Japanese Car Makers Latest Victims of Factory Rebate Wars

Honda & Toyota's Luxury Brands Forced to Join American Big 3 in Offering Big Cash Rebates to Move Slow Selling Models

If you thought driving a new luxury vehicle, was out of your reach, think again!Tempting factory rebates, cash incentives and low financing, coupled with aggressive dealer discounts can take as much as $5000, $10,000 or more off the price of your dream machine,

In order to trim inventories Acura, Lexus, and the Big 3 are offering deep factory rebates and dealer discounts. (Photo: Honda)

according to new information released today by CarCostCanada (www.carcostcanada.com) - a respected source for on-line dealer invoice cost and automotive research information. The firm tracks and reports the industry's major trends in their monthly report that highlights the biggest and best rebates, incentives and special cash back programs for consumers.

Underlining the need to trim inventories in the slow-moving premium/luxury segment - the Big 3 - joined by Lexus and Acura - attempted to jump start sales in May and June with substantial incentives, as shown below:

2003 Makes and Models	Factory Cash Incentives	Potential Dealer Cash discounts	Total Potential Savings including taxes
1. Dodge Durango R/T 4WD	$5,750	$ 3500-$4000	$ 10500-$11000
2. Olds Aurora 4.0L	$5,000	$ 5000-$5500	$ 11500-$12000
3. Chrysler 300M/Special	$5,000	$ 3000-$3500	$ 9000-$9500
4. Cadillac STS/SLS	$5,000	$ 5000-$5500	$ 11500-$12000
5. Jeep Grand Cherokee	$4,500	$ 4000-$4500	$ 10000-$10500
6. Lexus RX 300	$4,000	$ 3000-$3500	$ 8000-$8500
7. Lincoln Town Car	$3,500	$ 3000-$3500	$ 7500-$8000
8. Pontiac Grand Prix GT/GTP	$3,500	$ 2000-$2500	$ 6500-$ 7000
9. Lexus IS 300/SportCross	$3,000	$ 2000-$2500	$5500-$6000
10.Acura RL	$3,000	$ 2000-$2500	$5500-$6000
*Factory rebates, potential dealer savings and total potential savings including taxes, are subject to change without notice.