Latest Trend: Automakers Make Car Payments for the Employed

Hyundai was the first automaker to offer a credit protection (job loss protection) program for consumers, with its Hyundai Assurance Program earlier this year. Ford and GM followed Hyundai's lead, offering buyer protection programs, too. Unlike Hyundai and Ford, GM enhanced its program, providing trade-in protection once you make 50 percent of your car payments. Not to be outdone by GM, Hyundai has upped the ante again.

This time Hyundai will make your payments for six months on select new vehicles and you don't have to be unemployed to take advantage of the offer. While this seems like a savvy marketing program, the Korean automaker is only taking the rebate, which would be typically applied to the deal at the time of purchase to reduce the cost of the vehicle, and dividing it into six monthly payments. BMW Financial Services has also been in the game of making payments, too. On select Bimmers the automaker has agreed to make the first two car payments up to $750 a month, totaling $1,500. If this was an American made vehicle, it would be known as a rebate.

Furthermore, Chrysler is back in the finance game, according to Automotive News. After suspending cut-rate financing deals, when the company entered bankruptcy, they'll now resume offering 0 percent financing for up to 72 months on select vehicles.

July's Best Deal: 50% Discount on 2008 Rams

2009 Ram 1500 with Ralph Gilles, Vice President of Jeep/Truck Design (above)
2009 Ram Car-Like Interior (above)
2008 Ram1500 (above)

As the market continues to shift away to more fuel-efficient vehicles, a number of dealers are pulling out all of the stops, helping to move their gas guzzling trucks. In the wake of the all-new 2009 Dodge Ram scheduled to roll into showrooms in the next few months, some dealers have gotten desperate.

This month there is a dealer in the Atlanta area running TV commercials offering a 50 percent discount off of the MSRP of every new 2008 Ram in-stock. No, its no gimmick. The dealer in Atlanta probably learned of this sales stragegy from a dealer who offered the same deal in New Mexico last month.

So, if you're in the market for a truck, there isn't a better deal available in this segment. Why buy a used truck when you can drive a new one off the lot, with no miles and a warranty? And, if you wondering why you're having problems getting the full value for trading in your truck, this is the reason why. What a deal! This dealer is literally giving away their Rams, taking a huge profit loss. Expect more dealers areound the country to offer this deal as the 2009 hit showrooms this fall. To discover Jeff's 20 best deals for July, click here.