Campbell, Calif. – IntelliChoice, the market leader in automotive ownership cost and practical car purchasing advice, today announced the results of its first-annual, mid-year “Cost of Ownership” analysis, known as IntelliChoice “Best Bets.”
In advance of the annual Best Overall Value of the Year (BOVY) analysis and awards that are announced each January, IntelliChoice identified vehicles from the forthcoming model year that demonstrate the highest potential for achieving outstanding value over time; designating each as a “Best Bet” for the new model year.
IntelliChoice’s “Best Bets” for the 2012 model year are:
| BRAND | MODEL |
| Audi | A3 |
| Audi | A6 |
| Audi | R8 |
| Cadillac | CTS Sedan |
| Chevrolet | Camaro SS |
| Chevrolet | Corvette |
| Chevrolet | Equinox |
| GMC | Terrain |
| Honda | Civic |
| Hyundai | Tucson |
| Infiniti | M35h/M37 |
| Lincoln | MKZ Hybrid |
| Nissan | Altima 4 cyl. Sedan |
| Scion | xB |
| Toyota | Highlander |
| Volkswagen | Golf |
| Volvo | C30 |
| Volvo | C70 |
| Volvo | XC70 |
“Best Bet” accolades were awarded to nineteen models from thirteen manufacturers. Audi, Chevrolet, and Volvo led the pack by each placing three models into the group.
To determine the 2012 Best Bets, each new vehicle model was compared to the currently available same-model-year vehicles in its respective competitive set. The basis for expected ownership costs used to derive “Best Bets” includes current assumptions for depreciation, costs for fuel, financing, insurance, repairs and maintenance, as well as state fees for all applicable 2012 model year competitors. These estimates will be updated again at the end of the year for BOVY consideration when more than 1,800 vehicle makes, models and trims are analyzed.
“As ‘Best Bets,’ each of these vehicles stand above their peers and can be purchased with confidence,” said General Manager, Tyler Schulze. “Now in its 25th year, IntelliChoice is recognized by both the automotive industry and consumers as a trusted resource for practical car purchasing advice and analysis. As manufacturers have moved up the release dates for some new model year vehicles, we felt it was important to provide consumers with a mid-year update of our cost of ownership analysis. We constantly monitor factors that drive overall cost of ownership, so consumers in the market for a new car can benefit from updated recommendations on vehicles that have best-in-class value characteristics.”
When reviewing potential winners, IntelliChoice analyzes data from auto manufacturers, the U.S. government, and third-party data resources to estimate the actual costs of ownership for new vehicles over a five-year period. It then assigns a value rating to each vehicle and compares that rating to the competitive set in each class. This methodology is employed to determine accolades in the annual Best Overall Value of the Year, Best Bets, Smart Choice, and Motorist Choice award series.
“At IntelliChoice, our tagline is ‘Choose Your Car Wisely’,” said Eric Anderson, Ownership Cost Supervisor. “Initial purchase price is an important factor, but there are many other data points to consider when evaluating total cost of ownership over several years. We constantly aggregate and analyze the data on more than 1,800 new vehicle models available in the U.S. empowering consumers to make educated purchasing decisions. With these Best Bets, consumers can be confident that they are purchasing a vehicle with strong ownership cost characteristics that should translate into superior value.”
About IntelliChoice
IntelliChoice, part of the Motor Trend Auto Group, is the market leader in automotive ownership cost and car values analysis. Founded in 1986, IntelliChoice is committed to empowering consumers to make better purchase decisions by providing independent and essential automotive information and tools. Through theIntelliChoice.com web site, consumers can research, compare, configure and price new cars. The site also connects buyers to affiliated dealers nationwide through the IntelliChoice Auto Buying Program. Motor Trend Auto Group is an operating division of Source Interlink Media, a recognized provider of targeted media and marketing services and one of the largest publishers of magazines and digital content for enthusiast audiences.
About Source Interlink Media
Source Interlink Media is the premier source of special interest media in the United States. With more than 70 publications, 90 websites, 800 branded products, 65+ events, and TV and radio programs, SIM is the largest provider of content to enthusiast communities interested in automotive, action sports, marine and other niche activities. The division’s strategy is to wholly focus on targeted audiences by leveraging and expanding upon its core market-leading brands through a multiplatform media approach.
