The F-150 is the linchpin of Ford’s business, accounting for around 40 percent of its annual output and topping the national sales charts year after year. But F-Series sales dropped 3.4 percent in August and the Blue Oval has responded with a move that might raise eyebrows among those who remember the global financial crisis of the late 2000s when loose lending practices brought the economy to its knees.

More: Record Number Of Americans Are Falling Behind On Their Car Loans

Instead of focusing only on safe-bet buyers, Ford is targeting American drivers with less than stellar credit ratings in an effort to boost sales, the WSJ reports. For the duration of September customers with weaker credit scores will be offered lower than usual interest rates that match the deals normally reserved for drivers deemed a safe bet. And they’re able to stretch those loans over 72, or even 84 months to ensure the payments are as manageable as possible.

Easier Credit, Longer Loans

The timing matters. Sub-prime borrowers in the US were hit with average APRs of up 16 percent in Q2, according to Experian data quoted by the WSJ, while low-risk borrowers were able to secure finance at just 5 percent. Ford’s temporary program shrinks that gap dramatically, potentially opening the door to new-truck ownership for people who had all but written it off.

A September sales uptick courtesy up more affordable finance could improve the numbers on Ford’s balance sheet for the third quarter. The truck lineup starts at just under $39,000 but well-optioned top-spec versions such as the Raptor R can cost more than $115,000.

Also: Americans Crushed By Auto Loans As Defaults And Repossessions Surge

Ford’s decision to make it easier for high-risk drivers to get finance comes the same month the Consumer Federation of America (CFA) published a report highlighting the rise in auto loan delinquencies. The big shocker in its report is that this time it’s not only sub-prime borrowers that are struggling to keep up with repayments, but those with average credit scores.

A Ford Credit spokesperson told the WSJ that the company remains selective. “We only finance customers we believe are creditworthy and have the capacity to pay,” a Ford finance spokesperson told the news outlet. “We have done these types of national programs in the past, extending a promotional rate to customers who meet our credit criteria.”