Ford Motor Co. fired the first round...

Ford Motor Co. fired the first round in what could be a new auto incentives war, announcing that it was offering 4.9% financing programs on four small car and truck models as well as rebates of up to $3,000 for some 1988 model cars. Analysts said the action reflects growing buyer concern about rising interest rates and could trigger other cut-rate financing programs. Ford said it is offering the 4.9% rate on 24-month loans on its 1989 Ford Escort and Festiva small cars, Mercury Tracer subcompact and the Ford Ranger small truck. It is offering a 3.9% financing rate on Tracer models sold in California.