For car and truck buyers all over America, it has never been sweeter than it is today, according to the Detroit News. Incentives on new cars and trucks reached an all-time high of $2,724 per vehicle, up from $1,681 a year ago.

Or as auto marketing expert Art Spinella looks at it: "The average discount is 17 percent of the sticker price. Think about it; that's amazing."

The discounts come in the form of cut-rate leases, cash back and zero percent financing. Auto companies are helping buyers pay off money owed on their trade-in vehicle and even plying them with frequent flyer miles. The deals can make a car shopper's head spin.

On June 5, Ford Motor Co. extended its generous May deals into June and even offered some special bonuses related to the company's

centennial celebration this month. Automakers also can make special regional offers on slow-selling models to move the metal. The

proliferation of deals has resulted in unprecedented affordability, according to the News.

According to Comerica Bank, it now takes 20 weeks of median family income to purchase an average priced vehicle. In 1992, it took 30 weeks.

Sales people say the biggest challenge to closing a sale is convincing buyers that another even fatter rebate is not just around the corner. To ease shoppers' concerns, Ford is now reimbursing customers any difference if a rebate or discounts increase above what they received, within 30 days, according to the News.