Ford Looks to Steal Hyundai's Advantage
Published: March 31st, 2009
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The Blue Oval Boyz are launching the curiously named, Hyundai-trumping Ford Advantage Program. The deal—which runs from today to June 1—offers new car buyers 12 months of “payment protection” (leg breakers need not apply) up to $700 per month, zero percent financing and, of all things, a donation to a local charity. Strange times when it’s considered an “advantage” to know you won’t lose your car for a year if you lose your job. Hang on; I’m looking for the fine print now . . . nope, can’t find it. Will update ASAP.
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"FAP" is a sound effect with a very specific connotation (wanking). I can't believe that Ford would do no research on the acronym, it's hilarious. But then again, I've got a dirty mind.
I wish Ford would steal the Genesis from Hyundai, study it, and learn how to build a PROPER luxury car. The half-hearted Taurus rebadge just doesn't cut it.
If they really want to trump Hyundai, they should stop talking about improving their cars and actually do it. After sitting in the cheap-ass Escape and the shockingly-overpriced Edge, choosing a Santa Fe was the easiest decision we ever made.
Some details on the Advantage (and sorry if this is mentioned in the video, didn't watch it all) - As mentioned above, it will pay up to $700 per month for up to a year if you become involuntarily unemployed. This is free and given automatically on all Ford/Lincoln/Mercury vehicles other than E/F-450 and above which are being financed or leased, no matter which bank the financing is through (retail/lease customers only, vehicles financed to a business are ineligible). If you are unlucky enough to lose your job, get another one, then lose that one, you can pick up the benefits where you left off. There is no repayment needed and no ding to your credit for using the service. Caveats - To qualify you must be employed full time, and have had your job for at least 90 days before taking benefits. You must have been unemployed for 30 days before you may request benefits. You can't have been notified on your pending unemployment before purchasing the new vehicle. Seasonal employees becoming unemployed due to the end of the season and those working under contracts due to expire and ineligible. Self employed persons and those working directly for a family member in a privately owned business are ineligible. Employment must be involuntary, such as for layoff or being fired, but does not cover persons leaving for disability who are getting disability benefits, nor does it cover persons becoming unemployed due to criminal activity. Currently people are protected from unemployment until Jan 1st 2010, although this date can easily be moved further into the future if the current economic downturn continues to loom.