BUSINESS MEMO: LATEST IN VEHICLE REBATES

Chrysler has escalated the rebate war, saying original owners of a Big Three vehicle can save $500 or more on a new Chrysler.

Ford and General Motors announced similar programs earlier this month.

But Chrysler's new program goes farther than its competitors, at least for now. The No. 3 automaker said people who have been mailed coupons under GM and Ford rebate programs can use those coupons to buy a Chrysler.

GM is accepting only its own coupons, excluding Saturn owners. Ford is accepting GM coupons in addition to its own, but hasn't decided whether or not to accept Chrysler's.