It’s no secret that the current recession has both the consumer and auto industry reeling. Whether it’s a corporate giant filing for bankruptcy or the scarcity of credit, car sales are hurting and the government is doing all it can to revive the industry. For the consumer, an advantage of the car incentives can be that banks are willing to loan retail price and even a little more.

Government Rebates On New Cars - Many automakers are combining internal enticements with the rebates to lure customers to showrooms. Rebates and discounts cut down the price of the automobiles, often resulting in cash after the sale and lower than normal payments. The rebates and lures draw in buyers, some who wouldn’t look for a car without the promise of a discount.

Cash For Clunkers - There is also the Cash for Clunkers program that will offer you a cash voucher worth up to $4,500. There are a few restrictions but most people are calling the program a success. The voucher is used towards the price of a fuel-efficient vehicle that has better mileage than the old clunker.

Hybrid Tax Credits - Most of the hybrid tax credits are gone now but a few automakers still have them until the end of September 2009. Ford offers a $1,700 tax credit on their hybrids. The 2010 Ford Fusion is one of the best hybrid cars they make, but if your liking is a sport utility vehicle, the Ford Explorer is also a hybrid SUV.

Dealership Internal Incentives - Most dealers have also introduced innovative ways to deal with consumer fears of losing their jobs. Many automakers are now offering programs that will cover your payments if you should lose your job after purchasing a car. This is actually a great idea and one of the best offers yet.

Earlier this year Hyundai launched a program that allows a customer to return a vehicle within a year if they lose their job. The company later added a 3-month free payment deal if the buyer loses his/her job. Again, these are great plans to have.

Extended Plans By Automakers - The Ford Advantage Plan covers payments for up to one year on a Ford, Lincoln or Mercury if the customer loses a job. The GM Total Confidence plan covers payments for up to nine months if buyers lose their jobs within the first 24 months of ownership. You can pretty much find these programs anywhere now but the offer won’t last forever.

Low-Interest Loans - There are also a few rewards available for low-interest loans and rebates. If your credit is poor, you probably won’t qualify for low interest loans. If you are in the market to buy, make sure you research all the available cash rebates, special percentage rates, and other government incentives for new cars before visiting the dealership. [newsoxy.com]