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Car Manufacturers Push Their Vehicles As Holiday Gifts

Douglas A. McIntyre

Published: December 24, 2018 6:02 am

Last Updated: January 11, 2020 1:19 pm

For people who have more to spend than the anticipated average holiday sum of several hundred dollars, almost every car manufacturer has discounts for consumers who want to give a car, pick-up, or SUV as a gift. The prices run from $15,000 for small economy cars to nearly $100,000 for some luxury vehicles.

The car gift programs are not just ways to sell inventory for the holidays. In most case, the manufacturers off deal on 2018 models they want to move out of showrooms and off their lots to make room for 2019 models. All of the deals end right after the near year starts.

At the least expensive end of the holiday car sales ladder, Ford Motor Company (NYSE: F) is offering 2018 Ford Escape with a monthly lease price of $129 for 24 months. A buyer has to pay $3,299 when the lease papers are signed.  The deals are only for “Returning Ford Lessees”, which severely limits the universe of people who can get the arrangement before January 2.

At the higher end of the market, Mercedes is pushing 2018 models which need to be delivered by January 2. Among the benefits is that Mercedes will waive the first month’s payment. Customers have to buy or lease their cars through Mercedes-Benz Financial Services. The least expensive model available under the promotion is the 2018 CLA 250 Coupe with a monthly lease payment of $329 over for a 36-month arrangement. The buyer has to pay $3,777 when he or she signs the least. At the most expensive end of the holiday deals, Mercedes has to offer, a 2019 AMG C 63S Cabriolet carries a monthly less payment or $1,099. When the lease is signed, the customer has to come up with $6,793.

People who want to give an extravagant give can give a car. Most dealers are open Christmas Eve. For late shoppers, the deals are available until the start of 2019