Chrysler Corp. Chairman Lee Iacocca has begun sending Thank You cards to 6 million of his closest friends, offering them $500 if they purchase one of his cars.
The ”Thank You, Again” mailing comes a year to the day after last year`s successful ”Thank You, America” campaign, which was launched on Valentine`s Day and helped Chrysler sell more than 1 million cars in a year for the first time since 1978.
Chrysler said the bulk of those receiving the mailing will be current or former owners of Chrysler Corp. cars, although some will be owners of competitive makes. Sources said it was doubtful a letter was sent to Interior Secretary Donald Hodel.
Under the new program, any of those on Iacocca`s mailing list will be sent a certificate entitling them to a $500 rebate if they purchase and take delivery of a leftover 1985 or new 1986 domestic model Chrysler, Dodge or Plymouth car between Feb. 20 and May 10. Mitsubishi imports, mini-vans and trucks are excluded from the program.
If the cars are included in a another incentive program, the cash certificate then is worth $300 on those vehicles, Chrysler said. For example, Chrysler is offering a choice of discount financing or up to a $1,000 rebate on selected cars through Feb. 22. On those models, Thank You customers could get the low-rate financing plus a $300 cash allowance, or $1,000 plus the $300 certificate, or $1,300 in cash allowances.
