Offering incentives on an all-new model is just about as rare as getting struck by lightning, but it looks as though lightening will be striking twice this month. According to a new report, both Ford and Dodge will be offering incentives from the get go on their new full-size trucks – a strong indication of how bad the auto market really is.
The Ford F-150 has been the best-selling vehicle in the U.S. for the last 31-years, but the sharp economic downturn and higher fuel prices have taken a toll on the popular truck. The F-150’s September sales were down 39 percent compared to a year earlier, but Ford is banking that an all-new truck plus some extra cash will stop the truck’s downward slide. According to the Financial Times, Ford will be offering up as much as $2,500 to get shoppers behind the wheel of a 2009 F-150.
Dodge’s Ram didn’t escape the recent downturn either, with Ram sales sliding 28 percent last month. But Dodge also has a new truck for 2009, complete with up to $2,000 in cash incentives.
While it’s never a good thing to see incentives on new models – especially ones as popular as the F-150 – incentives have helped bolster truck sales over the last few months. While overall truck sales are down, large trucks have actually increased their market share over the last few months – thanks mostly to sinking sales in almost all segments. According to the Financial Times, large trucks now account for 16 percent of the U.S. light-vehicle market, up from just 8.6 percent in May.
10/21, 11:16 AM
posted by:
edgeguy
Calling all rednecks
10/21, 11:51 AM
posted by:
NismoSentraKen
======>>rednecks? you’re the one that has “edge” in your name from “Ford Edge”….lol
10/21, 11:55 AM
posted by:
yarddog82abn
I rather get rebate CASH$$$$ then worthless stock….
10/21, 12:23 PM
posted by:
johnnycanuck
Saw my first ‘09 Ram on the slog into work this morning. Looks good. They’ve especially done a nice job with the front end. It still looks like a Ram, but far less imposing than the last one.
10/21, 12:29 PM
posted by:
pzimet
sucks when you have to introduce incentives at launch…especially when the vehicle is your main money maker (ford)
10/21, 12:35 PM
posted by:
Robert
One of the points you missed is that the $2500 isn’t just cash on the hood of the Ford. You have to trade in a truck, I believe.
10/21, 6:22 PM
posted by:
Blakkarr
Just promise me you two won’t make more than 20K units a year.
Also step up that diesel program… maybe add Steam to that, too.
10/21, 8:43 PM
posted by:
Ratman
Ford, why don’t you make it $7,500 – $10,000 cash back with 0% APR for 72 months and I’ll buy one!
10/22, 7:43 PM
posted by:
urmomspanties
Wow… NismoSentra, I don’t think you could buy -OR- use a gay(er) name. Who the F__k would invest money into (ahum) a Nissan Sentra?!?!
Second point is, that your amazing Sentra (sarcasim laid on really thick) at a job site, or on a farm, or towing a boat, or towing my racing motorcyles to the track wouldn’t do the trick… So before you say REDNECK, open a book, learn a little something, get out of your grandma’s basement and put down your special PS3 controller and wake up to the world around you…
PS: Buy a real Nismo LIKE SAY A 350Z or we can continue to comment on how fairy’s actually think FWD cars are sports cars… Calling all F150 & Ram customers “REDNECKS” is like calling your-self a PATRIOT for supporting the Japanese government!
I bet every hard working person in the country looks forward to these new vehicles just as 16yr old girls look forward to the new Sentra coming out… GODBLESS