'Buy a truck, get a free AK-47'

'Buy a truck, get a free AK-47' -- that's an unusual promotion launched by a used auto dealership in the US.

Nations Trucks in Florida has introduced the scheme of a complimentary Soviet-style AK-47 assault rifle with every purchase to help it through the sluggish US economic recovery, The Daily Telegraph online reported. The dealership has more than doubled sales since the offer was announced last week, according to Nick Ginetta, the general sales manager.

A poster in Nations' office window proclaims 'FREE AK-47' above a large illustration of the gun, which is by far the biggest-selling assault rifle of all time.

Ginetta said rather than handing out the guns itself, the firm has been giving truck buyers a US dollars 400 voucher which could be redeemed for an assault AK-47 rifle at a nearby firearms shop.

"I don't think it sends the wrong message," said Ginetta, who insisted the dealership was merely allowing customers to assert their rights under the Second Amendment of the Constitution.

"You don't need to buy a truck to go and buy an AK-47. You have the right to do that as long as you meet all state and federal laws. So it's just a promotion," he was quoted as telling a local television.

Ginetta claimed that under the scheme, which runs until the end of November, all customers would be subjected to background checks before being able to obtain a firearm.