Ford Continues Zero Percent Financing; Adds Lease Loyalty Bonuses up to $1,500

DEARBORN, Mich., March 1 Ford announced today it will continue offering zero percent financing and customer cash up to $2,500 until Monday, April 8, on most 2002 Ford brand cars, trucks and SUVs.

Ford's current incentive program, scheduled to expire Tuesday, March 5, offers $1,000 to $2,500 customer cash or zero percent financing on 36-month contracts for most vehicles. Financing rates of 2.9 and 4.9 are available on 48- and 60-month contracts, respectively. Details of the new program will be released on Monday, March 4.

Ford also announced a new lease incentive, offering lease loyalty bonuses up to $1,500 on most 2002 Ford brand vehicles for returning lease customers.

Available Friday, March 1 through Monday, April 8, the new lease loyalty bonuses are in addition to current cash back rebates, up to $2,500, being offered on most vehicles. The additional lease loyalty bonuses of $1,000 for cars and $1,500 for trucks and SUVs are available on all models, except Thunderbird.

``Our incentives offer great value to both first-time Ford customers and repeat buyers,'' said Jim O'Connor, Ford Division president. ``With a choice of zero percent financing, customer cash or lease loyalty bonuses, our program provides flexibility to meet differing customers' needs.''

Since September, Ford has continued to offer a zero percent financing option due to high customer demand. Of those Ford customers who finance their vehicles, about 30 percent choose the zero percent, 36-month contract.