New Auto Rebates & Auto Incentives

Automakers are offering cash auto rebates and cheap loans on new 2006 cars much more quickly than they have in the past.

It's a sign that auto incentives are no longer being used just to reduce bloated inventory or clear out last year's models. Instead, the auto rebates have become an important tool as automakers adjust prices throughout the year to meet swings in demand, both nationally and regionally.

Eleven non-luxury brands offered auto rebates on their 2006 models in September, according to the Power Information Network, an affiliate of J.D. Power and Associates. That's compared with eight brands offering auto rebates on 2005 new car models last September. September is the traditional month for automakers to begin selling next year's models.

The brands: Dodge, Ford, Chevrolet, Hyundai, Kia, Mazda, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Subaru, Suzuki and Toyota.

For automakers, being more aggressive with auto incentives is a bid to hold market share and keep plants running during slow selling periods.

For consumers, it means great car rebates on new cars but likely reduced value at trade-in.

The auto incentives war won't slow down until income and employment growth accelerate meaningfully. The price war remains a cloud overhanging, the value of automakers' stock.

General Motors' Chevrolet brand has been the most aggressive with auto rebates. Auto incentives have made Chevy models the lowest-priced vehicles in several segments, including Malibu among midsize cars and Tahoe among full-size sport-utility vehicles.

Automaker hasn't been overly aggressive with auto rebates and incentives but is being competitive.

2005 and 2006 New Auto Rebates by Make and Model:

Auto Rebates are available nationwide in the following states: