GM Steps Up Incentives War on Pickup Trucks

General Motors has launched new sales incentives on its redesigned 2014 model pickup trucks to counter similar promotions by rivals Ford and Chrysler.

This month GM is offering $1,000 customer rebates on all Chevrolet Silverado pickups and an additional $500 for high-end trim models, Automotive News reports. Dealers also qualify for a $200 bonus on each sale of eligible trucks.

Year-on-year demand for GM's big pickups fell 8% in September, according to Autodata Corp. That compares with a 10% jump for Ford's segment-leading F-150 truck and an 8% increase for Chrysler's Ram 1500-3500 series pickups.

Dealers tell AN they were able to pace rival brands in clearing out discounted 2013 trucks but need help moving the new models. GM predicts sales will improve as dealers receive a better mix of lower-priced models.