BMW, for example, is offering interest rates as low as 1.9% on some new models, and has been focusing more heavily on its certified pre-owned program as well. BMW is also one of the carmakers most concerned with offering a green image, touting its availability of diesels and preparing to introduce its first pair of hybrids to the U.S. in the form of the ActiveHybrid X6 and 7-series.

Bentley is also offering very low financing rates–as low as 0.9%–on the $179,000 Continental GT. Porsche is likewise offering deals, but in the form of cash back. Average cash incentives on newly-purchased Porsches for the year through August were $4,412, a rise of 657% from last year, according to the Detroit Free Press.

Even Mercedes-Benz is offering low 1.9-2.9% rates and special lease pricing on some of its vehicles, notably the C-Class Sedan, CLK-Class cabrio and CLS-Class four-door coupe. Mercedes is no stranger to diesel or hybrid vehicles either, recently introducing the S400 hybrid sedan to the U.S. to help win eco-conscious buyers that still want a luxury image. The S400 hybrid is, incidentally, the most affordable S-Class as well.

The bottom line to all this? If you’re in the market, now’s a great time to buy. With forecasted slow but steady rises in vehicle sales throughout 2010, these deals will slowly fade away, but in the mean time, there are serious savings to be had.

GMAC’s decision to brand the program under its Ally name signals the growing importance of the brand, Mallino said.

“We were just extending the (Ally) brand name through this program because it connotes an advocacy for the customer,” she said.

GMAC rebranded its banking division earlier this year, hoping to smooth over its image and lure new customers after its ailing finances forced it to accept billions of dollars in government assistance.

In May, the Treasury Department announced a new $7.5 billion injection for GMAC. It was GMAC’s second shot of cash from the government, though it was short of the $11.5 billion that the government’s “stress test” showed it needs to stay afloat if the economy worsens.

The Treasury now has a 35 percent stake in GMAC.

Mallino likened GMAC’s new dealer incentive program to rewards programs offered by credit card companies to frequent users. Dealers who use the full complement of GMAC services, she said, will be rewarded with cash, remarketing services or other perks.

The program will not have any bearing on GMAC’s lending to consumers seeking auto loans, Mallino said.

The move is GMAC’s latest effort to recapture its once-dominant share in the auto financing market. Recently, the company became the preferred lender for Chrysler Group LLC and has begun offering leasing again to both GM and Chrysler customers.

Leasing virtually collapsed during the financial crisis as the resale value on leased cars plummeted and the practice stopped being profitable for lenders.

GMAC’s market share in the auto financing market has fallen sharply during the crisis as its cash available for lending declined. Banks like J.P. Morgan Chase and Wachovia, meanwhile, scooped up new business.

GMAC had 3 percent of the auto financing market in the first six months of the year, down by almost half in the same period a year ago, according to Experian.