Gift Cards For Test Drives

American automakers Ford, GM, and Chrysler are feeling the heat of the economic downturn more than most businesses. 

The big three have had to ask for federal bailout money and are having trouble staying in business.

They are hoping to reach some potential buyers at this year’s New York International Auto Show.  Their goal is to get more Americans to buy their cars, and the best way to begin that process is by getting people behind the drivers seat.

This year, automakers are offering gift cards to get potential customers behind the wheel.  Ford is offering a $50 debit card to those who take a test drive after visiting the auto show.  GM has a similar offer but their gift card is only redeemable at restaurants.com.

Both of these offers require email registration so the automakers can keep consumers up to date on the latest offers.  GM says this is the first time they have offered any sort of cash incentive for those taking a test drive.

As companies struggle to stay afloat in hard times, they do all they can to lure in potential customers.  In the case of the American auto industry, that means offering gift cards to get consumers behind the wheel.