Auto sales dropoffs hurt cities

The High Desert community of Palmdale has been hit hard by the recession, as plummeting revenues forced the city to slash its work force by 20 percent and scrap its traditional Rose Parade float. Brandon Lowrey in the Daily News.

But the situation could get even worse if scared consumers continue to steer clear of Palmdale Auto Mall, one of the city's biggest cash cows.

So officials have come up with an idea they hope will jump-start stalled auto sales: They'll give a $300 gift card from the Antelope Valley Mall to anyone who buys a new car in town.

"No one knows for sure if it's going to work, but it seems like it's driven more people to think about it," said Palmdale spokesman John Mlynar.