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Automaker Wheels and Deals

By Amanda Raus

| Tuesday, Jan 6, 2009 | Updated 10:01 AM EST

Slumping sales are leading to some unprecedented car offers in Connecticut.

With much of the country facing declining auto sales, car dealerships here in Connecticut are keeping afloat with new manufacturer incentives. Lia Hyundai in Hartford is now going beyond it's traditional 10 years, 100,000 miles warranty. It's offering a year gym membership with a purchase and new buyer's assurance.

"If you buy a new Hyundai, some reason you lost your job, or you have a death in the family, or a medical condition you can't afford the car anymore, Hyundai will buy the car back," said Steve Jaikissoon, General Manager of Lia Hyundai.

With the state of the economy, that is one incentive that is drawing in customers.

Despite a steep sales fall in December, some local dealers aren't feeling the fall.

At Stephen AutoMall Centre in Bristol, the general sales manager said he has moved more cars off the lot in December than he had in either October or November. He attributed some of those sales to good incentives.

"I had a customer who I've known for a number of years, and he was looking at an Escalade. The MSRP was about a little over $71,000. I was able to save him between dealer discounts and incentives, over $20,000 on a brand new vehicle," said Bob Oles, General Sales Manager at Stephen AutoMall Centre.

He said pricing the vehicles right and the lower cost of gas also helped. And when you add in other sales and discounts, he said it's a deal no one can pass up.

"I think it's what the automobile industry ought to be doing. We need to be getting consumers to buy cars," said Jonathan Avery of Granby.

Experts said these incentives will continue well into 2009 until automakers get the boost they need.

Photos and Videos

New Car Incentives