I think like Jeff said, even with $5 gas, it’s not that much of a rebate.
Chrysler could also be investing in oil futures to hedge against certain disaster. That way if prices go too high, they make money to offset the rebates, making it a zero sum game on the oil trade, but helping them to sell a bunch of cars to scared little children in the process.
But seriously, let’s not rule out insider info, we’re talking about Detroit and American big oil here. Backroom deals aren’t something that should surprise us.