As the old cliche goes, desperate times call for desperate measures, and Chrysler is living proof of that right now. The embattled automaker is following its exit from the leasing game earlier this week with a new incentive package it calls "Shop 'til you drive" that it hopes will appease its dealers and get lease customers into showrooms despite the lack of leases.
The new incentives are focused around the reduction of payments to levels similar to a 36 month lease. Zero percent, 72 month financing will be offered on more vehicles and there will be extra cash incentives to the tune of $2000 offered on vehicles financed through Chrysler Financial. Returning lease customers will get another $750 in loyalty cash toward the purchase of a new Chrysler vehicle.
The real jaw-droppers, however, are the ones Chrysler didn't mention in its announcement. Automotive News reports that Chrysler will be offering as much as 28 percent off the Jeep Grand Cherokee, 24 percent off the recently redesigned Chrysler Town & Country minivan, 25% off the Chrysler Aspen, and a whopping 40 percent off certain models of the Dodge Ram -- likely designed in part to clear out inventories for the arrival of the redesigned 2009 model. At that price, the cost of gas may not even be an issue.
Source: Chrysler, Automotive News (Subscription required)