Chrysler's move, which so far has not been matched by major automakers save Suzuki Motor Corp., is being panned in the business as more of an admission that its fleet is not fuel efficient and might not sell well in a high-fuel environment than it is being heralded as an outside the box thinking. "The more fuel-efficient vehicles that they have really aren't all that competitive when you compare them to other automakers," consultant Erich Merkle told the Chicago Tribune, which notes that General Motors Corp. and Ford Motor Co. have tried similar gas offers in select markets in years past and did not notice a sales boost.
But if nothing else, the promotion, like Chrysler's much-ballyhooed announcement last year it would offer lifetime engine and transmission warranties, has generated hype and buzz around the automaker. And, it seems, at a reasonable cost. According to the Detroit Free-Press the promotion at current gas prices would cost Chrysler $465 a year on a Dodge Ram 1500 pickup getting 16 miles per gallon. By comparison last month, according to Edmunds.com, Chrysler spent on average $3,795 per vehicle on sales incentives. - Lou Whiteman
See TheDeal.com story on Cerberus' deal for Chrysler
See Detroit Free-Press story on Chrysler's $2.99 gas promotion
See Chicago Tribune story on the offer
See Dealwatch: Chrysler
When Cerberus Capital Management LP 
