The SUV may not be quite extinct yet, but with gas prices continuing to rise, it certainly is not topping the list of most desired cars. So what are automakers planning on doing to change that? Why, bribe consumers of course! OK, so that might be exaggerating slightly but since the 24% drop in sales of SUV and light trucks was reported by Autodata Corp., automakers are now offering head-turning cash incentives to consumers in an attempt to lure them back.

Over the past year, skyrocketing gas prices have scared away possible buyers of SUV’s, trucks, minivans and other large vehicles. Whether the incentives are an act of desperation by automakers remains to be seen, but with offers as large as $8,000 cash back, you can draw your own conclusions. According to Edmunds.com, manufacturer incentives were up five percent over the past year with an average incentive for SUV’s at $4,603. But cash incentives are not the only gimmicks that automakers have up their sleeves. Other options include, generous financing offers with low rates and extended repayment periods. So as you can see, there are options. But since the incentives can’t be combined, it’s important to do the research to determine which would best suit your car buying needs.

Trucks and SUV’s aren’t extinct yet, and it appears as though consumers no longer have to fear buying the gas-guzzling vehicles because it may be more beneficial in the long run. After all, Jack Nerad, executive editorial director for Kelley Blue Book has a point.

“A $5,000 cash incentive buys a whole lot of gas.”

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Tags: Auto News, General Auto //