TrueCar finds Japanese brands' fiscal year end to spur consumer savings and volume in March

Month's best new vehicle savings led by Japanese nameplates

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Mar 16, 2015, 09:00 ET

SANTA MONICA, Calif., March 16, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Mazda Motor Corp.'s CX-9 sport-utility vehicle, which sells at an average of 19 percent off the manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP), tops the list of best savings on new vehicles in March, according to TrueCar, Inc. (NASDAQ: TRUE), the negotiation-free car buying and selling mobile marketplace.

March has had the highest average new vehicle sales volume of any month over the past five years. The month marks the fiscal year close for Japan-based automakers and kicks off spring sales events that provide savings for consumers. Historically, the month's final day has been the best opportunity to get the largest discount.

"Given that Japanese automakers want to hit annual sales targets as they close out their business year, consumers should expect to find excellent savings, even in the hot midsize utility segment," said John Krafcik, president of TrueCar. "The push by Japanese brands spills over to the rest of the industry, which wants to grab the attention of in-market consumers, driving up overall sales volume."

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 March 2015 includes:

Year/Make/ Model/Trim	Segment	MSRP	Market Average	$ Savings / % Savings	Est. Monthly Payment*	City / Hwy / Comb MPG
2015 Mazda CX-9 Sport 2WD	Large Utility	$30,865	$25,044	$5,821/ 18.9%	$360	17/24/20.2
2015 Ram 1500, Sport Reg. Cab, 4x2 Std. Bed	Large Pickup Truck	$36,650	$31,418	$5,232/ 14.3%	$452	15/22/18.2
2015 Nissan Pathfinder 4WD SL	Midsize Utility	$38,635	$34,432	$4,203/ 10.9%	$495	19/26/22.3
2015 Toyota Venza LE 4-Cyl FWD	Midsize Utility	$29,950	$26,678	$3,272/ 10.9%	$383	20/26/22.9
2015 Toyota Prius Two	Small Car	$25,025	$22,369	$2,656/ 10.6%	$322	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 RDX: $309/month for 36 months, $2,299 down, 10,000 miles/year, Exp: 5/11/15
2015 Infiniti Q50 3.7 Premium: $309/month for 39 months, $3,199 down, 10,000 miles/year, Exp: 3/31/15
2015 Lexus NX 200T: $369/month for 36 months, $4,999 down, 10,000 miles/year, Exp: 3/31/15
2015 Subaru Impreza: $209/month for 36 months, $0 down, 12,000 miles/year, Exp: 3/31/15
2015 Toyota Camry: $199/month for 36 months with $1,999 down, 25,000 miles, Exp: 3/31/15

Finance:
2015 Ford Escape: 0.0% financing for 60 months, Exp: 3/31/15
2015 Honda Civic: 0.9% financing for 48 months, Exp: 4/13/15
2015 Mazda CX-5: 0.0% financing for 36 months, Exp: 3/31/15
2015 Nissan Altima: 0.0% financing for 60 months, Exp: 3/31/15
2015 Toyota Tundra: 0.00% financing for 48 months, Exp: 3/31/15

Customer Cash Offers:
2015 Cadillac SRX: up to $2,000 customer cash, Exp: 3/31/15
2015 Chrysler 200: up to $2,000 customer cash, Exp: 3/31/15
2015 GMC Acadia: up to $1,500 customer cash, Exp: 3/31/15
2015 Hyundai Elantra: up to $3,250 customer cash, Exp: 3/31/15
2015 Kia Sorento: up to $2,000 customer cash, Exp: 3/31/15

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), 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.

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

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SOURCE TrueCar, Inc.