Ford extends consumer incentives through July 9

Dearborn June 5, 2003; Reuters reported that the program includes rebates of up to $3,000 on many vehicles and "zero percent" financing for up to five years on a select number of new cars and trucks, Ford spokesman Jim Cain said.

As part of an enhanced bid to lure shoppers into showrooms -- introduced as part of Ford's extended discount program -- Cain said the No. 2 automaker would now offer to match customer downpayments totaling up to $1,000 toward the purchase of new Ford Taurus mid-size cars.

General Motors Corp. and the Chrysler side of DaimlerChrysler also announced broader incentives programs earlier this week that include interest-free loans for most vehicles in their lineups or up to $4,000 in cash rebates.