Big 3 Auto Makers Offering Cut-Rate Deals to Persian Gulf Vets

Once the homecoming parades are over, troops returning from the Persian Gulf will get an extra boost with special cut-rate prices on new cars and a free oil change at auto service shops.

The Big Three auto makers-- Ford, General Motors and Chrysler--announced various deals for military personnel and their spouses even while the recession-strained industry institutes thousands of temporary layoffs.

New car and truck sales were down 20% in January and February from the first two months of 1990. About 64,400 U.S. and Canadian auto workers will be laid off next week because of slow sales.