Chrysler "Driving America" With 0% Financing, following $1.5 Billion Loan

Chrysler Financial is back in action following the approval of $1.5 billion in Federal loans, sourced from the $700 billion financial bailout. To celebrate, the automaker is beginning a new 0% financing promotion for up to 60 months starting tomorrow. The incentive will be available on 2008 and 2009 models in hopes that it will spark more showroom traffic to help offset a dismal December.

"Dealers told us after December that not having Chrysler Financial cost us 20 to 25 percent sales," said Steven Landry, executive vice president for North American sales and service, to Automotive News. "We could see a significant lift."

Chrysler will publicize the promotion with a "Driving America" campaign that starts next week, though it should be noted that leasing a new Dodge or Chrysler through Chrysler Financial is still off the table.

Although the conditions of the financing offer vary by vehicle, here are the vehicles included:

• Chrysler Town & Country
• Chrysler 300
• Chrysler 300C
• Jeep Grand Cherokee
• Jeep Commander
• Jeep Wrangler
• Dodge Grand Caravan
• Dodge Charger
• Dodge Magnum
• Dodge Challenger
• Dodge Ram (regular and Heavy Duty)

Don't expect this to be the last low-interest loan promotion from Chrysler in the near future. The $1.5 billion is just a transitional loan until the Federal Reserve starts a "far larger consumer-lending program," according to Automotive News.

You're Buying WOT: $18,977 Boxy Compacts

You've always wanted a boldly styled compact car like the recently re-styled Scion xB, but now you're faced with two newcomers on the Boxy Small Car block: the 2009 Nissan Cube and the 2010 Kia Soul. Important for this decision: all three automakers will provide loads of customizable accessories to separate your xB/Cube/Soul from the rest. You have $18,977 to spend and must balance value versus space, power, and any other factors important to you.

Again, the choices are:
2009 Scion xB (MSRP: $16,420)
2010 Kia Soul (MSRP: $13,995)
2009 Nissan Cube (Estimated MSRP: $13,970)
Something else?
Despite the Nissan's smaller engine compared to the Scion xB and most trim levels of the Kia Soul, would its non-symmetrical charm win you over? Or maybe the Kia's value would make the choice easy. Or maybe you trust the reliability of a Toyota-product? Let us know what you'd pick, and figure an MSRP for the Nissan Cube of
$13,970.

Last week, we had $10,834 to buy a new 2009 Nissan Versa sedan, 2009 Hyundai Accent GS 3-door, or a used vehicle no more than 10 years old. Only one commenter did not definitively dismiss our low-end new car choices in favor of a used vehicle. Everything from a 2004 Pontiac GTO to a 2000-2004 Audi A6 2.7t were named as alternatives.

Focus to Appear at “100 Designs to Save the World” Showcase

Ford wants you to find “Focus” synonymous with “green.” When the “100 Designs to Save the World” show starts in Thailand in mid-December, a number of Focuses, dressed with environmentally friendly-themed designs, will make an appearance. The show aims to encourage public participation in reducing impact from global warming by showcasing art works created by designers from all around the world. Ford took part by providing three Focuses to designers as blank canvases for the show. Thailand’s Focus shares components and styling with the European Focus. When introduced to the country in 2005, it was the first vehicle to offer flexible-fuel capability, capable of operating on 95-octane, E10, or E20 fuel. A 2.0-liter diesel appeared in 2007. Unfortunately, no pictures were offered in the press release, but Ford promises stunning visuals from avant-garde designers. We’ll let you know how they turn out. Source: Ford Motor Company