Drive Your Dream Blog

Chrysler, LLC is launching a new program targeted at customers concerned about rising fuel prices. The company is touting the “Let’s Refuel America” program as a means of attracting customers who are worried about rising gas prices.

“Chrysler has a tough problem right now because of the decline in the full size truck and SUV market,” says Ron Sturgeon, owner of a Dallas exotic car rental company.

“With gas prices on the rise, buyers are looking for more fuel efficient cars for daily driving. Their price guarantee gas card is an innovative way to address that concern,” said Sturgeon.

Mr. Sturgeon is also an innovator when it comes to helping car fans save a little money and still indulge a passion for driving high performance cars.

“The cost of owning and maintaining a single exotic car places them out of reach for many people who would like to experience the thrill of driving a dream car,” says Sturgeon.

A longtime car collector, Sturgeon is one of a number of entrepreneurs who have pioneered exotic car sharing clubs in cities across the United States. Members of these sharing clubs pay a flat monthly free to reserve seat time in a varied collection of exotic and luxury cars.

Recent additions to the club’s paddock include a 2008 Lamborghini Gallardo in Verde Ithaca and a 2008 Dodge Viper Convertible in Venom Red.

“It’s a fantastic way to drive a variety of the best cars in the world without worrying about depreciation or maintenance,” says Derek Chase, a DFW Elite Car Club member.

To learn more about car clubs, check out an excellent article from the Robb Report. To find a car sharing club in a city near you, try a directory of exotic car sharing clubs, such as http://www.exoticcarclubs.com

Jim Press, Vice-Chairman and President of Chrysler, LLC explained the company’s new gas incentive program to readers of MLive.com. “Today we are proud to introduce an unprecedented program to help put customers’ minds at ease and do something to help working people who are worried about the volatility of fuel prices and vehicle cost of ownership,” said the auto executive.

The idea is simple.

Customers who purchase a vehicle at one of the 3,511 U.S. Chrysler, Jeep, and Dodge dealerships before June 2, 2008 will get a card that immediately lowers their gas price to $2.99 a gallon for regular unleaded.

The $2.99 price is guaranteed for Chrysler buyers for three years, regardless of what happens to fuel prices. The incentive is available on a variety of vehicles, including minivans, crossover vehicles, pickup trucks, and the popular new compact cars.

“The ‘Let’s Refuel America Price Guarantee’ puts money in your pocket today, and allows our customers to better manage their fuel expenses. And you can’t get it anywhere else besides a Chrysler, Jeep or Dodge dealership,” said Jim Press, President of Chrysler.

Thanks to Kirill Ougarov at Motor Trend for the tip on this story.

Kate Miller-Wilson is a freelance writer living in the Twin Cities. Visit her website or email her for information about her freelance writing services.