Ford extends free-upkeep offer

The Ford Motor Company is taking no chances and is extending through July 31 its free-maintenance and warranty program, plus rebates on some models. The program - covering all Ford models - was to have run out this week.

Ford's sales were up a slim 1.3 percent in May, the first month in the 1982 model year in which total auto industry sales increased from last year's levels.

Ford chairman Philip Caldwell stated that the company's dealers have said they like the free maintenance-warranty program better than traditional rebate plans.