Fiat Chrysler Automobiles has launched their “Drive Forward” initiative which aims to boost auto sales that have been hammered by the coronavirus.
Following in the footsteps of GM, FCA will offer well-qualified buyers 0% financing for 84 months (7 years). As an added bonus, select 2019 and 2020 models will have zero payments for 90 days.
The campaign kicks off today and the generous financing will be available on Alfa Romeo, Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram and Fiat vehicles.
Also Read: GM Offers Zero Percent Interest For 7 Years Amid Coronavirus Fears
Since the coronavirus has been keeping customers out of showrooms, FCA is launching a new “Online Retail Experience.” It’s an online sales program that will allow customers to “complete the entire vehicle purchase process online and from the comfort of their own homes.”
Unlike the Google Hangouts-based program in Europe, the Online Retail Experience will allow shoppers to value trade-ins, apply for credit, receive price and payment estimates and review service protection plans online.
To use the service, customers can visit DriveFCA.com, type in their zip code and then select their preferred brand. They then pick their desired model, browse available inventory, see pricing estimates and value their trade-in. Customers can then add service and protection plans, before submitting the information to a local dealership.
The initiatives follow a disappointing first quarter. While FCA had “strong momentum” during January and February, this was “more than offset by the negative economic impact of the coronavirus in March.” For the quarter, U.S. sales fell 10% from 2019 to 446,768 units.
In a statement, FCA Chief Marketing Officer Olivier Francois said “We want to both offer consumers support and assist them financially while we all work hand in hand toward better days. And we’ll continue to explore additional opportunities as a company to help as we all navigate our way through this difficult time together.”