SAN ANTONIO, Texas — USAA and General Motors have teamed up to offer a special discount, on top of current rebates and dealer incentives, for the credit union's members.

More specifically, the offer provides for up to $1,000 in additional discounts on new GM cars and trucks.

This new offer is designed to provide additional savings to what members experienced last year when they used the Car Buying Service, which provides pre-negotiated pricing, ultimately saving customers nearly $19 million off the average price paid by car buyers nationwide, officials explained.

Basically, USAA can help its members save money on vehicle purchases and allows car buyers to build, find, finance and insure their vehicles online.

The offer, valid for vehicles delivered through Dec. 31, gives USAA's 7.1 million members the opportunity to save $1,000 if replacing a car that has been classified as "totaled," or $750 for other new GM purchases.

"Our members are responding very favorably to this new offer," said David Bohne, USAA Federal Savings Bank president. "In these trying economic times, they are grateful that USAA continues to look for ways to save them money and thankful we are working with an American auto manufacturer.

"This helps GM during these current times and allows USAA to leverage its members' buying power to provide real savings to members considering a new car purchase this summer," he continued.

USAA members, consisting primarily of active duty, Guard and Reserve military members and their families, purchased more than a million vehicles in 2008, including more than 200,000 new GM products, officials noted.

"We're pleased to be working with USAA's membership to offer our world-class, fuel efficient cars and trucks at a substantial savings," said Jim Bunnell, GM North America executive director of vehicle sales, service and marketing.

"We have a long and proud history of supporting our military personnel, and this offer demonstrates that continuing partnership in a meaningful way that puts dollars back into a member's home budget," Bunnell added.

According to the companies, the special discount with GM applies to all makes and models of GM cars and trucks, with the exception of the Corvette ZR1, Cadillac CTS-V and medium duty trucks (4500 series or higher, such as Kodiak and Topkick). Purchasers must be a member or customer of USAA to receive this offer.