DaimlerChrysler to extend 'employee discounts' to Canadian customers

WINDSOR, Ont. (CP) - DaimlerChrysler Canada announced Wednesday it is extending its employee discount program to all Canadian customers on virtually all 2005 Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge vehicles.

The Employee Pricing Plus program - previously available only to the company's 12,000 staff - will also include up to an additional $5,500 in dealer discounts. The company is following the example of General Motors, which has been offering the incentive in the United States but not in Canada.

DaimlerChrysler AG's Chrysler Group and Ford Motor Co. followed GM's lead on Tuesday in extending employee-discount offers to all U.S. customers.

"DaimlerChrysler is the first manufacturer in Canada to bring employee pricing to market," said Mike Accavitti, vice-president of marketing, in a release.

"Our sales are up through the first half of the year and we aim to keep that momentum going with more new product launches and best in-class offers."

DaimlerChrysler Canada said its June sales are up 12 per cent, driving a year-to-date increase of 0.3 per cent.

Included in the new discount program are products such as the Chrysler 300 series, the Dodge Caravan and the Dodge Dakota.

Vehicles excluded from the Employee Pricing Plus program are all 2006 models, Dodge Sprinter and Chrysler 300C SRT8.

The full value of the discounts were not immediately made public Wednesday, but the company said it would start a national advertising campaign this week to make customers aware of the specific vehicle savings available.



-Matt-