A Stellantis brand decided to have some fun with one of its SUVs’ design to address growing emphasis on family pets.
Read More →
Luxe N.C. Dealerships Change Hands
A collection of Italian and English brand franchises were handed off to the owner’s friend in the business and include the Carolinas’ only Ferrari retail stores.
Read More →
Exposure Drives Interest in Chinese Cars
At a recent demonstration, consumers had the chance to ride in a Chinese-branded vehicle, a firsthand experience that improved their perceptions and purchase intent.
Read More →
Automotive Consumers Sink Further in Debt
Most financing metrics hit records in the second quarter as more buyers locked themselves into long terms and high monthly payments.
Read More →
Agent Advocate
Rob Mancuso, who comes from a long line of auto dealers, values general agents’ place in the industry and makes a case for them taking an even bigger seat at the table.
Read More →
Driving Under Distraction
Though consumers gave higher marks to new vehicles in JD Power’s most recent initial-quality poll, high-tech interference worsened, pointing to craving for simplicity.
Read More →
Affordable New Cars a Thing of the Past
More than one out of five new vehicles sell for more than $60,000, according to Edmunds. That's up 7% compared to prepandemic 2019.
Read More →
State Follows Federal Warning on Auto Ads
The Massachusetts attorney general cautioned the state’s automotive dealers to be upfront with the consuming public about their vehicle prices or risk punishment.
Read More →
Consumer Outlook on the Rise
Younger generations are feeling more positive about their financial futures and current affordability pressures than older generations, according to recent TransUnion data.
Read More →
Pennsylvania Dealership Under New Retailers
The sale of the Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram store puts a family auto group on a leaner path as first-time dealers take the helm.
Read More →