Hyundai Assurance... A Scam?

I was watching TV recently and saw a very interesting commercial.  It turns out, that Hyundai has implemented a new program they call "Assurance Plus".  Basically, they are offering ways to help their customers deal with the tough economic times.  Here is one of the many commercial spots they have made for it:

Hyundai has offered to pay three of your payments if you lose your job, and even take the car back from you so as not to hurt your credit.  The idea is that if you need a few months to get your affairs in order, you'll be able to keep your car.  And if you end up not being able to afford it at all, they won't ruin your chances of getting other loans for things you might need.

  

This all sounds great when first hearing it.  A car company that wants to help and seems to understand what you are going through? Great, right?  If you look a little deeper you'll find some less obvious conditions to the program.  First, in order to be eligible for this program, you have to lose your job.  So if you are just having trouble making ends meet, but have a job, you are on your own.  Also, each dealership is allowed to tailor the conditions a bit more (the website tells you to check with your local dealer for full conditions).  Finally, this program only applies on new cars.  So if you've already bought your Hyundai (before they created this program) and start having troubles, you won't be protected either.

This is essentially a sales scam hidden under the idea that they are going to help you.  You first have to buy the car.  Obviously sales are down during this recession, and Hyundai is attempting to make car buying seem safer and more attainable to those hit hardest.  But if you do decide to buy the car and have to take it back, you no longer have a car.  How is this helping?  Sure your credit won't be hurt, but if you are in such an unstable position that you may not be able to handle taking on a car payment, you don't need to be buying a car, despite what the company is willing to do for you.

I am all for companies trying to help the little guy, but I don't like seeing it turn into a marketing ploy.  Hyundai is making much better cars than they have in the past.  They provide a great deal for the money, and their cars last quite a long time.  Had they extended this offer to their current loyal customers, this would be a commendable action.  Instead, they turned it into fake concern.  "We are all in this together" Hyundai says.  I think it will take more than "Assurance Plus" to prove it.