Auto makers often switch among rebates, interest-free financing and other offers as a way to provide a fresh coat of paint on their deals.

But consumer advocates and some government experts say the telephone companies are merely begging for billions of dollars in risk-free, interest-free financing.

Several other companies subsequently announced interest-free or reduced-rate financing, at least for a few models.

For manufacturers, the big question is whether the burst of interest-free financing has permanently altered the marketplace.

And the interest-free financing deals it offered at the end of last year helped revive its sales but ate at profits.

Last week, G.M. said it would change from interest-free financing to offering rebates of $2,002 a vehicle.

There may not be a cheap one, either, despite enticements like rebates and interest-free financing.

Or the buyer can opt for low-interest or interest-free financing - in some cases, with no money down.

Still, the end of interest-free financing was expected by many to bring steep declines.

That includes interest-free financing on 60-month auto loans, available on about 75 percent of its vehicles.