The odds of getting a deal on a Mercedes-AMG vehicle may have improved with the addition of a special incentive in April. According to a bulletin sent to dealers, the brand is giving dealers as much as a $1,500-per-vehicle bonus for selling some of its highest-performance vehicles. Here's a brief look at what this means for buyers.
As of April 1, Mercedes is offering dealers what's known as a "retro program." In a nutshell, this is a sales contest that gives dealers the ability to earn a bonus for every AMG model sold. If a dealer meets 100% of their monthly sales objective, they can earn $750 for each car. If they exceed 110%, the bonus amount swells to $1,500.
The name "retro" comes from the fact that the bonus a dealer earns is retroactive to the first car sold in a given period. As a result, dealers may find it particularly lucrative to sell as many qualifying vehicles as possible. Retro programs are often criticized in the industry for spurring a "race to the bottom" when it comes to prices.
However, this could be good news for consumers. If you can find a highly motivated dealer, you may be able to increase your chances of getting a deal. In some cases, there may also be hidden vehicle incentives that can help save you even more money when opting to either buy or lease select models this month.
For example, 2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class sedans are eligible for an "Incentive Bonus" worth up to $3,000. This is a form of dealer cash that can be used to help lower sales prices. While it isn't like a traditional rebate, it may help some Mercedes buyers finally score a deal on a car they've had their eye on this spring.
Current Mercedes offers end on April 30, 2021.