Mediapost recently ran an article on the Gas Promotion from Chrysler FYI - you need to login or create an account.
Does this work? Well according to the article, Chrysler is extending the promotion. The Promo details: "Chrysler launched the effort to get consumers to buy cars despite gas prices by dangling cards locking in $2.99-per-gallon gasoline for three years or 36,000 miles. The program enables buyers of Chrysler, Dodge or Jeep vehicles to apply for a "Let's Refuel America" card that they can use at participating gas stations. Instead of paying the pump price, the consumer is billed $2.99 a gallon for either regular gas, E85 or diesel fuel. Chrysler pays the difference. "
The effect: Website hits up 25% over previous week, web leads up 34%. So effective yes. And gas prices since the beginning of the campaign are up 20 cents. With no end in sight to rising gas prices this could be a home run for Chrysler. 
Let's breakdown the ROI: Promo cost per car: 36000 miles / 15 miles to the gallon = 2400 gallons.
Difference in gas cost avg: $1.00 = $2,400 dollars total over 3 years, or $800 per year. Less that the current Cash back offer of $3,000, if the consumer uses the card and keeps the car for 3 years. Now the Leads and Revenue impact: - If the leads are up 34%.. and lets say graciously that 1% convert into car sales = .34% increase in sales due to the promotion. - Provided all costs are still flat.
Chrysler has actually amortized their cashback promo (in the form of a gas card) over 3 years, and not paid in one. Less than 2/3rds of the cash back ($1600) can be applied to the bottom line revenue for the year. - This does not take into consideration that gift cards have a low redemption rate, however you can expect a better redemption as this is directly tied to consumer fears, emotions and pockets. Again -some of these assumptions are generous. But $1600 per car addition to the bottom line on new car sales plus an increase in sales will add to the year on year revenue for Chysler. Definitely a promotion worth watching through the summer.
Related Story 
Sometimes great ideas are not that expensive. I can only assume here. Take a Look at these wall advertisements, a great viral, attention getting approach. I don't know if it was coupled with local advertising, etc, but it should have been.
