The Automobile Protection Association Issues Its Annual Review of the Auto Industry

Photo: Protegez-Vous

The APA released its annual new car ratings, timed to coincide with the launch of Protégez-Vous, Quebec's premiere consumer magazine. The Lemon-Aid English language new car ratings are available free on the APA’s website at www.apa.ca. The APA’s vehicle ratings are among the most complete available, and include information on the options that offer the best value for each model, price comparisons between popular models, and the APA’s unique reliability ratings based on consumer complaints and the accumulated knowledge of the APA’s experts in the field of automobile service and repair. Here are a few best bets for 2012: Honda Fit, Honda Civic, Toyota Matrix, Toyota Camry, Infiniti G Series, Volkswagen Golf GTI, Kia Rondo, Toyota Sienna, Subaru Forester, Honda CRV, Toyota Prius.

APA says now is a good time to buy
The impact from natural disasters in Japan and Thailand that impacted the supply of new vehicles last year has largely been overcome. Toyota and other Japanese carmakers have vowed to win back sales they lost to the Korean and domestic brands last year due to supply constraints. This should see good sales promotions continue through the spring and summer of 2012.

The tough U.S. fuel economy targets mandated by the Obama administration have lead to new fuel saving technologies. Even small cars are now coming with sophisticated 6-speed automatic transmissions that are as efficient as a conventional manual gearbox. Redesigned models have mostly stopped becoming more powerful and heavier, and the manufacturers are adopting new strategies that focus on fuel consumption. Surprisingly, in light of higher fuel prices, consumers seem very happy with a gas engine in a relatively conventional vehicle, or a diesel from Volkswagen. Sales of hybrids are steady but not spectacular; plug-in hybrids and all-electric vehicles are selling very slowly.

Rebates are currently running at very high levels with the manufacturers ramping up the competition in several market segments. Many APA-recommended models are currently subject to substantial price discounts and interest-rate rebates:

• For the Toyota Corolla, a rebate of up to $3,000 on cash purchases, or low interest financing for a 60 month loan
• Kia is offering $4,000 off on the Rondo people carrier, or a combined cash rebate and zero-interest-rate financing.
• The Santa Fe SUV has a $3,500 cash rebate, or zero percent financing up to 84 months
• $2,000 or $3,000 savings on the excellent Toyota RAV4 compact SUV, or low- interest-rate financing up to 72 months

APA says the used car market is in a period of more restricted supply that will see prices rise. New vehicle leasing collapsed in 2008, reducing the supply of lease returns coming into the market this year, and used car prices are up across the board. The APA says there are some good values out there, but you have to look harder.


_{As reported by the APA}