Chrysler to match 'cash for clunkers'

AUBURN HILLS, Mich. — Chrysler Group LLC said Wednesday it is offering $4,500 in cash toward the purchase of a new vehicle as it seeks to match a government incentive for people to trade in their old gas guzzlers.

The automaker said it will offer cash or zero percent financing for six years on most of its 2009 Chrysler, Dodge or Jeep models. The incentive begins today and lasts through Aug. 31.

Chrysler said in a statement that buyers are eligible for the new incentive even if they are not trading in a vehicle under the government's "cash for clunkers" legislation.

That program's final rules will be announced Friday. It offers vouchers to car shoppers who trade in their old, fuel-inefficient vehicles for a cleaner new vehicle.