Ford’s new F-150 to come with trade-in incentive

Ford’s redesigned 2009 F-150 pickup will launch soon into a tough pickup market with a unique trade-in rebate. Prospective buyers who are current pickup owners can choose from a $2,000 “bonus” added to the value of their trade-in or they can take advantage of 6.9 percent financing - not especially low, by any means, but likely a sign of things to come in the industry.

Ford’s crosstown rival, Dodge, is launching the all-new 2009 Ram with a $1,000 rebate, a move industry analysts wouldn’t have dreamed of just a year ago when the cash-cow pickup market was strong.

Ford’s truck marketing chief, Doug Scott, told the Wall Street Journal about the unique incentives yesterday. It is unclear just how broad the trade-in “assistance” will be and if it will eventually apply to those looking to move from a car or SUV into a pickup