TrueCar finds family sedans lead June savings as automakers seek to boost midsize car sales

SANTA MONICA, Calif., June 15, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- TrueCar, Inc. (NASDAQ: TRUE), the negotiation-free car buying and selling mobile marketplace, finds that June is the best month for great deals on midsize sedans, and that among the segment's many outstanding models the hybrid version of Hyundai Motor's Sonata is available at a particularly attractive 17.8 percent discount off the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP).

Over the last three years June has proven to be the best time to buy a midsize car, with discounts averaging 8.2 percent off MSRP, based on a TrueCar analysis. This year's drop in average gasoline prices – down 23 percent from a year ago to $2.80 nationwide per gallon as of June 14, according to AAA's Fuel Gauge Report – has further enhanced the appeal of compact and midsize crossover utility vehicles at the expense of family sedans, triggering higher discounts on midsize cars.

"We see the pace of the secular shift from sedans to utilities increasing this year, with compact utilities outselling midsize sedans for the first time ever," said John Krafcik, president of TrueCar. "These massive midsize sedan discounts show how aggressive carmakers must be to balance declining sedan demand with their high inventories."

From 2000 to 2013 the midsize car segment led in terms of market share. So far this year, mass-market midsize cars' share of sales has fallen to 15.5 percent through May from 16.7 percent in the same period a year ago. By comparison, TrueCar estimates that compact utilities will account for 15.9 percent of total new light vehicle sales this year to reign as the industry's biggest segment.

TrueCar finds that overall incentive spending is up 1.5 percent year-to-date for the entire industry from the same period in 2014. This compares to a 9.9 percent increase in incentive spending by manufacturers aimed at getting consumers into midsize cars.

Ford's Fusion S sedan follows the Sonata Hybrid, selling this month at an average discount of 15.3 percent off MSRP. Kia's Optima Hybrid LX is close behind, currently selling for an average discount of 15.2 percent off MSRP.

Published monthly, the "TrueSavings" report analyzes recent transaction prices and identifies opportunities for consumer savings.

A snapshot of some of the best savings (compared to MSRP) on new vehicles in June 2015 includes:

"Market Average" is based on the national average of recent vehicle transactions, including destination and delivery charges after incentives that are subject to change. This does not include tax, title, licensing, documentation or processing fees, other state and governmental charges and/or fees or any other charges or fees allowed by law.

Below is a snapshot of some of the best manufacturer lease and finance deals currently available in certain regions:

Lease: 
2015 Mazda3 4-door: $149/month for 36 months with $1,999 down, 36,000 miles, Exp: 7/6/2015
2015 Chrysler 200: $169/month for 36 months with $1,999 down, 10,000 miles/year, Exp: 6/30/2015
2015 Toyota Prius Two: $239/month for 24 months with $1,999 down, 25,000 miles, Exp: 7/6/2015
2015 Dodge Journey SXT: $279/month for 36 months with $2,999 down, 12,000 miles/year, Exp: 6/30/2015
2015 Subaru Forester: $289/month for 36 months with $0 down, 12,000 miles/year, Exp: 6/30/2015

Finance: 
2015 Ford Fusion: 0.0% financing for 60 months, Exp: 7/6/2015
2015 GMC Sierra 1500 Double Cab SLT: 0.0% financing for 60 months, Exp: 6/30/2015
2015 Fiat 500 Sport: 0.0% financing for 60 months, Exp: 6/30/2015
2015 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid: 0.0% financing for 66 months, Exp: 7/6/2015
2015 Chevrolet Volt: 0.0% financing for 72 months, Exp: 6/30/2015          

Customer Cash Offers: 
2015 Ford Fusion: up to $2,500 customer cash, Exp: 7/6/2015, West region availability
2015 Cadillac SRX: up to $2,000 customer cash, Exp: 6/30/2015, Eastern region availability
2015 Hyundai Sonata: up to $1,750 customer cash, Exp: 7/6/2015, Pacific region availability
2015 Kia Optima: up to $1,000 customer cash, Exp: 7/6/2015, Western region availability
2015 Ram 1500: up to $1,000 customer cash, Exp: 6/30/2015, West Coast availability

The deal information summarized above is provided for illustrative purposes only, and is not an offer to lend. Results may vary depending on your individual circumstances, including credit approval by dealer/manufacturer. Deals are subject to change and are limited to inventory on hand. See your dealer/manufacturer for details, including actual offers available in your region.

For more information about TrueCar, please visit www.truecar.com, follow @TrueCar on Twitter or become a fan of TrueCar on Facebook and Google+.

About TrueCar
TrueCar, Inc. (NASDAQ: TRUE), the negotiation-free car buying and selling mobile marketplace, gives consumers transparent insight into what others paid and access to guaranteed savings off MSRP from TrueCar Certified Dealers. TrueCar's network of more than 10,000 trusted Certified Dealers is committed to providing upfront pricing information and a hassle-free buying experience. TrueCar powers car-buying programs for some of the largest U.S. membership and service organizations, including AARP, American Express, AAA and USAA. Not all program features are available in all states. TrueCar is headquartered in Santa Monica, California, with offices in San Francisco and Austin, Texas. For more information, go to www.truecar.com. Follow us on Facebook or Twitter.

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SOURCE TrueCar, Inc.

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