If the Mayan prediction that the world will end on December 21 actually comes true, Latitude 32 Credit Union will forgive members’ new auto loans.

Latitude 32 Credit Union is taking advantage predictions centered around the Mayan calendar by offering the “End of the World” Auto Loan promotion. Many people worry that the Mesoamerican Long Count calendar, or Mayan Calendar predicts the end of the world will happen on December 21, 2012.

“We’re not buying it,” said Brad Rustin, CEO of Latitude 32. “But just in case, we’re offering the Mayan ‘End of the World’ Auto Loan Special.”

From December 3 through December 21, any new auto loans will be automatically forgiven should the world end.

So what happens if we’re all still alive on December 22?

“You’ll still owe the balance on the loan,” Rustin jests. “But you’ll have peace of mind knowing that you got a great rate on your auto loan from Latitude 32 Credit Union.”

Presently, Latitude 32’s auto loan rates for new and used cars start at 3.29%.

The credit union did not specify what might happen to other members’ loans should the world end.

To help get the word out about the macabre promo, the credit union is using its Facebook page and Twitter account.

Latitude 32 Credit Union has $42 million in assets and over 8,000 members.

Your Marketing Co. in Greenville, South Carolina helped develop the promotion.

Bottom Line: This promotion costs nearly nothing, yet has the potential to generate a huge volume of free PR coverage for a super tiny credit union. It goes to show that you don’t always need a massive marketing budget. All you need is a powerful, creative idea.

And hey, it’s kinda funny.