Ford Increases 1996 Taurus Incentives by $500

09/23/96

Reuters reports that Ford Motor has added $500 to incentives on its 1996 Ford Taurus, bringing the car's total rebate package to $1,500. The automaker is trying to clear out remaining inventories of 1996 Taurus sedans, only a year after its introduction.

Two weeks ago, when August sales were reported, the car lost its lead as the best selling car in the United States to the Honda Accord: 250,212 Tauruses sold during the first eight months of the year, compared to 251,621 Accords.

Ford spokeswoman Joy Wolfe said the higher incentives became effective this week, expire Oct. 1, and do not apply to 1997 Taurus models. When Ford Chairman Alex Trotman was asked whether Taurus will remain the best selling car in the United States, he answered, "time will tell."

The Taurus faces tough competition from a redesigned Toyota Camry and a number of new mid-size sedans from General Motors.

Paul Dever -- The Auto Channel