GENERAL MOTORS AND FORD RAISE INCENTIVES ON 20 VEHICLES

Competition between Ford Motor Co. and General Motors Corp. heated up in mid-March as the companies raised incentives on a combined 20 U.S. vehicles.

Among the most notable is Ford's adding a $500 rebate to the 2000 Taurus and boosting the cash rebate on the Crown Victoria sedan from $1,250 to $1,500. The company also doubled the Econoline van rebate to $1,000.

Across town, GM added a $1,000 rebate on the Pontiac Grand Prix and Buick Regal, up from $500. The General also raised the rebate on the Chevrolet Blazer and GMC Jimmy SUVs from $1,500 to $2,000.