GM Will Give $500 Towards New GM Car For Anyone Scared Of Their Cobalt

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Amid the ongoing investigation into the ignition switch defect affecting more than 1 million GM cars, the company says it’s not going buy back the cars in question from worried or angry customers. They will, however, offer a rebate towards one of their new, un-recalled models.

This is according to a memo posted on the NHTSA’s website today, following the news yesterday GM faces a criminal investigation from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the problem linked to 13 deaths and involving the Chevy Cobalt, Saturn Ion and other cars made between 2003 and 2007. The memo states:

General Motors is not offering repurchase as a remedy. To assist dealers in helping customers who are involved in this recall that request assistance, we are announcing a special cash allowance in the amount $500 available when these customers purchase or lease a new 2013/ 2014 / 2015 model year Chevrolet, Buick, GMC or Cadillac

According to The Detroit News, GM issued the memo to dealers on March 5 and a company spokesman says it’s “intended to assist those customers who are unhappy and may want to trade out of their vehicle or buy a new GM product.” The deal is only good until April 30, though.

Detroit News also reported GM bought back at least 13 Cobalts in 2005 and 2006 following complaints from owners, presumably about stalling problems.

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