Hyundai and Chevrolet Win Big in Kelley Blue Book’s 2012 Total Cost of Ownership Awards

While initial price is always a prime issue when purchasing a new vehicle, the ultimate “best deal” also entails considering a number of other significant factors that can have an equally meaningful impact on long-term out-of-pocket expenses.

Thanks to a study done by Kelley Blue Book, the world’s most experienced and trusted automotive pricing organization, we can compare beyond a car’s price tag and see the big picture cost of a vehicle over five years of ownership.  KBB’s annual comprehensive review factors in the following valuation criteria:  Fair purchase price (FPP), projected depreciation, financing costs, Insurance costs and state fees as well as the anticipated total cost of fuel, scheduled maintenance and repairs.

While this study is nothing new for KBB, this year they took it one step further and formally recognized the best-in-class entries with the inaugural Kelley Blue Book 2012 Total Cost of Ownership Awards, in conjunction with the 2012 Chicago Auto Show.

Among the esteemed winners were multiple models each from both Hyundai and Chevrolet.  The 2012 Hyundai Sonata was named best midsize car, with a 5-year ownership cost of $38,476.  Factors like its low insurance costs and supreme fuel economy helped the Sonata edge out the Kia Optima in second place.   Another win for the Korean automaker was the 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe, which took the ribbon in the crossover segment, with a 5-year ownership cost of just $42,628.  Thanks to the Santa Fe‘s low purchase price, low long-term depreciation, and low maintenance and insurance cost, it easily outpaced the Kia Sorento in this class.

2012 Hyundai Sonata Lowest Cost of Ownership Mid Size Car Category

2012 Hyundai Santa Fe Lowest Cost of Ownership Crossover Category

American-made Chevrolet vehicles also topped KBB’s awards list.  The 2012 Chevrolet Impala won in the category of full-size car, with a 5-year ownership cost of $47,957.  KBB cited its low purchase price and high fuel economy in gaining an advantage over the Ford Taurus competitor.  Also weighing in on the Chevy side was the 2012 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 in the full-size pickup truck category, with a 5-year ownership cost of $49,371.  The Silverado edged out the second place GMC Sierra 1500 with its fair purchase price, financing and insurance costs and state fees. Chevrolet made it a hat-trick with the 2012 Chevrolet Volt, which took the award in the electric car segment, with a 5-year ownership cost of $40,629.  The Volt‘s lower maintenance and insurance costs easily surpassed competitor Nissan LEAF to score the win.

2012 Chevrolet Impala Lowest Cost of Ownership Full Size Car Category

2012 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Lowest Cost of Ownership Full Size Pickup Truck Category

2012 Chevrolet Volt Lowest Cost of Ownership Electric Car Category

To see the full list of Kelley Blue Book’s winners, click here.

Hyundai and Chevrolet Among MSN’s Top 10 Full Size Fuel Sippers

With gas prices on a consistent rise, it’s no surprise that fuel efficiency has become a top concern for both automakers and consumers.  While compact cars are generally a standard go-to for excellent fuel economy, a recent survey by MSN Autos shows that you don’t necessarily need to go small to save big.  MSN’s list of the top 10 fuel efficient and affordable full-size sedans notably includes four vehicles which are offered right here at Rogers Auto Group.

#1: HYUNDAI SONATA
Mileage: 24 mpg city/35 mpg highway
Yearly fuel costs: $2,121

The 2011 Hyundai Sonata packs the most punch when ordered in base GLS trim with the 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine and 6-speed manual gearbox, though the SE and Limited upgrades also rate well in terms of fuel efficiency.  With its 198 horsepower, clean design, and assertive interior, the Sonata more than earns the number one spot in this survey.

#5: HYUNDAI AZERA
Mileage: 20 mpg city/28 mpg highway
Yearly fuel costs: $2,584

The 2011 Hyundai Azera offers a V6 engine and up to 283 horsepower in its Limited trim, bringing serious power along with its notable fuel efficiency.  The Azera also raises the bar on upscale amenities, with such standard equipment as dual-zone climate control and electroluminescent gauge readouts, and upscale options like leather interior and touch-screen navigation.

#6: CHEVROLET IMPALA
Mileage: 19 mpg city/29 mpg highway
Yearly fuel costs: $2,584

The 2011 Chevrolet Impala offers a roomy passenger cabin with seating for up to 6, along with a huge 18.6-cubic-foot trunk.  Aside from being one of the most spacious vehicles on MSN’s list, it is also both fuel efficient and powerful, with a 211-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 engine bringing an impressive 29 mpg highway.

#8: HYUNDAI GENESIS
Mileage: 18 mpg city/27 mpg highway
Yearly fuel costs: $2,827

The 2011 Hyundai Genesis is arguably the most flashy of the Hyundais on this list, providing both style and power along with its fuel economy.  The Genesis has a 290-horsepower 3.8-liter V6 engine that blasts it from zero to 60 in just 6.6 seconds, and its interior offers standard luxuries like heated leather seats, 14-speaker surround-sound audio, and dual climate controls.

GM Adds Two Shifts and 2,500 Jobs To Produce Chevrolet Malibu and Impala

General Motors announced last Wednesday that it is adding two shifts and about 2,500 hourly and salaried jobs at the Detroit-Hamtramck assembly plant to build the new Chevrolet Malibu mid-size sedan and the next-generation Chevrolet Impala large sedan alongside the Chevrolet Volt and Opel Ampera electric cars.  This is in addition to a $69 million investment in tooling and equipment to support the Impala, along with a $121 million investment back in April 2010 to support Malibu production.

GM North America President Mark Reuss said of this recent announcement: “Filling this plant with new work is very satisfying because GM is dedicated to helping rebuild this city.  We are confident in the flexibility of the plant, the excellence of our workers and the great cars assembled here.”

This announcement is part of GM’s plan to create or retain about 4,000 jobs and invest $2 billion in 17 manufacturing facilities in eight states. Other GM plants positively impacted recently include locations in Bowling Green, Ky., home of the Chevrolet Corvette, Toledo, Ohio, and Flint and Bay City, Mich. These moves are on top of 9,000 jobs saved or added and $3.4 billion invested in U.S. operations since mid-2009.

The jobs will mostly be filled by members of UAW (United Auto Workers) Local 22 in Detroit.  Joe Ashton, UAW vice president-GM Department, says that this workforce understands the important tasks at hand in this job field. “The members of UAW Local 22 soar over the bar every day by demonstrating their flexibility, hard work, and their intense focus on the customer.”

2011 Chevy Cruze by Rogers Auto Group

Get ready to Shift into Cruze Control: 2011 Chevy Cruze

The all New Chevy Cruze seeks to out do competitors in power, space and affordability. Take a peak inside.