While the 60,000 times it was used last year 'doesn't seem like a big number,' Caldwell said, 'it seems like they are counting every penny these days.'

Jessica Caldwell, an industry analyst with Edmunds, said the move to cut the friends discount is another example of Chrysler's efforts to save money. Under its Friends Program, friends, neighbors and extended family members are given a preferred price - up to 1% below factory invoice plus a $75 administration fee - toward the purchase or lease of select models. Thacker said the discount ranged from 4% to 6%, but most received a 5% discount.Īfter canceling the program, Chrysler mailed former Employee Choice customers a $1,000 certificate toward the purchase of a new Chrysler-brand vehicle, Thacker said.Ĭhrysler declined to quantify the expected savings from the change.Ĭhrysler employees still can help friends get a deal on a new Chrysler vehicle. The program began in October 2004 and was terminated in January.

The company said the discount was used 60,000 times in 2007. They were allowed to give one discount a year, though last year, they could do it twice. Most TV and newspaper ads in the area routinely list the discounted prices.Ĭhrysler's Employee Choice Program allowed employees and retirees to give the same discount, plus a $200 fee, to a friend, extended family member or acquaintance. vehicles is ingrained in the local car-buying landscape, where thousands of people are tied to the auto industry. The move will come as a culture shock in the Detroit area. She stressed that the employee discount program continues for employees and retirees, who are allowed six discounts for themselves and immediate family members each year.

Chrysler employee lease car program