TORRANCE, Calif. — Toyota and Lexus and their financial arms are saying welcome home to returning American troops in their own way.

In recognition of the thousands of troops set to make the journey home and their service to the nation, the companies are offering special APRs and rebates to qualified military personnel and inactive reserves through participating dealers. 

"In appreciation for all that they have done, and continue to do, we hope these rebates and special APRs make it a bit easier for our men and women in uniform who are in the market for a new vehicle," said Mike Groff, Toyota Financial Services/Lexus Financial Services group vice president of sales, marketing and product development.

"We understand that it's certainly a tough economic time right now for many military families, so it's our hope that these special APRS and rebates, which can be coupled with other incentives, will help our troops save some much-needed and hard-earned money,” he continued.

And breaking the specials down by automaker, qualified Toyota buyers under the Welcome Home Special APR Program can receive a 1.9 percent APR for up to 60 months when financing any new 2011 or 2012 Toyota vehicle through a participating Toyota dealer and TFS.

Furthermore, a $500 Military Rebate may be used in conjunction with the special APR.

And Lexus buyers who qualify under the program can receive a 0.9 percent APR for up to 60 months on new 2011 or 2012 ES and IS (includes all sedans, convertible and IS F) and 2012 RX350 vehicles, or 1.9 percent APR for up to 60 months on any other new Lexus vehicle when financing through a participating Lexus dealer and LFS, the company explained.

Qualified Lexus customers can also use a $750 Military Rebate in conjunction with the special APRs.

The Welcome Home Special APR Program ends on March 5 for Toyota vehicles and on Feb. 29 for Lexus vehicles. The rebate program ends Jan. 2, 2013 for Toyota and March 31 of this year for Lexus.

The companies also provided some guidelines customers must meet to qualify for the program, as follows:

—Eligible customers must be on current active duty status in the U.S. Military (Navy, Army, Air Force, Marines, National Guard, Coast Guard and active Reserve) or U.S. Military inactive Reserve (Individual Ready Reserve, Selected Reserve, or Inactive National Guard.) Retired Military Personnel are not eligible.

—Verifiable proof of military status or proof of active service is required at time of purchase.

—Receive a salary sufficient to cover ordinary living expenses and vehicle payments.

—Credit approval through a participating dealer and TFS/LFS.

To find a participating dealer or to learn more, including program restrictions, visit www.toyotafinancial.com/military or www.lexusfinancial.com/military .