Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge dealers around the country are preparing for a month of celebrations intended to encourage more people to test drive four new models.

The Independence Day promotion, which started yesterday with a series of special events across the country, will be funded by Chrysler and coincides with the launch of Jeep Wrangler, Jeep Patriot, Jeep Compass and Chrysler Sebring.

It allows all customers who test drive one of the four new models during July to buy two-for-one American Airline tickets to the USA.

Dealers will invite VIP customers (those on their databases) to the Independence Day events. Chrysler Group UK has sent them a kit to help them organise events appropriate to their region.

“This is a partnership deal, we’ll do our bit and we expect dealers to do theirs. We’ve given them the theme of American Independence Day to work with and they can do what they like,” said Steve Gray, marketing director for Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge.

The promotion will run for the whole of July, or until all the tickets are used up.

The celebrations come a fortnight after a six-venue tour by Chrysler Group UK’s management during which dealers were reassured of the brand’s bright future under new owner Cerberus. Meanwhile, the manufacturer has created a competition to incentivise dealers.

“We have six regions and the dealership that has the most sales success will win a prize,” explained Gray. “The winning sales manager will receive two free flights to America and will also be able to take the staff on a day out.

“The winners will also be used as an example of best practice.”