Like many of you I saw on the TV or read news articles (such as from Bloomberg) about the incentives that Ford and General Motors are offering to capitalize on the massive Toyota accelerator recall. But as a writer, I always like to refer back to an original press release or link on a company’s main website about the information. I like to get it “straight from the horse’s mouth”. To my surprise I couldn’t find the information on either GM’s or Ford’s websites. In today’s age of instant publishing, why wasn’t it on there? I figured I must have been looking in the wrong place. So while on GM’s site I clicked on the “Chat” window to ask a service representative.
Here is my chat with GM:
You have been connected to Ricki K.
Ricki K: Hi my name is Ricki. I am a GM Marketing Support Representative. How may I assist you today?
Mike: Where is your link for the information about the incentives for current Toyota owners to upgrade to a GM
Ricki K: I apologize but there is no link to this information. I can help you.
Ricki K: What is your question?
Mike: I am writing a story about it in my popular blog…but I always like to link back to where the company says what it is going to do…is there a media release?
Ricki K: One moment please.
Ricki K: Unfortunately, I do not have any information to give you.
Mike: That is disappointing…GM is missing an opportunity to spread the word…why are they not putting this on their https://www.gm.com/vehicles/currentoffers/ page?
Ricki K: I’m not privy to why GM makes decisions one way or another.
Mike: Can you at least give me what they are offering in this chat so I can reference that? If I owned a Camry that was impacted by the recall, what is GM offering me?
Ricki K: One moment please.
Ricki K: GM Conquest Private Offer Program
Dates of Offer: 1/27/2010 – 3/1/2010
This is a private offer program to consumers who currently own or lease a 1999 or newer Toyota or Lexus passenger car or light duty truck, and purchase or lease one of the eligible vehicles.
Ricki K: Customer is not required to turn in vehicle. Offer can be transferred within the household. Residency must be verified with identification.
Ricki K: Offer Amount: $1000.00
Ricki K: There is also GMAC Conquest Alternative APR Program
Dates of Offer: 1/27/2010 – 3/1/2010
Offer Amount:
0% APR for 60 Months on eligible vehicles.
Ricki K: And the third offer: Toyota / Lexus Leaseholder Private Offer Program
Dates of Offer: 1/27/2010 – 3/1/2010
GM will pay the customer’s remaining lease payments or lease prepaid amount, including early termination and disposal fees, up to $1000.
Ricki K: Not every General Motors 2009 and 2010 are eligible. You will have to contact your local dealership for more details.
Ricki K: And not all incentives are compatible.
Ricki K: Don’t forget: OnStar is free for the first year and GM has the best warranty program of 100,000 mile 5 year warranty
Mike: Ok…Thanks…maybe someone should email Steve Hill, general manager of retail activities at GM that it “might” be beneficial to publish this information in a Media Release or on the GM website…free publicity never hurts.
Ricki K: Thanks, for your impute. I will pass this on to the appropriate department.
Mike: Thanks for the info…have a great day.
Ricki K: You too. Anything else I might be able to help you with today?
Mike: No thank you.
Ricki K: Thanks for visiting us at GM.com!
Ok, so I thought Ford, the only U.S. automaker to not accept a bailout and the company that recently posted a full year net income of $2.7 billion (see press release about this) may have approached the Toyota opportunity differently. Again, no…I couldn’t find a direct reference to it on Ford’s website. Why not? I didn’t see a Chat link (maybe I missed it), so I called their customer service number (800-392-3673). When I asked the service representative if he could direct me to the place on the website where the offer is posted, he said that it wasn’t on the website. I asked him to email it to me and this is what I received.
Clarification
Ford Division is announcing the following clarification:
– 2009-Model Mustang Shelby GT500 is eligible for this incentive.
Replaces
This Announcement Replaces FDCI-04631
Overview
Ford Division is announcing Trade-In Assistance Cash, effective January 28, 2010.
– Customers that currently own or lease a 1995 or newer Toyota/Honda/Lexus/Scion/Acura Car, Truck or SUV who Trade In or have a Lease expiring by June 30, 2010 will receive $1,000 toward the purchase or Lease of an eligible 2009/2010-Model Ford Car, SUV or Truck.
NOTE:
– Trade-in or lease expiring by June 30, 2010 required.
– Customer must have owned or leased the competitive vehicle for a minimum of 30 days prior to the sale date of the new VIN.
– Dealer must enter the first 2 and last 8 of the customer’s competitive VIN in the VINCENT claiming system or the claim will be reversed.
– This program is NOT compatible with RCL/RCO Renewal, Owner Loyalty or Early Bird Programs.
Program Number(s)
#33208 – Trade-In Assistance Cash
Eligible Customers
Qualifying residents of the United States.Please refer to the Standard Rules of Eligibility dated 7/2009 for eligible states and counties in your region.
Incentive Claiming
Dealers will enter the first 2 and last 8 of the customer’s competitive VIN in the VINCENT claiming system.
Additional Documentation Requirements
Eligible consumers must provide a copy of the competitors vehicle registration, competitors lease contract or competitors lease payment coupon. The copy must be retained in the sales jacket.
Terms and Conditions
– Rule of ’10’ applies.
– Standard Rules of Eligibility dated 7/2009.
– Eligible consumers must provide a copy of the competitors vehicle registration, competitors lease contract or competitors lease payment coupon. The copy must be retained in the sales jacket.
– Only one set of qualifying documents is needed for proof of eligibility
– This offer can be transferred to individuals residing in the same household or business to business owner.
-A copy of proof of residency and eligibility must be retained in the sales jacket.
– Consumers are required to Trade In their current vehicle or have a Lease expiring by June 30, 2010.
– CCPA (Customer Cash Payment Authorization) form must be completed, and a copy retained in file. The CCPA is located on FMCDealer.com under “C&I Forms”.
– If you have any questions concerning VINCENT, contact the Marketing Communication Center at (800) 548-3212.
– As a reminder, to avoid payment reversals, please access the VIN SPECIFIC ELIGIBILITY screen on the date of delivery that includes the VIN and correct sales information.
Ford Motor Company Right to Audit
Ford Motor Company will periodically audit dealer records to ensure compliance with incentive programs and amounts paid to the dealers. As the dealership is responsible for providing proof of eligibility, the dealership must retain photo copies of all required supporting documentation in the sales jacket. These documents and related records, including journal and ledgers that relate in any way, in all or in part, to vehicle sales claim transactions must be retained for at least two years. This includes proof of transfer and copy of original finance contract showing co-signer for eligibility. Failure to retain such documents will result in payment reversals.
What is my goal of this post…well hopefully someone at Ford and GM can take notice that if I can publish information on my website in seconds, they can too. Toyota owners are wanting this information. Come on people, make it readily available and easy to access on your incentive pages below.
Ford – https://www.ford.com/purchasing-options/rebates-incentives/
GM – https://www.gm.com/vehicles/currentoffers/
Mike has roots in the automotive service industry. He began diagnosing and fixing cars at a young age in his family’s service station. He has worked in automotive parts supply stores, towing companies, and service facilities.
After graduating from St. Cloud State University (MN) with a Bachelor’s degree, he implemented and taught a basic car care program at the high school level. During work on his Master’s degree at Illinois State University (IL), he was a curriculum specialist on a National Science Foundation project where he co-authored ten integrated mathematics, science, and technology books designed for team teaching. Mike has also supervised teachers in Career and Technology Education as a school system administrator.
