Automakers continue to unleash a barrage of attractive incentives in an effort to lure spooked consumers in the wake of the Sept. 11

terrorist attacks that jolted the U.S. economy. One of the latest initiatives came Nov. 1 from DaimlerChrysler AG's Chrysler Group, which

announced a program to extend the engine and transmission warranty to seven years or 100,000 miles on all new Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep cars

and trucks sold through the end of 2001.

The "Home for the Holidays" program replaces the normal three-year, 36,000-mile warranty and is in addition to zero-interest loans being offered on many models.

Chrysler's move follows Ford Motor Co.'s action last month to offer a 5-year, 100,000 mile warranty on the Focus subcompact car. General Motors Corp. said it has no immediate plan to match the offers, although market analysis

chief Paul Ballew said GM is evaluating extended warranties.

0 Comments