Despite growing optimism about the outlook for new vehicle sales in 2002 and signs of strength in February's sales results, top automakers continue to ratchet up expensive incentives to pump up sales. General Motors Corp. on March 1 will launch two new incentive plans, according to a story by Joe Miller in the Detroit News.

One reprises the automaker's successful zero percent financing program after a two-month hiatus and a second gives its current leasees an opportunity to return vehicles early without penalty if they re-lease or purchase a new GM vehicle, according to the News.

GM's top rival, Ford Motor Co., today will offer leasees "loyalty coupons" worth $1,000 for cars and $1,500 on trucks and sport utility vehicles. The program will run through April 8.

Ford's current incentive program -- offering up to $2,500 cash or zero percent financing -- continues through March 5. Ford is still

determining what it will do after the program expires, according to spokeswoman Susan Krusel.