upped the ante this month for customers who are willing to order their new vehicle and wait for delivery to their local dealer while the company is experiencing inventory shortages.

Ford is offering $1,000 through its "Retail Order Bonus Cash Certificate", including for America's top-selling Ford F-150 and the Ford Bronco Sport, for orders placed until July 6, doubling the company's previous offer of a $500 bonus.

Here's what you need to know about the new incentive program, and while you're waiting, you can count on

Jerry

to find the best insurance package for your dream vehicle.

Why an incentive now?

Ford is incentivizing car buyers with a hefty discount | Twenty20

Automakers across the spectrum are experiencing inventory shortages because of increased demand for new vehicles and pandemic-induced production delays caused by parts shortages, particularly microchips that run nearly every part of our new vehicles.

Meanwhile, demand has skyrocketed as the economy heats up and consumers are eager to burn some of that saved-up cash, leading to

higher average transaction costs

because dealers don't need to offer incentives to get buyers in the door.

The Ford incentive absorbs some of this sticker shock for customers, eases the frustration of not finding a preferred vehicle style and color on the dealer's lot, and offers customers the opportunity to customize their vehicle as a reward for their patience.

Ford made the program retroactive to orders placed since April 1, so these customers won't be offended by later buyers getting a better deal. Those who signed up for the $500 deal will still receive the $1,000 bonus.

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What Ford vehicles are eligible?

MORE: Ford Is Integrating a Unique New Safety Feature

The bulk of Ford's fossil fuel-powered vehicles are eligible for the bonus program, with only a few exceptions.

If you're in the market for an SUV or crossover, your selections are almost wide open. You could choose between Bronco Sport, Escape, Edge, Explorer, or Expedition under the incentive program.

Nearly all of Ford's ever-popular pickup trucks and vans are included in the deal. You have your pick among the Ranger, F-150, Transit Van Wagon and Transit Connect Wagon.

As for cars, well, as you know, Ford is pretty much getting out of the car business. Only the Ford Mustang remains eligible.

Hybrid and plug-in hybrid versions of some vehicles appear to be eligible for the reward program, but you'll want to confirm that with your dealer before you make the plunge.

What vehicles aren't eligible?

MORE: 661,000 Ford Explorers Could Be Prone To Runaway Roof Rail Covers

Noticeably missing from the list of qualified vehicles are Ford's highly anticipated new electric fleet.

That means the 2021 Mustang Mach-E electric vehicle did not make the cut. Nor did the two exciting new trucks coming for 2022, the compact

Maverick

hybrid that is due for delivery in the fall and the F-150 Lightning all-electric pickup due for delivery next year.

The 2022 E-Transit, which might become the perfect vehicle for making deliveries or service calls around town, doesn't appear on the list, either. Buyers looking for a fuel-efficient sedan will be disappointed that the 2020 Fusion Hybrid and Plug-in Hybrid also isn’t offered.

Drivers waiting on the newly redesigned Bronco will have to pony up full price for this model. Businesses that rely on the Super Duty pickup truck will also miss out on the incentive. And the economical Ecosport crossover was excluded, too. Those are the only three fuel-powered vehicles that did not qualify for the $1,000 bonus.