Wednesday January 3, 12:56 pm ET
DETROIT (AP) — Ford Motor Co. said Wednesday it is stepping up incentives on certain top-selling models in order to generate momentum for 2007 as it looks to shake off recent sales declines and stabilize demand among retail customers.
The auto maker is kicking off a campaign Wednesday that offers attractive lease rates and financing packages.
The deals, which are slated to run from Jan. 3 through Feb. 28, include 0 percent financing on the Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner small SUVs. Those models are set to be replaced with redesigned models in the near future.
Ford's new marketing program also includes a new $249 lease on its Fusion midsize car that offers buyers the chance to have their down payment, first month's payment and startup fees waived on certain models. Fusion buyers also can take advantage of special financing deals.
The Dearborn, Mich.-based auto maker is also offering low lease specials on certain F-150 pickup trucks. The new offers include owner-loyalty discounts of between $500 and $3,000 on certain models.
Ford's new round of incentives follows a year-end sales campaign that recently ended and was designed to clear out old 2006 model-year vehicles and generate momentum for 2007 model-year vehicles. Most of the new deals apply to 2007 model-year vehicles.
Ford will begin rolling out some 2008 model-year vehicles in the first quarter of 2007, but much of the company's immediate emphasis will be on selling vehicles that were launched or improved in the final quarter of 2006. Those models include the Ford Edge and Lincoln MKX crossovers, and redesigned versions of its midsize cars and full-size SUVs.
Ford shares rose 10 cents, or 1.3 percent, to $7.61 in early afternoon trading Wednesday on the New York Stock Exchange.
