DETROIT -- Although the Big Three promoted some big deals in early April, their overall spending on incentives was down from March. It reflected in their sluggish April sales. This month they are beefing up their rewards and discounts to lure more car buyers.

Ford announced Wednesday cash-back deals of $3,000 -- or $2,000 plus zero-interest loans up to five years -- on Explorer, Expedition and Excursion SUVs and the Freestar minivan, reported Reuters. Ford's sales dropped 4.6 percent in April.

Chrysler, whose April sales rose 1 percent, is promoting a $1,000 bonus on vehicles financed or leased through Chrysler Financial. It also boosted its rebate on the Dodge Durango SUV from $1,500 to $3,500, and it applies to a purchase or lease, according to Automotive News.

General Motors, which reported a sales gain of less than 1 percent, extended its popular Truckfest deal on SUVs, minivans and pickups through May. It includes a $1,000 bonus and zero-percent financing on loans of up to five years, or rebates of as much as $4,500 for customers who don't take loans.

GM extended the deal because "April sales reflected that Truckfest has played very well with consumers interested in mid-utes," said a GM spokesperson.

According to Reuters, automakers are expected to pump up incentives in May and June to help lower inventories so that they don't have to curb production.

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