IRVINE, CA (July 8, 2009) – IntelliChoice.com’s fourth annual survey of eco-friendly vehicles, released today, shows that most 2009 hybrid and clean diesel cars, trucks and SUVs deliver a lower cost of ownership compared to standard versions of the same vehicles. IntelliChoice.com, a long-time observer of how environmental concerns are reshaping the auto market, is the leading source for automotive ownership cost and value analysis and is part of SOURCE INTERLINK MEDIA.

The 2009 IntelliChoice.com Hybrid and Diesel Car survey explores the value of all 2009 model year hybrids and, for the first time, vehicles with clean diesel engines, by evaluating the major factors that determine a vehicle’s cost of ownership over a five year period or 70,000 miles. Those factors include Fuel, Maintenance and Repair, Retained Value, Insurance, and Taxes and Licensing Fees.

“The survey this year once again supports what we have long argued–that most hybrid vehicles and now clean diesel vehicles offer superior value to standard models,” said James Bell, editor of IntelliChoice.com. “Of the 51 hybrid and clean diesel models now on the market, 35 of them deliver a cost-of-ownership that is somewhat or significantly lower than gasoline versions of the same vehicle. The long-time knock against ‘green’ cars, trucks and SUVs is that their sticker prices do not justify the gas savings. The point we make is that it is not just about fuel. Buyers also need to consider costs such as maintenance and resale value.”

Bell added, “The Obama Administration’s recent announcement of unified and aggressive standards on Fuel Efficiency and CO2 Emissions puts even greater focus on the ‘green’ vehicles in our study. Many of the vehicles listed here will be ‘make or break’ efforts for their manufacturers as they work to meet new standards by 2016. In many cases, these vehicles already meet and exceed the standards.”

Among the top-line findings from the survey:

Clean diesel has the potential to be a game changer. “Clean diesel cars like the VW Jetta TDI and Mercedes Benz E320 perform even better than hybrids in saving thousands of dollars in costs and recouping their purchase premium,” said Bell. “Make no mistake that clean diesel cars are now mainstream. The Obama Administration needs to reexamine the legacy of higher tax rates on diesel fuel, which were set long before the switch to the low sulfur formulation required for general consumer use. The time has come to put diesel on a level playing field with gasoline. The Administration could even promote it with lower taxation as is done in Europe.”

Small cars, sedans and crossovers perform better than large trucks and SUVs. “No surprise here. The Toyota Prius, Honda Civic Hybrid and even small SUVs like the Ford Escape Hybrid save their owners thousands of dollars over five years. When you begin to move into the larger vehicles, especially big SUVs, you may pay a few thousand dollars more in ownership costs for hybrid cars and clean diesel versions,” said Bell.

The higher fuel prices go, the greater value hybrids and clean diesels deliver. “The survey uses a six-month running average of $3.20 per gallon in factoring fuel costs. We expect that gas prices will eventually go up, which increases the savings for hybrid car owners.”

 

Hybrid and clean diesel cars come fully loaded. “Buyers should keep in mind that automakers treat their hybrid and clean diesel models as top-of-the-line products. As such, they are usually loaded with options, and are usually equivalent to the fully loaded versions of gas-powered models. This is because automakers will throw in extra features to justify higher prices.”

Get the IntelliChoice 2009 Hybrid & Diesel Car Survey as a PDF

The Survey

IntelliChoice.com’s 2009 Hybrid and Diesel Car Survey pits hybrid and clean diesel vehicles against their gas-powered counterparts in the five most important cost of ownership categories. For instance, the Ford Escape Hybrid is compared against the “regular” or gas-only Ford Escape. The list below is a sample of findings from the survey that demonstrates how cost of ownership can offset higher sticker prices.

About IntelliChoice.com, Source Interlink Media, and Source Interlink Companies, Inc.

IntelliChoice.com, part of Source Interlink Media, LLC, 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, 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 subsidiary of Source Interlink Companies, Inc. (NASDAQ: SORC), a media and marketing services company. Source Interlink 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. Learn more about IntelliChoice.com and Source Interlink.