Buy One — Car Get One Free 2017

: Giving away small, fuel-efficient cars helped manufacturers offset the environmental impact of their high-emission SUVs in official sales figures.

In 2017, the automotive market was characterized by an abundance of inventory, particularly sedans, as consumer preferences shifted toward SUVs and trucks. To combat this and meet aggressive annual sales goals, dealerships utilized "Buy One, Get One Free" (BOGO) promotions as a high-impact marketing tactic. While these offers appeared revolutionary, they were often complex financial maneuvers designed to clear slow-moving stock while maximizing dealer profit. The Mechanics of the "Free" Car

: A customer would be required to buy a high-margin, fully loaded vehicle, such as a large SUV, at full manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP). buy one car get one free 2017

: In many cases, the "free" car was actually a two-year lease where the down payment and monthly installments were covered by the manufacturer incentives that would have otherwise been used to discount the primary vehicle. Why Dealers Ran BOGO Deals in 2017

: Even if the second car was free, it created a new customer relationship for service plans, extended warranties, and future trade-ins. Consumer Reality Check While these offers appeared revolutionary, they were often

While compelling, BOGO deals often relied on "free" being more attractive than the actual math. For most buyers, a direct cash discount or 0% APR financing on a single vehicle—common in November and December 2017 —offered better long-term value than owning two vehicles and paying the associated double taxes, insurance, and maintenance costs.

: The second vehicle was typically a base-model sub-compact with minimal features, like a Mitsubishi Mirage or a Kia Rio . Why Dealers Ran BOGO Deals in 2017 :

By late 2017, dealer incentives reached record highs, averaging over $4,300 per vehicle. The BOGO strategy served several industry purposes: