Chrysler Squawks About "Misleading Coverage" of Discount Programs

AUBURN HILLS, Michigan — In response to the apparent confusion of bloggers on automotive Web sites such as Edmunds' Car Space Forums, Chrysler has clarified the status of its discount programs. It said the Employee Choice program has been canceled but noted that the Chrysler LLC Employee Purchase Program and Friends Program are "alive and well."

The clarification was posted by Chrysler spokesman Mike Ellis on the company's business Web site under the headline, "Misleading Coverage of Chrysler Employee Purchase and Friends Programs."

"The recent news coverage on these employee programs was misleading in that it made people think that the Friends Program was eliminated," Ellis said. "The program continues for employees and retirees. Only the Employee Choice program has been canceled which ended January 2, 2008 — all other Chrysler LLC employee purchase programs remain in effect."

The discounts apply to the purchase or lease of most Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge vehicles and are pegged at 1 percent below dealer invoice, Ellis said.

What this means to you: Your Chrysler buddy can still help you save on a new vehicle, the automaker says. — Anita Lienert, Correspondent