GM Offering Discounts to Customers Who Bought from Doomed Dealers

Posted: Nov. 25, 2009 11:11 a.m.

General Motors plans to offer a discount worth up to $2,000 off a new car to customers who frequented a dealership the company recently closed.

Autoblog reports, “GM started sending 950,000 letters out last week to customers of stores which have shut down or lost a brand franchise. Included in the correspondence are $1,000 to $2,000 discounts towards purchasing vehicles from one of GM's four surviving U.S. brands.”

Reportedly, you can expect a $1,000 discount coupon if you live relatively far from the dealership, or if GM believes you aren’t particularly likely to buy a new car soon.  Those expected to buy sooner, or located closer to the dealership, will receive $2,000 discounts.

Automotive News explains, “Customers who want the discount have to bring in the certificate enclosed with the letter as well as a proof of identity.”  The offer ends January 4, but the company “plans to begin a second wave of the program early next year that will include Saturn customers.”  All Saturn dealerships are expected to close, or transition to non-GM brands, by Jan. 1.

The letters will also include “a service offer that includes a vehicle inspection and tire rotation to all customers of closed stores . ... This offer is good through May.”

If you're in the market for a new car, check out the U.S. News rankings of this year's best cars as well as this month's best car deals.

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