Happy 2009 Everybody!  I hope that Cars for Girls readers have a prosperous and wonderful new year and I sincerely hope things improve for the auto industry, as well as for all of us.  We all deserve a bright and shiny new year filled with hope and new beginnings.

As I was making my travels around the web earlier, I ran across a few articles which were focused on how dealerships were coming up with new and unique ways to get customers back into the showrooms (or at least back onto the car lots), hoping to get some attention and to once again entice folks to buy.

Some of these ideas ranged from offering a two for one deal, like the Peterson Super Center in Boise, Idaho, which has been offering a Two-for-One Special; purchase a full size Cadillac Escalade, Chevrolet Suburban or Chevrolet 2500 Diesel pickup truck at full price and drive away with a 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt sedan absolutely free.  At Peterson, buyers can also opt to take the $13,499.00 in discounts instead, which is good toward any new or used vhehicle in stock.   Although the ad on the website notes that this particular sale expired on December 24, I sent an email requesting information for Cars for Girls readers in the Boise area who might like to take advantage of the offer and received a very nice reply from Kurt Williams, who is the General Manager of Peterson Chevrolet.  He has assured me that the Two for One offer has been extended right on through this weekend, expiring on Monday, January 5 and he was also nice enough to attach an updated ad, which is currently running in the local paper today and Saturday (click on the image above to enlarge the new ad). Those interested can visit the website, petersonsupercenter.com, for more information, directions and contact phone numbers.

Ford is currently offering an employee-pricing promotion, which is offering some pretty hefty discounts, and GM has some mighty fine buying incentives, too – up to $10,000.00 on selected 2008 models.  They are also currently offering 0% to 4.9% financing through January 5 on selected 2008 models as well, while GMAC has agreed to extend low-rate loans to those who have less than perfect credit scores, which is welcome news to many buyers who may be planning a new car purchase in the New Year.

Have you noticed any dealerships in your area stepping up to the plate and offering enticing incentives?  Do you believe these incentives bring in more customers?  What would it take to get you back into the showroom?

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