TrueCar finds hybrids, EVs top list of best savings in January

Gasoline price plunge = savings for consumers on alternative fuel vehicles

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Jan 15, 2015, 09:00 ET

SANTA MONICA, Calif., Jan. 15, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Ford's Focus Electric hatchback, which sells at an average of 16 percent off MSRP, tops January's list of best savings on new vehicles, according to TrueCar, Inc. (NASDAQ: TRUE), the negotiation-free car buying and selling platform. The "TrueSavings" monthly report analyzes current transaction prices and identifies opportunities for consumer savings.

"Fuel savings are not top of mind to many consumers right now, and that makes this a great time to buy a hybrid or electric vehicle," said John Krafcik, president of TrueCar. "With gasoline prices now averaging just $2.10 per gallon, and vehicle preferences tied so closely to short-term gasoline prices, automakers are heavily discounting their most fuel-efficient cars to clear inventories."

Toyota's Prius, the world's best-selling alternative fuel vehicle for more than a decade, also makes January's list of best savings. Customers who purchase a Prius Two model this month can save 10 percent off the hybrid car's $25,025 MSRP.

"Gasoline prices and vehicle type preferences are strongly related, and this relationship is cyclical in nature," said Krafcik. "Fuel is relatively inexpensive right now, but when the pendulum swings the other way it will make future alternative fuel vehicles more appealing."

Below is a snapshot of some of the best savings (compared to MSRP) on new vehicles in January 2015:

Year/Make/ Model/Trim	Segment	MSRP	Market Average	$ Savings / % Savings	Est. Monthly Payment*	City / Hwy / Comb MPG
2015 Ford Focus Electric	Small Car	$29,995	$25,168	$4,827/ 16.1%	$362	110/99/105.0
2015 Ram 1500, Tradesman, Reg. Cab, 4x2 Std. Bed	Large Truck	$26,605	$23,635	$2,970/ 11.2%	$340	17/25/20.6
2015 Toyota Venza, XLE, 4-Cyl, FWD	Midsize CUV	$32,845	$29,216	$3,629/ 11.0%	$420	20/26/22.9
2015 Kia Optima Hybrid	Midsize Car	$32,950	$29,411	$3,539/ 10.7%	$423	35/39/37.1
2015 Toyota Prius Two	Small Car	$25,025	$22,498	$2,527/ 10.1%	$323	51/48/49.3

*Estimated monthly payments are based on a 3% APR for 60 months with 20% down on the current market average price, and excludes sales tax and other fees and charges that may vary by region or state. These examples are for informational purposes only, and are not offers to lend. See dealer/lender for details, including actual available offers.

"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 Acura TLX: $299/month for 39 months with $2,599 down, 10,000 miles/year, Exp: 3/2/15
2015 Honda CR-V: $239/month for 39 months, $2,199 down, 12,000 miles/year, Exp: 3/2/15
2015 Lincoln MKZ Hybrid: $315/month for 36 months, $3,875 down, 31,500 miles, Exp: 3/31/15
2015 Nissan Altima: $189/month for 36 months, $1,999 down, 12,000 miles/year, Exp: 2/2/15
2015 Volkswagen Tiguan: $199/month for 36 months, $2,999 down, 36,000 miles, Exp: 2/2/15

Finance:
2014 Chevrolet Silverado 1500: 0.0% financing for 60 months, Exp: 2/2/15
2015 Ford Explorer: 0.0% financing for 60 months, Exp: 2/2/15
2015 Mercedes Benz ML350: 2.99% financing for 24-72 months, Exp: 2/2/15
2014 Nissan Sentra: 0.0% financing for 72 months, Exp: 2/2/15
2015 Toyota Corolla: 0.0% financing for 48 months, Exp: 2/2/15

Customer Cash Offers:
2015 Chevrolet Malibu LT: $3,000 customer cash, Exp: 2/2/15
2014 Chrysler 300 RWD: $4,250 customer cash, Exp: 2/2/15
2015 Dodge Journey: $2,250 customer cash, Exp: 2/2/15
2014 Hyundai Genesis: $3,500 customer cash, Exp: 2/2/15
2014 Mazda CX-9: $4,000 customer cash, Exp: 3/2/15

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) is the negotiation-free car buying and selling platform. TrueCar enables a negotiation-free car buying experience by giving buyers transparent insight into what others actually paid (price confidence), upfront pricing information (price discovery), and access to a network of trusted TrueCar Certified Dealers who provide guaranteed savings certificates and seamlessly complete the car purchase. The reality is that buying a car is painful and buyers fear they are going to overpay or be surprised with hidden fees. TrueCar's transparent upfront pricing information makes the car buying process simple so there are no surprises and buyers never overpay. TrueCar's mission is to make car buying simple, fair and fun. Its national network of more than 9,000 TrueCar Certified Dealers, including both new car franchise dealers and non-franchise dealers, is committed to providing negotiation-free savings off MSRP and upfront pricing information for all car-buyers, including members of some of the country's largest membership and service organizations such as AARP, American Express, AAA, and USAA. Note: Not all program features are available in all states. Go to www.truecar.com for program details. TrueCar is headquartered in Santa Monica, Calif., with offices in Santa Barbara, Calif., San Francisco, Calif., and Austin, Texas.

TrueCar media line: +1-844-469-8442 (US toll-free) | Email: [email protected]

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SOURCE TrueCar, Inc.