Do you know someone who works for a major auto manufacturer, or who has retired from the assembly line? How about a friend who works for a company that does business with an automaker?

You may be able to swing a sweetheart deal on a new car if you know anyone even remotely associated with an auto manufacturer.

Many manufacturers offer what amounts to "friends and family" or "supplier" discounts that can be extended by workers and retirees to people outside their immediate families.

The discounts under these programs can be significant.

General Motors offers a program that covers friends of workers and those who supply services and parts to the company. Each vehicle under this program has a set price that is usually well below the dealer invoice.

In general, there's a 9 percent discount on the base price of the vehicle and about a 16 percent discount on the options. The discounts don't apply to the transportation and delivery charges.

For example, a 2008 Corvette convertible that carried a sticker price of about $68,000 can be purchased under the GM program for less than $61,000 -- a major price break on a car that usually doesn't get heavily discounted.

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Programs at Ford and Chrysler work much the same way and with similar discounts.

Import manufacturers aren't quite as generous. In addition, some don't have programs that extend beyond workers' immediate family members.

One drawback to such discount programs is that it's entirely up to the dealer whether to participate. Some dealers routinely refuse to honor these certificates, particularly with regard to hot-selling vehicles.

But if you cast a wide enough net, you can usually find a dealer that will take the discount certificates. Even with such deep discounts, there's still a reasonable profit to be made on a no-hassle sale.

So ask around and see who may be able to extend one of these deals to you. Even the person who works for the company that fills the vending machines at the car factory may be able to save you big bucks on your next purchase.

This week:

• Auto-industry friends can help you save • Is dealer financing my best option? • Do dealers routinely botch contracts? • Should I dump my car after bankruptcy?

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