In what may help stimulate additional sales at its stores, Chrysler rolled out a new co-branded auto credit card program this week that rewards consumers for making purchases at the automaker’s dealerships as well as for assorted everyday and travel purchases.

Chrysler teamed with MasterCard and First National Bank of Omaha to debut the Chrysler Group MasterCard, which consumers can apply for starting next month. To apply, consumers can visit www.chryslergroupcreditcards.com or stop by a dealership.

As part of the program, points can be earned and redeemed in an assortment of ways. These include rebates on vehicles, parts or service at Chrysler stores as well as travel, merchandise and gifts, officials noted.

“This new credit card program is a way to thank our loyal customers who can earn discounts on service and parts at our dealerships, as well as cash off of new vehicle purchases,” stated Fred Diaz, president and chief executive officer of Ram Truck and lead executive for U.S. sales.

Explaining how the points system works, officials noted each dollar spent at a Chrysler store with the card nets the cardholder three reward points. They get two points for each dollar spent on travel and one point for each dollar spent on all other purchases.

Officials said there is no annual fee with the card.

“This co-branded card provides drivers another way to demonstrate their affinity for the brand while earning valuable rewards at their dealer and the millions of locations worldwide where MasterCard is accepted,” stated Craig Vosburg, group executive, market development, U.S. markets at MasterCard Worldwide.
Stephen Eulie — president of First Bankcard, which is First National Bank of Omaha’s credit-card division — noted: “First National continues to be at the forefront of developing new partnerships in the credit card space and we are excited about today’s announcement regarding our new alliance with Chrysler Group, LLC.

“Working with Chrysler Group, we have designed a robust program with incredible earning potential to reward Chrysler Group’s passionate drivers,” he added.

More Chrysler Incentives

In other incentive-related news from the automaker, Chrysler said Wednesday that it is reviving its “Minivan Pledge” as it kicks off April, which is “Minivan Month” for the automaker.

Under the pledge, April buyers of 2011 Chrysler Town & Country or Dodge Grand Caravan minivans are allowed to return the vehicle for up to 60 days.

On top of this, customers who buy one of these rides can have their pick of either $750 Consumer Cash or financing as low as 2.9 percent for 60 months.

Additionally, Town & Country purchasers are given Bonus Cash of $750 in addition to all of that. Meanwhile, Grand Caravan customers can get as much as $1,500 in Trade-In Bonus Cash.

Current Grand Caravan owners can receive $1,000 in Owner Loyalty Cash.

“We are so confident in our minivans that we have brought back the Minivan Pledge,” Diaz noted.

“Consumers will be thrilled with all the improvements we made in our new 2011 Town & Country and Grand Caravan minivans,” he added. “With this pledge, consumers also will have the peace of mind that they made the right purchase decision.”

Other new April incentives on the 2011 Chrysler lineup include the following, broken down by division:

Chrysler

—2011 Chrysler 200 Convertible customers can receive either $750 Consumer Cash or choose a financing deal: as low as zero-percent financing for 36 months on up to 3.9-percent financing for 72 months. These purchasers can also receive $750 Bonus Cash on top of all this.

—The 2011 Chrysler 200 sedan and convertible as well as the Town & Country include various attractive leasing deals, officials noted.

Jeep

—2011 Jeep Liberty customers can pick from up to $3,000 Consumer Cash or take financing as low as zero-percent for 60 months.

—To commemorate the 70th anniversary of Jeep, it was revealed that Mopar is providing $500 in Mopar Bucks to accessorize 2011 Jeep Wrangler models. These customers can receive up to $500 worth of Jeep accessories.

—The 2011 Jeep Compass, Patriot, Liberty and Grand Cherokee models all feature attractive lease deals, the company shared.

Dodge

—2011 Dodge Journey purchasers can receive $750 Consumer Cash. They also can get as much as $1,750 Consumer Cash for the Crew or Lux models or choose to go with as low as 1.9-percent financing for 60 months.

—2011 Dodge Durango RWD buyers can pick between the following: $1,000 Consumer Cash or as low as 1.9-percent financing for 60 months.

—Most 2011 Dodge units also have attractive leasing options.

Ram Truck

—Buyers of 2011 Ram 1500, 2500 or 3500 vehicles can either choose to receive Trade-In Cash of $1,000 or go with attractive financing rates.

—Ram 1500 Crew Cab customers can get $500 Ram Box Bonus Cash.