The pricing pendulum swings both ways though.
As gasoline prices continue to drop, automakers are increasing incentives on alternative fuel vehicles – hybrids and pure EVs. Ford’s Focus Electric hatchback, which sells at an average of 16% off MSRP, leads January’s list of best savings on new vehicles, according to a web buying service. Discounts are generally in the -10% range.
Toyota’s Prius, the world’s best-selling hybrid 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% off the hybrid car’s $25,025 MSRP.
“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, the source of the data.
“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.”
