General Motors said it will extend employee discounts to everyone on almost all 2008 (except medium duty trucks) and some 2009 models as it seeks to clear its remaining inventory of 2008 vehicles. Typical employee discount prices are 10% below the invoice price, but vary by model.
Naturally GM is offering the discount to boost sales in a weak economy and due to a drop in demand from traditionally popular trucks and SUVs.
The GM Press Release:
GM today announced the GM 100th Anniversary Sales Event, on virtually its entire lineup of 2008MY Chevrolet, Pontiac, Buick, GMC, Saturn, Cadillac, Saab and HUMMER vehicles from August 20 through September 2, 2008. The event features employee pricing on nearly all 2008MY vehicles, and select 2009MY vehicles in stock.
This program is designed to celebrate the company's 100th anniversary by providing employee pricing to the public for a very limited time. GM's combination of offering terrific MSRPs, and great incentives, offers customers a unique value opportunity as the company celebrates its centennial year and looks toward the future.
"We have 100 years of innovation behind us, but what's ahead is even more exciting," said Mark LaNeve, vice president, GM North America Vehicle Sales, Service and Marketing. "We brought the world electric starters, the fully automatic transmission, OnStar and fuel cell vehicles. It's been a long history of technological leadership, and the result of that innovative spirit is on GM dealer's lots today. To celebrate, we're offering the employee discount to everyone on our 2008 and some of our 2009 models. This is a phenomenal offer for consumers."
Here are the details:
Customers can get employee (GMS) pricing at participating dealers on virtually all remaining 2008MY GM vehicles in stock. 2009MY vehicles eligible for employee pricing are the Chevrolet Cobalt and HHR, Pontiac Vibe and G5 and Cadillac CTS.
Special stickers will be in vehicle windows at participating dealerships that show the bottom-line price customers will pay, taking into account the employee (GMS) price and all applicable incentives and rebate offers.
Excludes: 2008MY medium-duty trucks and most 2009 MY vehicles.
Customers should visit their neighborhood GM dealer for complete details and offer restrictions.
Want More Bargaining Power? Walk into a car dealership with financing already in hand. When you have a check in hand, you have extra bargaining power to get the deal you want. Apply for a no obligation car loan quote.
Related News: the average retail price for gasoline fell to its lowest level in 14 weeks. According to the government, it's because cheaper crude oil costs were passed on to the pump and Americans drove less.
Car Dealership Leverage - A good time to purchase an auto may be the day after Thanksgiving, better known as Black Friday. Shoppers could try to negotiate for about 20% off the price. Normally shoppers seek the best deals on Black Friday for toys, electronics, and clothes but finding a good auto sale should be considered on that day. This information comes from car pricing researchers at Truecar.
The latest data about car pricing the last few years, indicates that discounts on Black Friday are some of the biggest during the year. You may be able to take advantage of discounts from dealerships and, or incentives from manufacturers.
Black Friday auto sales can give customers the ability to individually negotiate for an auto. Because of this, they will not know if they will be getting a deal before going to a dealership unless dealerships run special ads. During the year, shoppers usually only pay about 4% less than the sticker price but consumers may be able to negotiate for around 7% the day before and after Thanksgiving Day.
Consumers looking for a good deal on an auto may find certain models on sale during Black Friday sales. Some dealerships may certainly take advantage of that shopping day and try to get in on the action to sell some autos.
