IntelliChoice.com Survey: Hybrids Continue to Reward Over the Long
Term
Second Annual Survey Shows Most Hybrid Models Excel on Total Cost
of Ownership
Prius Remains Highest Rated Hybrid
DETROIT (Business Wire EON/PRWEB ) January 14, 2008 --
A survey released today by IntelliChoice.com, the leading source for
automotive ownership cost and value analysis and a part of SOURCE
INTERLINK MEDIA, reveals that 12 hybrid vehicles currently on the market
save their owners more money than the non-hybrid version of the same
vehicle.
“Hybrids have been racking up the miles over
the last few years, and with the benefit of this perspective, we can say
with confidence that they offer American drivers a higher degree of
value than non-hybrid vehicles,” said James
Bell, publisher and editor of IntelliChoice.com. “To
prove it, we compared all current hybrids to the vehicles on which they
are based.”
The IntelliChoice.com survey examined hybrid and non-hybrid versions of
the same vehicle for the model year 2007 and how each vehicle performed
based on a projected Total
Cost of Ownership figure over five years or 70,000 miles. In
addition to fuel costs, the survey factored in other major cost items
that consumers often overlook when purchasing a vehicle.
“The most common argument against hybrids is
that they take too long to justify their higher purchase price,”
added Bell. “But this is only true if you just
look at relative fuel costs. When you add in other factors, such as
maintenance, repairs, and resale value, which are also part of
IntelliChoice.com’s Total Cost of Ownership
formula, hybrids provide great value. In other words, today’s
automakers are delivering high-quality and durable vehicles that also
happen to reward with improved gas mileage and fewer emissions.”
Bell added that the Prius remains the most popular hybrid from a retail
perspective and retains its top rating over other hybrid vehicles based
on Cost of Ownership performance. However, this new survey also shows
the growing competitiveness of the hybrid market and its overall growth.
The Numbers
IntelliChoice.com’s survey of hybrids for the
2007 model year ranks them in order of cost performance against the
non-hybrid version of the same vehicle or closest counterpart. For
instance, the Ford Escape Hybrid 4WD is compared against the “regular”
Ford Escape 4WD.
Along with the Prius, the Honda Civic Hybrid, Ford Escape Hybrid and
Mercury Mariner Hybrid also received top marks for value. In addition,
the Prius, Civic and Escape were also winners of IntelliChoice.com’s
Best Overall
Value of the Year awards (BOVY) for 2007. IntelliChoice.com’s
BOVY awards recognize cars, trucks and SUVs that cost significantly less
to own than would be expected of vehicles of their purchase prices and
competitive set.
When analyzing Total Cost of Ownership, IntelliChoice.com focuses on
seven key cost criteria—depreciation, fuel,
financing, insurance, repairs, maintenance and applicable state fees. In
the case of hybrids, IntelliChoice.com also factors in federal tax
credits.
“Hybrids may still have their naysayers, but
they also have a strong track record that speaks for itself,”
said Bell. “Across the board, hybrids are
generally a good investment with solid resale value. And 2008 will see
even more hybrid models for buyer’s
consideration.”
Total Ownership Costs for all new 2008 hybrid and regular models will be
available from IntelliChoice.com in late January.
About IntelliChoice.com
IntelliChoice.com, part of SOURCE INTERLINK MEDIA, is the market leader
in automotive ownership cost and value analysis. Founded in 1986,
IntelliChoice.com is committed to empowering consumers to make better
purchase decisions by providing independent and essential automotive
information and tools. Through the IntelliChoice.com web site (www.intellichoice.com),
consumers get the help they need to research, compare, configure and
price vehicles. The site also connects buyers to the buying alternatives
of their choice, including vehicle manufacturers and an online car
buying guide. SOURCE INTERLINK MEDIA is a division of Source Interlink
Companies, Inc., (NASDAQ: SORC), a media and marketing services company.
Source Interlink (www.sourceinterlink.com)
is one of the largest publishers of magazines and online content for
enthusiast audiences and a leading distributor of home entertainment
products, including DVDs, music CDs, magazines, games, books and related
items.
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