HOUSTON -- Chrysler is offering a break on gas as an incentive to new car buyers for three years, KPRC Local 2 reported Tuesday.

The "Let's Re-fuel America" deal locks the price of gas at $2.99 a gallon for buyers.

Customers receive a gas card that will be linked to their MasterCard or Visa account. They would be charged $2.99 a gallon, with Chrysler paying the remainder of the bill.

The offer is based on 12,000 miles of driving and the vehicle's fuel economy rate.

What will customers save? For example, a 2008 Chrysler PT Cruiser, with an estimated 21 miles per gallon, saves about $355 a year.

A 2008 Chrysler Aspen SUV, with a city mpg of 13, saves roughly $1,000 a year.

Chrysler, the third-largest U.S. auto manufacturer, is struggling with an 18 percent sales slide in 2008. This is the company's second attempt to lure consumers to the dealerships.

In November 2005, Chrysler distributed gas cards and free maintenance.

"It's an ambition to push products," River Oaks Chrysler Jeep Vice President Alan Helfman said.

The deal ends June 2 and excludes Sprinter commercial trucks, Challenger and Viper sports cars.

More Information:

www.chrysler.com/en/refuel