CAMPBELL, CA – IntelliChoice announced the results of its first-annual, mid-year “Cost of Ownership” analysis, known as IntelliChoice “Best Bets.” IntelliChoice identifies vehicles from the upcoming model-year that the group judges will demonstrate high potential for achieving value over time.

IntelliChoice’s “Best Bets” for the 2012 model year are as follows:

• Audi A3

• Audi A6

• Audi R8

• Cadillac CTS Sedan

• Chevrolet Camaro SS

• Chevrolet Corvette

• Chevrolet Equinox

• GMC Terrain

• Honda Civic

• Hyundai Tucson

• Infiniti M35h/M37

• Lincoln MKZ Hybrid

• Nissan Altima 4 cyl. Sedan

• Scion xB

• Toyota Highlander

• Volkswagen Golf

• Volvo C30

• Volvo C70

• Volvo XC70

“Best Bet” accolades were awarded to 17 models from 13 manufacturers.  Audi, Chevrolet, and Volvo each had three models in the group.

To determine the 2012 Best Bets, IntelliChoice compared each new vehicle model to the currently available same-model-year vehicles in its respective competitive set. IntelliChoice said the basis for expected ownership costs used to derive “Best Bets” includes current assumptions for depreciation, costs for fuel, financing, insurance, repairs, and maintenance, as well as state fees for all applicable 2012-MY competitors. IntelliChoice said it will update these estimates again at the end of the year for Best Overall Value of the Year (BOVY) consideration when the group said it will analyze more than 1,800 vehicle makes, models and trim levels.

When reviewing potential winners, IntelliChoice analyzes data from auto manufacturers, the U.S. government, and third-party data resources to estimate the actual costs of ownership for new vehicles over a five-year period. It then assigns a value rating to each vehicle and compares that rating to the competitive set in each class. IntelliChoice then uses this methodology to determine accolades in the annual Best Overall Value of the Year, Best Bets, Smart Choice, and Motorist Choice award series.