A New Way to Sell Cars

I've seen the television ads for this and I'm not surprised that it is working, after all it reaches to out to where we as consumers are feeling pain, at the gas pumps!

Chrysler Extends $2.99 Gasoline Deal

Chrysler LLC on Monday extended its $2.99 a gallon gasoline promotion by another month, citing gasoline price-weary customers who have flooded Chrysler dealerships and Web sites asking for more time.

The program, launched May 7, was slated to expire June 2 but now will expire July 7.

Chrysler showroom traffic increased as much as 10 to 20 percent in certain markets at its 3,511 dealerships, said Chrysler spokesman Stuart Schorr. During the promotion's first week, Web site activity increased 25 percent from the week before. Internet leads jumped by 34 percent.

"Customers and dealers across America have told us they like the gas guarantee incentive option, so we are providing a second month for shoppers to take advantage of it," Chrysler Co-president Jim Press said in a statement.

Customers who purchase or lease a Chrysler, Jeep or Dodge vehicle included in the promotion can choose among three incentive packages: Cash back, 0 percent financing or the gasoline guarantee program, which freezes the price of gasoline at $2.99 a gallon for three years, up to 36,000 miles.

Fuel-efficient vehicles most popular
Chrysler said the highest take rates for the gasoline incentive have been on the Dodge Journey crossover, Dodge Caliber, Dodge Avenger and Chrysler Sebring sedan.

"The most incremental incentives in this gas program are on the company's most fuel-efficient vehicles, which typically do not have this level of incentive available," Press said. "Our customers who buy smaller vehicles put great value on being protected against rising gas prices."

At first, it appeared that a customer buying one of Chrysler's less fuel-efficient vehicles would be drawn to the promotion -- which has a 12,000 mile limit for each of the three years. But Chrysler's customers with the most concern about fuel economy have shown a greater interest in the deal, spokesman Schorr said.

"These customers may pick our brand versus other brands, or it may convince people who weren't in the market to enter the market," he said.

The highest take rates by region have been in California, Connecticut, Indiana, Ohio and Washington, which are among the 12 states with the highest fuel prices, Chrysler said.

Card issued
Consumers who opt for the gasoline deal receive a credit card linked to their personal credit card about six weeks after taking delivery of their new vehicle. The card can be used at most filling stations nationwide.

Customers enrolled in the program will pay the pump price the day they refuel. Chrysler and its partner on the project, Dallas-based Pricelock, will then split the invoice. Chrysler will be charged the difference above $2.99 a gallon.

Chrysler vehicles not included in the program are the Chrysler Crossfire, Dodge Viper, Dodge Challenger, Dodge Sprinter, Dodge Ram Chassis Cab, Jeep Wrangler and the entire SRT lineup.

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