Smart Motors: Hybrids offer “best value” for new-car buyers

Toyota Prius tops the list, costing half as much as an average car to operate

MADISON, WI. Increased news coverage and political debate about the importance of addressing climate change dovetails with reports of rising sales of hybrid vehicles and a recent Consumer Reports study suggesting that hybrids offer the best value for those buying a new vehicle, with the Toyota Prius ranking No. 1.

CR estimates that the Prius costs owners 49 cents per mile — less than half the cost of operating an average car. Americans in the heartland are keeping pace or pulling ahead of politicians and reviewers in recognizing the importance and value of conserving energy. At the Wisconsin’s oldest automotive vehicle dealer, Smart Motors, hybrids account for 40% of the dealership’s new vehicle sales through December 2012. Compare that to 2008, when only 25.2% of the dealership’s car sales came from hybrid vehicles, and their growing popularity and mainstream acceptance are clear.

“When these in-demand hybrids roll in, they almost immediately roll right out the door,” says Allen Foster, vice president/general manager of Smart Motors.

Not only do rising hybrid sales suggest the nation is ready to embrace energy-efficient products and programs, but stronger sales of cars in general and hybrids in particular are a leading indicator of our nation’s economic recovery. USA Today reports that if the industry can keep up its momentum, sales could climb back to 16 million in 2013 — on par with the best banner years of a decade ago.

“As the market begins to rebound, it’s obvious people are more aware, and are planning for the future with fuel-efficient hybrid vehicles like the Toyota Prius, Prius V, Prius C, Prius Plug-In, Camry hybrid, Highlander hybrid and Avalon hybrid” says Foster. “During the past few years, the entire auto industry saw customers scaling back on their purchases, but as 2012 came to a close, it was one of our strongest years. Hybrid vehicles have always been a solid product line for us, but it was exceptionally stronger last year.”

The demand is there to quite literally drive intense and quick sales. A $20,885 Prius C hybrid drives off the lot almost daily.

Smart Motors’ Foster is available to discuss the surge in hybrid sales from a number of angles:

* The features that gave the Toyota Prius the clear advantage in the CR study

* Why and how the auto industry has turned the corner, if the trend will continue into 2013, and what this means to the local economy

* Why hybrids sales have become mainstream, the models that offer the best bang for your buck, and the most popular models and features

* How buyers can protect their investment — do hybrids have different maintenance schedules and requirements?

* How to maximize a hybrid vehicle’s energy savings

About Smart Motors: Founded in 1908, Smart Motors is one of the nation’s oldest automotive dealerships and the Midwest’s largest hybrid dealer. In Wisconsin, Smart Motors is the No. 1 volume dealer for both Toyota and Scion. Located at 5901 Odana Road, in Madison, Smart Motors is Wisconsin’s only two-time President’s Cabinet Award recipient from Toyota Motor Sales for superior customer service and sales volume. For more information visit http://www.smarttoyota.com