SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (November 18, 2013) –

ALG, the industry benchmark for forecasting future automotive  values, announced the winners of its 14^thannual Residual Value Awards, with Mercedes-Benz and Honda receiving top honors, for Premium Brand and Mainstream Brand respectively.

ALG’s Residual Value Awards (RVA) also honor vehicles in 24 segments that are forecast to retain the highest percentage of their Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) after a three-year period. Award recipients are chosen after evaluation of vehicle criteria including segment competition, historical vehicle performance and industry trends. This year’s awards are for 2014 model year vehicles and will be presented to automakers at the Los Angeles Auto Show, which opens later this week.

Toyota walked away with the most hardware, earning eight awards, ranging from the Prius c (Alternative Fuel Vehicle) to the Land Cruiser (Premium Fullsize Utility Vehicle). Audi and Honda tied for the second-most segment honors, with three each.

“Toyota, Audi and Honda captured the most segment honors due to the consistent high value of all their products,” said Larry Dominique, President of ALG.  “Honda was named top Mainstream Brand due to their prudent use of incentives – $1,000 lower than the mainstream average – and low rental fleet penetration. These factors help maintain vehicle value, which tremendously benefits consumers.”

Among the segment winners, the Mazda3 won the hotly contested compact segment, knocking off the Hyundai Elantra, which had won that category three years in a row, and besting the Honda Civic and redesigned Toyota Corolla.

Seven vehicles were first-time winners in their segments:

• Hyundai Accent (Subcompact Car)
• Mazda Mazda3 (Compact Car)
• Chevrolet Corvette (Premium Sports Car)
• Chevrolet Camaro (Mainstream Sports Car)
• Toyota Avalon (Fullsize Car)
• Porsche Panamera (Premium Executive)
• Kia Soul (Subcompact Utility Vehicle)

ALG also established five new segments for the 2014 RVAs:

• Midsize Utility 2-Row (Winner: Hyundai Santa Fe Sport)
• Midsize Utility 3-Row (Winner: Toyota Highlander)
• Off-Road Utility (Winner: Toyota FJ Cruiser)
• Premium Midsize Utility 2-Row (Winner: Land Rover Range Rover Sport)
• Premium Midsize Utility 3-Row (Winner: Audi Q7)

“Residual value is critical to automakers and consumers alike because it’s a complete indicator of the vehicle’s value, taking into account quality, durability, brand desirability and other factors,” said Dominique.  “For vehicle owners, residual value forecasts what their return on investment will be, and the Residual Value Awards clearly show which products will best retain their value over the next 36 months.”

ALG’s RVA brand awards introduce a new methodology this year, the Residual Value Brand Index, which ensures that brands with portfolios heavily weighted on low-residual segments, such as larger trucks and SUVs, are not at a disadvantage.

“Trucks historically have lower residual value due to the work and abuse they endure, so manufacturers that have sold a high volume of trucks have been adversely affected in previous brand rankings,” said Eric Lyman, Vice President of Content and Partner Development at ALG. “This new index is a better way to equally measure brands against each other, regardless of the segments in which they compete.”

The impact of the new methodology is demonstrated by the uptick in the 2014 residual positioning of the GMC and Toyota brands, while Buick experienced a decline.

The ascension of Mercedes-Benz to the top spot among premium brands snaps a seven-year streak by Japanese manufacturers, while Honda is the highest mainstream brand for the second straight year.

Among Premium vehicles, only Audi received multiple segment awards, winning Premium Fullsize Car (Audi A6), Premium Midsize Car (Audi A5) and Premium Midsize Utility Vehicle – 3 Row (Audi Q7). The other six Premium segment awards were split among six brands.

 

Mainstream Brand Rankings (based on RVA Segmentation)
1.      Honda	5.0 Index Points
2.      Toyota	4.7
3.      Subaru	4.5
4.      Hyundai	3.4
5.      Mazda	1.8
6.      GMC	1.4
7.      Kia	1.2
8.      Scion	0.7
9.      Nissan	-0.8
10.   Chevrolet	-2
11.   Dodge	-3.4
12.   Volkswagen	-3.7
13.   Ford	-3.8
14.   Buick	-4.3
Luxury Brand Rankings(based on RVA Segmentation)
1.      Mercedes-Benz	2.4 Index Points
2.      Acura	1.8
3.      Audi	1.7
4.      Infiniti	0.9
5.      Lexus	0.7
6.      Land Rover	0.4
7.      BMW	-0.4
8.      Cadillac	-2
9.      Volvo	-4
10.   Lincoln	-7.1

About ALG

Headquartered in Santa Barbara, California with an office in Toronto, Ontario, ALG is a leading provider of insights and consulting services to the automotive industry. ALG is the benchmark for residual value projections in North America, publishing residual values for all vehicles in the U.S. and Canada. ALG has been forecasting automotive residual values for nearly 50 years in both the U.S. and Canadian markets. For more information, visit www.alg.com

 

Audi today announced that it has received three Residual Value Awards from ALG, the industry benchmark for residual values and depreciation data. The annual ALG Residual Value Awards recognize automakers’ outstanding achievements in producing new vehicles that are predicted to retain the highest percentage of their original price after a conventional three-year period. The Audi A5, A6 and Q7 received recognition for the 2014 model year.

“Audi continues to strive to produce vehicles that represent the best in design, performance, technology, and luxury. More importantly, Audi vehicles stand the test of time,” said Scott Keogh, President, Audi of America. “We are pleased to have received three ALG Residual Value Awards, a testament to the value of the Audi A5, A6 and Q7 model lines.”

Audi A5
The 2014 Audi A5 received an ALG Residual Value Award in the Premium Midsize Car category. Known for setting new standards for sportiness and efficiency in the mid-size segment of the premium market, the 2014 A5 combines beauty, power and efficiency. The A5 features a 2.0-liter TFSI® engine that exclusively offers quattro® all-wheel drive and is mated to a six-speed manual transmission or an eight-speed Tiptronic®. For the 2014 Model Year, the A5 received an increase in horsepower to 220. Inside, the A5 represents an ever-higher standard being set by Audi for its expressiveness, comfort and technology matched by the brand’s trademark fit and finish.

Audi A6
The 2014 Audi A6 took home an ALG Residual Value Award in the Premium Fullsize Car category. The A6 boasts an all-aluminum Audi 3.0 L TFSI® supercharged V6 engine with 310 horsepower. One of Audi’s most innovative and technologically-advanced models to date, the A6 makes up to 2,000 decisions per second to assist the driver. Innovative technologies include the award-winning infotainment system Audi connect® with in-vehicle Wi-Fi connectivity and Google Earth™ Maps, MMI® Touch pad with handwriting recognition, Night Vision Assistant, Audi Pre-Sense Plus safety system, and more. Inside, the Audi A6 also features luxurious materials, functional amenities, and sophisticated design elements. The 2014 Audi A6 is also offered with a TDI® clean diesel engine, achieving an EPA estimated fuel economy of 24 city/ 38 highway/ 29 combined MPG, while at the same time producing an impressive 240hp and 428lb-ft of torque.

Audi Q7
The 2014 Audi Q7 received the award in the Premium Midsize Utility Vehicle – 3 Row category. The seven-passenger Audi Q7 exceeds driver and passenger expectations for functionality and comfort. Q7 customers have the option of a gasoline turbocharged, fuel-injected 3.0 liter TFSI engine, or a powerful yet fuel efficient V6 turbocharged direct injection TDI clean diesel engine. The Audi Q7 features a luxurious, premium interior including heated and available cooled, twelve-way power front seats, fore and aft adjustable rear middle seats, and foldable seats in the third row. The 2014 Audi Q7 offers the most advanced Audi technologies available, including Audi connect with a rolling Wi-Fi® Hotspot for up to eight devices and Google Voice Local Search. The Audi music interface with iPod®/iPhone® connectivity ensures user friendly perusing of play lists and song titles via the Audi MMI system. A full complement of airbags, including Sideguard® head curtain airbags for all three rows of seats ensures passengers stay safe.

ALG Residual Value Award winners are determined through careful study of the competition in each segment, historical vehicle performance and industry trends. Vehicle quality, production levels relative to demand, and pricing and marketing strategies represent key factors that impact ALG’s residual value forecasts.

 

THE ALL-NEW RANGE ROVER SPORT RECEIVES A 2014 ALG RESIDUAL VALUE AWARD FOR THE “BEST PREMIUM MIDSIZE UTILITY VEHICLE”

(MAHWAH, NJ) – November 18, 2013 – Today, Land Rover North America is proud to announce the 2014 Range Rover Sport has received a 2014 Residual Value Award for the “Best Premium Midsize Utility Vehicle – 2 Row” by ALG, the industry benchmark for residual values and depreciation data. This marks the eighth win in nine years for the Range Rover Sport.

The annual ALG Residual Value Awards recognize automakers’ outstanding achievements for vehicles that are predicted to retain the highest percentage of their original price after a conventional three-year period. Awards are given in 24 vehicle categories and also for the two brands with the highest overall predicted residual values among all mainstream and all premium vehicles. This year’s awards are based on 2014 model year vehicles.

“The ALG Residual Value Awards measure quality and desirability across many segments, and to have our recently launched 2014 Range Rover Sport be recognized sends a strong message of its incredible value to potential buyers and current owners,” said Kim McCullough, Brand Vice President, Land Rover North America.

“Sleek styling combined with low incentive levels make the Range Rover Sport a segment favorite,” said Eric Lyman, Vice President of Editorial for ALG. “Redesigned and slimmed down, the Range Rover Sport receives its eighth Residual Value Award in nine years.”

Award winners are determined through careful study of the competition in each segment, historical vehicle performance and industry trends. Vehicle quality, production levels relative to demand and pricing and marketing strategies represent key factors that impact ALG’s residual value forecasts.

 

HONDA WINS ALG’S 2014 RESIDUAL VALUE AWARD FOR BEST MAINSTREAM BRAND FOR THE SECOND STRAIGHT YEAR

Honda brand tops all other mainstream competitors in long term value
Accord, Odyssey, Fit and CR-V earn top value ratings in their respective segments
For the second straight year, Honda is the recipient of multiple 2014 Residual Value Awards from ALG, including the top honor of Best Mainstream Brand. Additionally, the Honda Accord, Honda Odyssey, Honda Fit and Honda CR-V  each received individual Residual Value Awards as the highest ranked vehicles in their respective segments. As the leading provider of residual value information to the automotive industry, ALG’s annual Residual Value Awards recognize automakers’ outstanding achievements for vehicles that are predicted to retain the highest percentage of their original price after a conventional three-year period.

“Providing long-term value for our customers is a top priority at Honda,” said Michael Accavitti, senior vice president of automobile operations at American Honda. “Honda’s commitment to retail sales leadership through top-quality, well-equipped vehicles is a major differentiator for our brand that will pay dividends to our customers for years to come.”

The Honda brand was named the Best Mainstream Brand for 2013 and now again in 2014, recognizing the entire Honda lineup for exceptional vehicle quality, strong brand desirability, and long-term reliability. The Accord ranked the highest in the ultra-competitive Midsize Car category for the second straight year. The Odyssey prevailed in the Best Minivan (MPV) category, retaining the top spot for the third consecutive year. The Fit received a Residual Value Award for the sixth consecutive year in the Sub-Compact Car category. The Honda CR-V secured the top position in the Compact Utility category. Since 2000, the Honda brand has earned 32 model awards and eight overall brand awards from ALG.

“Honda used solid fundamentals to earn its second consecutive mainstream brand award,” said Eric Lyman, Vice President of Editorial for ALG. “The brand’s lack of fleet, lowest-in-industry incentives and quality reputation make it a continual frontrunner in the battle for best residual values.”

Award winners are determined through careful study of the competition in each segment, historical vehicle performance and industry trends. Vehicle quality, production levels relative to demand, and pricing and marketing strategies represent key factors that impact ALG’s residual value forecasts.

 

PORSCHE PANAMERA NAMED RECIPIENT OF 2014 ALG RESIDUAL AWARD

Porsche receives award for success of performance sedan

Atlanta. The Porsche Panamera has been named the recipient of the 2014 ALG Residual Award for the Premium Executive Car segment. This award recognizes brands whose vehicles are most likely to maintain the highest percentage of their original value after three years. Many considerations are involved in the selection process, including overall success of a vehicle, from the physical product to the brand’s values and marketing strategies.

“Each year, ALG’s Residual Value Awards recognize the vehicles and brands that deliver a complete product experience to their customers – exceptional vehicle quality, strong brand desirability, and long-term reliability. Residual value is the ultimate measure of product success – consumers voting not with survey results, but with their wallets,” said Larry Dominique, President of ALG.

Since 1964, ALG has provided a benchmark for vehicle values, automotive industry insights and consulting services to its customers. The 14th Annual Residual Value Awards are the standard for residual value projections in North America.

8 TOYOTA MODELS WIN 2014 ALG RESIDUAL VALUE AWARDS

LOS ANGELES (Nov. 18, 2013) — In Hollywood, they say it’s all about the residuals.  If you own a Toyota, the same might be said for the car in your driveway.

On the eve of Tinsel Town’s automotive event of the season, Toyota models were awarded 8 Residual Value Awards from ALG, the industry benchmark for residual values and depreciation data.

The annual ALG Residual Value Awards recognize automakers’ outstanding achievements for vehicles that are predicted to retain the highest percentage of their original price after a conventional three-year period.  Awards are given in 24 vehicle categories and also for the two brands with the highest overall predicted residual values among all mainstream and all premium vehicles.

Toyota “thanked the academy” for 8 model-level awards, more than any other auto brand.  Toyota models taking home awards included:

• Avalon – Fullsize Car
• Prius C – Alternative Fuel Vehicle
• Highlander – Midsize Utility Vehicle – 3-Row
• Sequoia – Fullsize Utility Vehicle
• FJ Cruiser – Off Road Utility Vehicle
• Tacoma – Midsize Pickup
• Land Cruiser – Premium Fullsize Utility Vehicle

“Toyota combines its reputation for rock-solid reliability with very restrained use of incentive support and fleet sales across its lineup,” said Eric Lyman, vice president of editorial for ALG.  “With this strong foundation, Toyota vehicles are always near the top of their segments with regard to residuals.”

“We pride ourselves on offering the highest quality products at a great value to our customers,” said Bill Fay, Toyota group vice president and general manager.  “With some of the best residual values in the industry, Toyota customers can sleep at night knowing that they have made a sound investment.”

Award winners are determined through careful study of the competition in each segment, historical vehicle performance and industry trends.  Vehicle quality, production levels relative to demand, and pricing and marketing strategies represent key factors that impact ALG’s residual value forecasts.

 

ALL-NEW 2014 MAZDA3 RECEIVES 2014 ALG ‘RESIDUAL VALUE AWARD’

– Redesigned Third-Generation Model Tops the Compact Car Segment –

IRVINE, Calif., Nov. 18, 2013  – The all-new 2014 Mazda3 was today awarded a 2014 Residual Value Award for the Compact Car Segment by ALG, the industry benchmark for residual values and depreciation data. The Mazda brand held steady with its overall industry ranking by again placing fifth among all brands for predicted resale value.

“We are honored to be recognized by ALG with a distinction that speaks volumes not only to the quality, dependability, reliability and value of the 2014 Mazda3 but also to the overall strength of the Mazda brand,” said Jim O’Sullivan, president and CEO, Mazda North American Operations (MNAO).  “With a slew of new products in the pipeline to follow the success of our all-new SKYACTIV®^[1] offerings the Mazda3, Mazda6 andCX-5, we’re excited for what the future holds.”

The annual ALG Residual Value Awards recognize automakers’ outstanding achievements for vehicles that are predicted to retain the highest percentage of their original price after a conventional three-year period.  Awards are given in 24 vehicle categories and also for the two brands with the highest overall predicted residual values among all mainstream and all premium vehicles.  This year’s awards are based on 2014 model year vehicles.

“The Mazda3’s combination of style, technology, fuel economy and fun-to-drive attitude makes it one of the most complete vehicles in the segment,” said Eric Lyman, Vice President of Editorial, ALG.  “With modest price increases, it’s poised to have the level of success that gave the first generation such incredible retention.”

Award winners are determined through careful study of the competition in each segment, historical vehicle performance and industry trends.  Vehicle quality, production levels relative to demand as well as pricing and marketing strategies present key factors that impact ALG’s residual value forecast.

Previous ALG Residual Value Awards winners for Mazda were the 2012 Mazdaspeed3 (Sporty Car), 2011 CX-9 (Mid-Size Utility) and 2010 Mazda3 (Compact Car).

On sale since September, the 2014 Mazda3 starts at $16,945^[2] MSRP and is offered with two engine choices, two transmissions, two body styles (four- and five-door) and a cornucopia of features and options not expected of the compact car segment, which will keep consumers (and their pocketbooks) happily impressed.

Completely redesigned, the 2014 Mazda3 features the full suite SKYACTIV technologies – an umbrella term for Mazda’s proprietary engineering of performance-oriented, fuel-saving engine, transmission, body and chassis components.  The brand’s best-selling vehicle worldwide with more than 3.5 million units sold, this third-generation model continues to defy convention with an EPA-rated 41 MPG, one of the best in the segment, as well as all-new technology with i-ACTIVSENSE safety-oriented segment-first features, the energy-conserving regenerative engine braking i-ELOOP and a savvy HMI/infotainment MAZDA CONNECT™ system.

The standard engine on i-designated trims (SV, Sport, Touring and Grand Touring) is the SKYACTIV-G 2.0-liter gasoline engine, which produces 155 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 150 lb-ft of torque at 4,000 rpm.  Fors-designated trims, the larger SKYACTIV-G 2.5-liter gasoline engine will be standard equipment and boasts 184 horsepower at 5,700 rpm and 185 lb-ft of torque at 3,250 rpm.

Fuel economy for all four-door models featuring the SKYACTIV-G 2.0-liter engine is rated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) at 29 city/41 highway/33 combined mpg (6MT) and 30 city/41 highway/34 combined mpg (6AT). Five-door models are EPA-rated at 29 city/40 highway/33 combined mpg with a manual transmission and 30 city/40 highway/33 combined mpg when equipped with an automatic.

The SKYACTIV-G 2.5-liter gasoline engine is reserved for s models, which are available only in Touring and Grand Touring trims.  At launch, the SKYACTIV-Drive six-speed automatic transmission will be the only transmission available, but the SKYACTIV-MT six-speed manual is confirmed to be offered at a later date.

EPA-estimated fuel economy for the s sedans is 28 city/39 highway/32 combined mpg.  Five-doors are estimated to achieve 27 city/37 highway/31 combined mpg, or 28 city/38 highway/32 combined mpg with i-ELOOP.  All i and s Mazda3 vehicles deliver their fuel economies equipped with standard temporary spare tire.

 

ACURA RDX RECEIVES 2014 ALG RESIDUAL VALUE AWARD

• Acura RDX earns residual value award for Premium Compact Utility Vehicle
• Acura Brand continues outstanding performance in annual ALG residual value study

The Acura RDX luxury crossover SUV has earned a 2014 ALG Residual Value Award by delivering the highest projected three-year resale value of any vehicle in the Premium Compact Utility Vehicle category.  According to ALG, the honor also recognizes the exceptional vehicle quality, strong brand desirability and long-tem reliability of the RDX.  Since 2000, Acura has earned seven model awards and three overall luxury brand awards from ALG.

As the leading provider of residual value information to the automotive industry, ALG’s annual Residual Value Awards honor the vehicles in each industry segment that ALG predicts will retain the highest percentage of their original price after a three-year period.

“We couldn’t be happier that Acura RDX has earned the ALG Residual Value Award for Premium Compact Utility Vehicles, as the RDX continues to earn the trust of record numbers of luxury SUV customers,” said Jeff Conrad, Vice President and General Manager of Acura.  “This honor suggests that ALG expects the Acura RDX to retain its value better than any other vehicle in its class.”

ALG determines the winners of its Residual Value Awards through careful study of the competition in each segment, historical performance and industry trends.  Further, ALG’s residual value forecasts are based on key factors including:  vehicle quality, production levels relative to demand, and pricing strategies.

 

TWO HYUNDAI MODELS RECEIVE ALG RESIDUAL VALUE AWARDS

Accent and Santa Fe Sport Ranked Highest in their Category

COSTA MESA, Calif., Nov. 18, 2013 – Hyundai’s commitment to improving residual value paid big dividends today when ALG, a subsidiary of TrueCar, Inc., released the winners of their 14^th annual Residual Value Awards. For the second year in a row, the Santa Fe Sport took top place in the midsize utility vehicle segment and the Accent placed best in the subcompact category.

“Hyundai has made great strides in residual values in recent years,” said Eric Lyman, vice president of Editorial, ALG. “The Accent and Santa Fe Sport are great examples of how the brand’s strong emphasis on feature content and value for the money helps avoid the use of purchase incentives, bolstering resale values and keeping owners happy when it comes time to sell their vehicles.”

ALG’s Residual Value Awards honor the vehicles in each segment that are predicted to retain the highest residual value percentage of their original MSRP after a conventional three-year ownership period. This year’s winners were chosen after consideration of segment competition, historical vehicle performance and industry trends.

“Hyundai is committed to becoming an industry leader in the areas of reliability, safety, design and cost of ownership, the primary components of value,” said Mike O’Brien, vice president, Product and Corporate Planning, Hyundai Motor America. “Receiving these awards from ALG acknowledges this promise to customer satisfaction, and speaks to Hyundai’s incredible value for money.”

These two ALG Residual Value awards join five others that Hyundai has received over the past three years. Santa Fe Sport, Azera and Elantra all received Residual Value honors last year. Elantra was also recognized by ALG for the 2011 and 2012 model years.

Now in its third-generation, the Santa Fe Sport is one of Hyundai’s most award-winning models. Built for today’s family, the vehicle showcases Hyundai’s cutting-edge capabilities through its bold design, impressive fuel economy, class-leading safety features and standard amenities. The Accent is Hyundai’s award-winning subcompact car, which continues to defy convention by offering extraordinary value and class-above features to subcompact car shoppers.

 

2014 KIA SOUL RECEIVES ALG RESIDUAL VALUE AWARD

Soul Retains Its Value Better Than Any Other Vehicle In Its Segment

• Soul tops the subcompact utility segment in 14^thannual awards by ALG
• Kia’s affordable halo car praised for its premium feel and value

IRVINE, Calif., November 19, 2013 – Kia Motors America’s (KMA) fun and funky urban hatchback, the all-new 2014 Soul, has received a Residual Value Award from ALG, a leading provider of data and consulting services to the automotive industry. The 2014 Soul is expected to retain 57 percent of its value after three years of ownership according to ALG’s November-December edition, surpassing the industry and segment average residual. Each year ALG recognizes vehicles that are predicted to best retain their value in their class, and Soul earned top honors in the subcompact utility segment with its premium feel and competitive pricing.

“Kia vehicles are well known for their value, and the Soul’s mix of personality, utility and affordability has made it a huge hit,” said Michael Sprague, executive vice president, marketing & communications, KMA. “Adding the ALG Residual Value Award to the Soul’s trophy case is a testament to the vehicle’s quality and appeal that stands up over time.”

ALG determines Residual Value Award winners based on a variety of factors including careful analysis of the automotive industry, the vehicle’s performance, quality and the overall price. With its iconic design, the all-new 2014 Soul offers markedly improved ride and handling, significantly reduced NVH, a suite of standard features and options – and now – the Soul is forecasted to retain its value better than any other vehicle in its class.¹

“The redesigned Kia Soul offers the economy of a small hatchback with increased utility and premium feel for the price,” said Eric Lyman, vice president of editorial for ALG. “Kia is a brand on the rise, and the Soul combines personality and value to deliver a product poised to retain its value over time.”

About the 2014 Soul
Instantly recognizable yet thoroughly fresh – with more than a passing nod to the hot Track’ster concept that was unveiled last year – the all-new 2014 Soul rides on a new chassis that is stiffer, longer and wider.  The Soul’s new dimensions allow for more passenger and cargo room while NVH levels have been reduced dramatically. Increased torque and significant suspension upgrades make the 2014 Soul a nimble and agile companion in congested urban environments and inside there is a long list of standard comfort and convenience features, including Bluetooth^®2 wireless technology and steering wheel-mounted controls.