Chrysler offers new sales twist

DaimlerChrysler AG's Chrysler Group told dealers Wednesday it is adding cash incentives on several new vehicles and added an unusual twist — bonuses of up to $15,000 for sales managers whose dealerships meet or exceed April sales volume targets.

In a memo from Chrysler to its dealers obtained by The Detroit News, Chrysler said the incentives were "designed to close out April with increased momentum."

Sales managers will become eligible for a cash bonus if their dealership reaches 100 percent of its goal for April established under the automaker's volume performance allowance (VPA) program. The bonuses will be higher if the dealership hits 115 percent of its goal, according to the memo.

Chrysler's VPA program, a source of controversy among dealers, already doles out up to $500 per vehicle to dealerships that achieve VPA goals. In April, though, sales managers can also earn extra money. At smaller dealerships, sales managers can earn $3,000 for reaching the goal and $5,000 for exceeding it. The bonuses are higher for medium,-sized dealerships — $5,000 and $10,000 — and large dealerships — $10,000 and $15,000. More at Detroit News