DaimlerChrysler AG’s Chrysler Group said Thursday it would give two years of free gas to customers who buy a 2005 or 2006 vehicle – such as a 2005 Dodge Neon SXT, above – before Jan. 3, following announcements of new discounts by rivals General Motors Corp. and Ford Motor Co.

Chrysler will also kick in two years of free scheduled maintenance and increase the warranty on mechanical parts to five years or 60,000 miles.

Chrysler now offers a three-year, 36,000-mile warranty. The offer, called the “Miles of Freedom” plan, begins Monday.

GM’s “Red Tag Event” calls for posting maximum prices on most 2005 and 2006 Buick, Chevrolet, GMC and Pontiac vehicles.

Ford’s “Keep It Simple Plan” also calls for maximum prices on most 2005 and 2006 Ford, Lincoln and Mercury models.