Infiniti and Subaru Assert Leadership Positions in ALG's Annual Canadian Residual Value Awards

Infiniti and Subaru recognized as top brands; Japanese brands take home awards in 16 of 21 Categories; Subaru takes home 4 awards, while Infiniti and Toyota net 3 each

TORONTO, Feb. 16, 2012 /CNW/ - Canadian International Auto Show -- ALG, the industry benchmark for residual values and a leading provider of automotive insights, today announced the results of its 4th annual Canadian Residual Value Awards, with Subaru and Infiniti earning the awards for top mainstream and luxury brands, respectively. Infiniti has won the Luxury Brand crown since the inception of the Canadian awards four years ago, while Subaru has received the Mainstream Brand award for the third consecutive year. Japanese models also continued their overall dominance of the awards, winning 14 of the 19 individual vehicle segments.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120216/LA51854LOGO)

ALG's Canadian Residual Value Awards honor the vehicles in each segment that are forecast to retain the highest percentage of their MSRP after a three-year period for luxury vehicles and a four-year period for mainstream vehicles. Winners were chosen after a careful evaluation of vehicle criteria, including segment competition, historical vehicle performance and industry trends. This year's awards are based on 2012 model year vehicles.

"Residual value is a complete indicator of value, taking into account quality, durability and brand desirability,"said Geoff Helby, Regional Director of ALG Canada. "These factors drive brand strength and profitability. I'm not sure we've ever seen a time with such volumes of competitive products. Vehicle buyers are experiencing a product value renaissance."

In addition to taking home the Mainstream Brand award, Subaru received awards in the Midsize Utility (Outback), Sporty Car (WRX/WRX STI) and Compact car (Impreza) categories. Both the Impreza and WRX STI have received their category award four consecutive years. The Mazda2 (Subcompact Car) is a first-time award winner in its segment.

"There's no doubt that, once considered a 'cult' brand, Subaru is proving it deserves mainstream recognition," said Helby. "Subaru has maintained consistently low fleet sales while minimizing incentives. Combined with increasing awareness, Subaru's products provide compelling value for consumers."

In addition to Infiniti's Luxury Brand award, the Infiniti QX56 and EX35 were also award winners in their respective segments. First time award recipients in the Luxury category include the Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class (Luxury Car), Audi A3 TDI (Luxury Alt-Fuel), and the EX35 (Luxury Compact Utility). The BMW 1 series has swept the Near Luxury category since the Canada RVA's inception.

"Infiniti delivers a combination of unique design and strong execution to deliver consumer value," said Helby. "The brand provides the luxury its customers expect with a certain ruggedness consumers desire. Their reputation among the luxury vehicle makers in Canada continues to drive performance."

Based in Santa Barbara, California, ALG is a leading provider of insights and consulting services to the automotive industry. ALG publishes the Automotive Lease Guide – the benchmark for residual value projections in North America, and has been forecasting automotive residual values for more than 45 years in both the U.S. and Canadian markets. For more information, visit www.alg.com.

Summary of 2012 Canadian Residual Value Award Recipients
Overall Brand Award Recipients
Mainstream Brand	Subaru
Luxury Brand	Infiniti
Mainstream Segment Award Recipients
Sub Compact Car	Mazda2
Compact Car	Subaru Impreza
Midsize Car	Toyota Camry
Fullsize Car	Nissan Maxima
Sporty Car	Subaru WRX/WRX STI
Alt-Fuel	Volkswagen Golf TDI
MPV	Honda Odyssey
Compact Utility	Honda CR-V
Midsize Utility	Subaru Outback
Fullsize Utility	Mazda CX-9
Midsize Pickup	Toyota Tacoma
Fullsize Pickup	Toyota Tundra
Luxury Segment Award Recipients
Near Luxury Car	BMW 1 Series
Luxury Car	Mercedes-Benz CLS-Class
Luxury Sportscar	Nissan GT-R
Luxury Alt-Fuel	Audi A3 TDI
Luxury Compact Utility	Infiniti EX35
Luxury Midsize Utility	Land Rover Ranger Rover Sport
Luxury Fullsize Utility	Infiniti QX56

SOURCE ALG

For further information:

Mike Cooperman, ALG, office, [phone], mobile, [phone], [email protected]

http://www.alg.com

http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120216/LA51854LOGO

PRN Photo Desk, [email protected]