General Motors has ended its “Employee Discounts for Everyone” incentive program, and has introduced a new pricing and value program.
GM’s Total Value Promise will include lower pricing, redesigned vehicles, improved warrantees and increased standard equipment on more than 50 GM models. GM’s OnStar communication system and StabiliTrak braking systems will become standard on more models and several Buick and Hummer vehicles will include a four-year/50,000 mile warranty.
“When we are on consumers’ shopping lists, we like our chances,” GM VP-Marketing Mark LaNeve said in a statement. “We are confident that our brands will get you more without paying more.”
The incentive helped the automaker record its best U.S. sales month in 19 years in June. The 558,092 cars and trucks sold that month were a 41% increase over the prior year, and the best month since September 1986. For July, GM dealers sold 530,027 new vehicles, a 20% climb above July 2004. Dealers sold 360,655 new trucks, a jump of 34.5% over last year.
Meanwhile, GM rivals Ford and Chrysler Group will continue with their versions of employee discounts for the public, which both automakers started July 1, a month after GM’s plan went into effect.
Ford VP-Marketing Steve Lyons said the Ford family Plan has been a success, which is why it will be extended until Sept. 6. Ford sold 366,548 vehicles in July, a new monthly sales record, and 29% over the same period last year. Sales to retail customers rose 39%, and sales of F-Series trucks jumped 58%.
Though the pricing incentive was good on all 2005 models, the automaker said it would add Ford Family Plan pricing to select 2006 trucks, vans and SUVs.
“Many Ford, Lincoln and Mercury cars, trucks and SUVs will show record sales this month,’ Lyons said in a statement, adding that the company significantly reduced its 2005 inventories.
Chrysler Group said it would continue with its Employee Pricing Plus program, and did not set a termination date for the program. It’s sales for July rose to $240,146, a 27% jump over last year.
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