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When automakers unveiled an all-new, full-size pickup a couple years ago, copious amounts of cash would pour in for months on end. A lousy economy and a flat-lined auto industry has made the launches of the 2009 Ford F-150 and Dodge Ram far less exciting for their perspective owners, and proof can be found in the form of cash on hoods. Both trucks hit the market with substantial incentives to help push the new haulers into the hands of truck-weary Americans.

The F-150 comes with $2,000 in factory rebates regardless of cab configuration, and the Ram 1500 gets $1,000 and the 2500 and 3500 receive $2,000 in OEM assistance. The move comes as little surprise as the construction projects in the US have slowed and this summer’s $4 per gallon gasoline has scared thousands of potential buyers out of the truck market. Both Ford and Chrysler (GM?) are hoping monetary assistance will bring those buyers out of hiding and into their local Ford or Dodge dealer.

In a move that’s as predictable as the sun rising in the east and setting in the west, automakers are beginning to offer more sales incentives to boost summer sales figures. Ford is no exception, and as of today, those willing to drive away in a new Blue Oval offering can benefit from zero-percent financing on all new 2007 models. Want to buy a pickup or SUV? Ford will cut you a check for $2,007 in addition to the no interest financing for 36 months. However, Ford and Mercury CUVs aren’t benefiting from the cash back offer.

[Source: Detroit News]

A tight credit market, slumping construction, an economy on bed rest, an end-of-model year, and high gas prices mean one thing for pickup trucks: lots of brand new trucks waiting for buyers. Dealers trying to shift their 2008 Dodge Rams before the 2009s arrive are taking as much as $13,000 off the bill to try and convince buyers to come forth. That means you can get a Dodge Ram 1500 Quad Cab SLT 4×2 for $19,995, instead of $32,795.

With consumers being more picky about what and when they buy, it also doesn’t help that dealers really don’t want trade-in trucks either, since they can’t do anything with them. What Dodge dealers hope for now is that Chrysler will manage the build-out of the 2009 models to give them a chance to get rid of the 2008s. Chrysler says it has a plan that will keep it competitive and keep the changeover orderly. For now, the Ram is the most heavily discounted vehicle out there.

For a dealer in Ohio, the matter of 120-day inventories really comes down to gas prices. “Until we get gas under three bucks a gallon,” he said, “these pickups are not going to move.” We’re sure that no one wants that to be true, because if it is, there will be brand new 2008 Rams on showroom lots for a long time.