Chrysler is taking the government's new "cash for clunkers" program a step further.

It says it will match the government's offer of up to $4,500 toward the purchase of a new vehicle. And it says buyers are eligible for it even without a trade-in.

The automaker says, starting Thursday, it will offer cash or zero percent financing for six years on most of its 2009 Chrysler, Dodge or Jeep models. The offer lasts through August 31.

The government's program offers vouchers to car shoppers who trade in their old, gas-guzzling vehicles for a new, more fuel-efficient model. But not all vehicles qualify.

With Chrysler's added incentives, buyers with qualifying trade-ins could theoretically get up to $9,000 off a new Chrysler vehicle.

Chrysler emerged from Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection last month under new ownership and is now working to lure back buyers. Chrysler sales were down 46 percent for the first six months of the year.