VW to Help Buyers Who Are Laid Off

Volkswagen United States said Tuesday that it will cover car payments and insurance for up to 12 months for new Volkswagen buyers laid off because of the recession.

Consumers buying or leasing cars between Tuesday and March 31 qualify for the program, whether or not they finance the deal through VW Credit Inc.

The plan is designed to restore confidence in consumers reluctant to buy a new car, the company said.

The company said it will pay up to $500 a month for car payments and insurance.

The plan may be used in segments. For instance, if a buyer is laid off for three months, the buyer has an additional nine months’ worth of protection if laid off again during the first three years of ownership.

During February and March last year, the German auto maker sold 16,558 Volkswagen cars in the United States.