Ford, GM Launch Incentive Programs

DETROIT AP reported that Ford is offering cash rebates of as much as $3,000 and financing as low as zero percent on some vehicles starting Tuesday.

General Motors Corp. also will offer zero-percent financing on some vehicles starting Tuesday, GM dealers said.

Ford's cash rebates range from $500 on the Ford Escape to $3,000 on the Windstar minivan and Crown Victoria. The Ford Thunderbird is not included in the new program, called "We Will Rock You."

Rebates of $1,000, $1,500, $2,000 and $2,500 are available on other models.

Zero-percent financing is available for 36-month loans on the Crown Victoria, Econoline van and F-Series Super Duty pickups.

The lowest rate for all other vehicles except the Escape and Thunderbird is 0.9 percent for 36 months.

Longer-term financing carries rates from 0.9 percent to 4.9 percent, depending on the vehicle.

A combined cash and reduced financing rate option is also available on most models, the company said.

Returning lease customers also are eligible for loyalty bonuses of $1,000 to $1,500 on all Ford brand models except Thunderbird and SVT models.

Lease loyalty bonuses can be applied toward a new lease or retail purchase and can be combined with the cash rebates or financing rates being offered.

Ford's new program runs through Sept. 30.

GM's program will relaunch zero-percent financing on 60-month loans for most 2002 cars and some trucks, GM dealers told The Detroit News. GM spokesman Jeff Roegner declined to comment Monday on GM's new incentive program, and other details weren't immediately available.