Ford, GM, FCA discounts on new vehicles, leases: Rules for employees, family, friends

The employee discount for workers at General Motors, Ford and FCA US, which is Stellantis, might be the most beloved perk for their family members. It’s practically part of Michigan’s culture since the state is filled with autoworkers. Traditionally, when you need a new vehicle or lease, you give your relative a call, get the discount PIN and potentially save thousands.

The automakers have different discount programs for current and retired employees, past employees and their relatives.

The rules for the plans, including which family members and vehicles qualify, are often changing, especially as the COVID-19 pandemic created supply chain issues.

Here’s a quick look at who qualifies for the Detroit automaker employee discount program benefits and which vehicles are eligible. Full details can be found on each program’s website.

GM’s Family First employee discount

GM’s Family First program offers employee discounts on eligible new Chevrolet, Buick, GMC or Cadillac vehicles.

Who is eligible?

  • Active and retired GM and GM Financial employees: Are eligible for the discount and can sponsor the following purchasers: their spouse, domestic partner, children, stepchildren, grandchildren, stepgrandchildren, grandparents (including in-law and step), parents, stepparents, siblings (including full, half and step), mother-/father-in-law, sons-/daughters-in-law, brothers-/sisters-in-law, aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.
  • Former hourly or salaried GM employees: With five–20 years of service — are eligible for the discount and can sponsor the following purchasers: their spouse and dependent children. (Children must be under 21 years of age or full-time students under 25 years of age at time of purchase.) With 20+ years of service — are eligible for the discount and can sponsor the following purchasers: their spouse, children, stepchildren, grandchildren, stepgrandchildren, grandparents (including in-law and step), parents, stepparents, siblings (including full, half and step), mother-/father-in-law, sons-/daughters-in-law, brothers-/sisters-in-law, aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.
  • Widows and widowers of former GM employees: With five–20 years of service — are eligible for the discount and can sponsor the following purchasers: their spouse and dependent children. (Children must be under 21 years of age or full-time students under 25 years of age at time of purchase. With 20+ years of service — are eligible for the discount and can sponsor the following purchasers: their spouse, children, stepchildren, grandchildren, stepgrandchildren, grandparents (including in-law and step), parents, stepparents, siblings (including full, half and step), mother-/father-in-law, sons-/daughters-in-law, brothers-/sisters-in-law, aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.

GM Family Legacy Program

If a GM retiree is deceased, their children can still receive a GM employee discount through the GM Family Legacy Program.

It’s available to:

  • Children of deceased GM retirees without surviving spouses
  • Children of a deceased GM retiree who declined surviving spouse benefits
  • Children of deceased surviving spouses of retirees who were receiving health care or pension benefits from GM