Ford raises consumer incentives, matching GM

DETROIT, Jan 30, 2003; Reuters reported that Ford Motor Co. said on Thursday it was raising consumer incentives on two of its best-selling sport utility vehicles, partly matching a similar move to prop up sales by General Motors Corp., its leading rival.

Effective Feb. 1, Ford said its was raising cash rebates on four-door versions of its popular Explorer SUV and the full-size Expedition by $500.

The cash-back offer raises incentives on the four-door Explorer to a total of $2,500 and to $2,000 in the case of the newer Expedition, Ford spokesman Jim Cain said.

Going toe-to-toe with GM, which announced richer consumer incentives earlier on Thursday, Cain said Ford was also increasing cash rebates on its Econoline and Club Wagon vans by $500, to a total of $2,500.