The Auto Writer

With the US economy taking a hit thanks, in part, to the housing crunch and high fuel costs, the auto industry is also suffering. Various publications are saying that a year-to-year sales drop will take place, translating into hundreds of thousands of vehicles going unsold.

Manufacturer Incentives Remain Strong

Manufacturers can cut production and some have. However, in a bid to maintain market share, some will slash prices or offer other incentives to attract buyers. Truly, it is a buyer’s market when it comes to getting a new car.

Even Toyota is getting into the act, a company not known for offering widespread discounting. To help you shop, I’ve compiled a list of incentives currently available as the Spring season gets underway. Please note, that some of the incentives many vary; I pulled together the popular ones for the Raleigh, NC area:

Toyota

Get $1000 cash back on America’s most popular selling car, the Camry. Get a $2185 Sienna upgrade package for free.

Buick

Get $3000 back on the Lucerne or $2500 back on the LaCrosse — this special incentive expires today, but you can expect additional discounts as the year wears on.

Volkswagen

Another incentive which ends today is VW’s Sign and Drive event. Lease a new Jetta, GTI, Touareg, or other VW model and it is no money down for you. In return, you’ll lease your new wheels for the next 39 months.

Suzuki

Still trying to push out left over 2007 models, Suzuki is offering as much as $2500 back on the XL7 as well as 0% financing on all 2007 models. For 2008 models, discounted financing also applies.

Hyundai

The Sonata is Hyundai’s midsize car and much rides on the success or not of this model. To that end, 0% financing for 60 months is available while left over 2007 Sonatas (when they can be found) get you a $2500 rebate. Hyundai is currently offering discounts across their entire fleet.

Dodge

Across the board, Dodge is offering discounts or low financing on every model. Leading the way is the Ram 1500 Mega or Quad Cabs — you get $6000 back when buying this car or you can low rate financing plus bonus cash.

Saturn

It used to be that Saturns weren’t ever discounted as “fixed pricing” was the name of the game. That game has ended.

You can get $2500 back for the VUE or the V6 AURA, but no incentives are currently be extended to other models.

Mitsubishi

With the 2009 Galant already out, the 2008 Galant is carrying a generous $3000 rebate or customers can elect to go with 0% financing for 60 months. Interestingly, Mitsubishi still has some 2007 Galants available and they are letting those cars go with a $3500 discount. Lots of other specials across the line too.

Mercedes

Across the board, Mercedes is offering discounts and special lease incentives on all 2008 models. Regional discounts may vary, check with your local dealer to see what savings are available to you.

Honda

One company that doesn’t generally offer incentives is Honda, but that is changing. As Honda seeks to grow their business, they are offering discounts in a bid to maintain/expand market share.

For Honda, special lease and financing deals are being offered, but you’ll be hard pressed to find cash back incentives. Check their regional offers for specials in your area.

Kia

One visit to the Kia website and you’ll quickly think, “what isn’t being discounted?” Indeed, Kia is being aggressive by offering competitive bonus discounts on a variety of models as well as deep discounts on left over 2007 models.

Most 2008 models are discounted as well and/or low rate financing is available.

Chevrolet

Get 0% financing on most models or cash back and/or cash incentives as much as $3000 on select Silverado models.

Many of the current discounts end today, but expect that a new program will be developed almost immediately.

Nissan

Nissan is celebrating its 50th year and with this anniversary is offering discounts through March 3rd. The biggest discounts are on the Titan, a truck that was remodeled for the 2008.5 model year. Therefore, discounts on older 2007 and 2008 models totaling $5000 are possible.

Other brands are being discounted including Cadillac, Mazda, Subaru and Chrysler. Visit the web pages for each manufacturer and dig deep to uncover the best incentives available to you.