Chrysler Monday evening announced a promotion called “Let’s Refuel America” — which provides customers with a gas-specific charge card with one very appealing feature — a locked-in per-gallon price of $2.99 for regular unleaded, $3.14 for mid-grade (88-89 octane) or $3.29 for premium (90-94 octane) for three years. The card is available to buyers of new Chrysler, Dodge , or Jeep brand vehicles. The automaker is going as far as referring to the program as its own “economic stimulus package.”
The offer is available at 3,511 U.S. Chrysler , Jeep and Dodge dealerships through June 2nd. Consumers will be able to use the cards in place of a regular debit card (a PIN is provided after registration). Once the fuel transaction occurs, the customer’s personal credit card (identified in the registration process) is charged $2.99 per gallon (or as much as $3.29 for premium fuel).
“We are proud to introduce an unprecedented program to help put customers’ minds at ease and do something to help working people who are worried about the volatility of fuel prices and vehicle cost of ownership,” commented Jim Press, Vice-Chairman and President of Chrysler. “The Let’s Refuel America Price Guarantee puts money in your pocket today, and allows our customers to better manage their fuel expenses. And you can’t get it anywhere else besides a Chrysler, Jeep or Dodge dealership.”
Unfortunately, some of Chrysler’s most fuel-hungry cars are not included in the program. The following models are not eligible: All SRT models, Dodge Viper, Dodge Challenger, Dodge Ram Chassis Cab , Chrysler Crossfire, Jeep Wrangler, and Dodge Sprinter.
“Let’s Refuel America” is backed by an upstart company called Pricelock. The firm provides co-branded gas price protection programs to large and small corporate fleets. Chrysler is the first automaker to join forces with Pricelock, and it appears the company might have struck an exclusive deal — at least for now. Pricelock says its card is accepted at 200,000 gas stations worldwide.
Chrysler specifies a yearly fuel allotment, good for 12,000 miles based on EPA milage figures for the specific vehicle. The limitation is presumably in place to prevent customers from filling up other people’s vehicles at the (potentially) discounted rate.
While the promotion is being offered in lieu of certain other rebates, additional bonus cash up to $3,000 is available on some vehicles — including the Chrysler PT Cruiser, Dodge Charger, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Dodge Dakota and Dodge Ram.
