Employee Pricing Galvanizes Consumers
Consumers have been staying away from some auto showrooms as high gas prices have forced them to rethink their auto purchasing strategies. No longer are large SUVs and pickup trucks automatically considered part of the auto buying equation. Instead, much more fuel efficient vehicles such as the Honda Fit and the Toyota Yaris are receiving consideration. Still, not everyone wants or can even use a compact car. Larger families, people who use their vehicles for business, and those who need the horsepower and torque of a larger vehicle are not in this mix. Fortunately, if you are in the market for a larger vehicle the time to buy is now despite the elevated fuel prices. Employee pricing is back offering consumers big savings and possibly additional funds to pay for gasoline. Read on and we'll explore this novelty of the automotive marketing industry. High fuel prices are killing the U.S. automotive manufacturers whose fleets are top heavy with gas eating vehicles. Sales of all SUVs and pickup trucks have plunged across the board threatening the very existence of General Motors and the Ford Motor Company. DaimlerChrysler isn't doing too much better with their Chrysler Group also reporting big losses.
In a bid to win back consumers, DaimlerChrysler [DCX] is leading the way. Like last year when Ford, GM, and DCX pitched employee pricing, DCX has brought the program back to help push out the 2006 models. DCX has taken the program one step further and is adding some important features not offered previously. Here is what the DCX program has in store for consumers, like you: Employee Pricing - You pay the same price for a Dodge, Jeep, or Chrysler vehicle that DCX employees pay. 0% Financing - If you have excellent credit, you may be eligible to receive 0% financing on your purchase. 30 Day Return - If for some reason you are not satisfied with your purchase, you can return the vehicle within 30 days for a refund. Restrictions apply. Some dealers are also sweetening their own offers by offering free gasoline for several months. This offer could shave another $500 off of the price of a Dodge Dakota or Jeep Commander bringing these vehicle's final price lower by several thousand dollars off of the sticker price. So, if a larger less fuel efficient vehicle is something that you want, and then there is no time like the present to jump in and buy one. Expect GM and Ford to follow and perhaps Toyota and Nissan to do the same with their larger vehicles such as their pickup trucks. |