As much as the Big Three have promised to end deep discounts to car buyers, they admit the need for such bait in 2008.
Over the last year and in explanations of restructuring, the Big Three have said deals to consumers will no longer play a role in marketing vehicles. But the economy is so weak and consumers so spooked, deals and discounts may make or break the industry this year.
Although all three promise restraint and strategic use of incentive programs, we'll have to see how this actually plays out during a national recession.