In one of the more unusual automotive incentive programs, Mitsubishi said on Wednesday it will offer U.S. consumers one year^s worth of gasoline with its vehicles.
All buyers of new 2005 Mitsubishi models will receive prepaid debit cards worth between $1,500 and $2,500 that can be used for gas at most retail locations, the company said.
Mitsubishi will mail consumers the debit cards, with the dollar amount linked to the estimated gas required to drive the vehicle for 12,000 miles and whether the recommended fuel for the vehicle is regular or premium.
The average gas price fell to $2.79 per gallon this week, according to AAA. But there are fears that Hurricane Rita, which is due to hit the Gulf Coast this weekend, could force another dramatic spike in prices. A week after Hurricane Katrina hit land, gas reached a record high of $3.07 per gallon.
Explaining the new incentive program, the Japanese company cited recent national surveys that indicate the rise in gas prices is causing more than 70 percent of American motorists to cut back on their driving.
