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, 4×2 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.
