Top 10 News Items from 2009

Original Post: July 17, 2009

RICHMOND, VA – CarMax, Inc., a retailer of used cars, reports that searches on www.carmax.com for hybrid vehicles has risen 4 percent in June over May while diesel vehicle searches rose 7 percent over the same time period. Visits to the Fuel Economy section of carmax.com have risen 17 percent over May as consumers look for ways to improve their gas mileage.

Searches on www.carmax.com for hybrid vehicles have continued to rise for the past several months and are up 4 percent in June and 9 percent since March. Popular hybrid vehicles on carmax.com include the Toyota Prius, Lexus RX400h, and the Honda Civic hybrid. Hybrids combine a gasoline engine with an electric motor powered by batteries. The electric motor helps increase the engine’s fuel efficiency.

June searches for diesel-powered vehicles rose 7 percent and are up 12 percent over March figures. Popular diesel vehicles include the Ford F-350, Dodge Ram 3500, and the Volkswagen Jetta TDI. Currently marketed as “clean diesel,” these cars and trucks are often more fuel-efficient than the majority of other vehicles on the road.

The fuel economy section of carmax.com includes important information for customers who are interested in learning which are the most fuel-efficient cars as well as an MPG savings calculator. Customers interested in trading in their cars for a more fuel-efficient model can visit CarMax for a free appraisal. CarMax will provide a free written offer good for seven days without requiring a purchase.

“Online searches for hybrids and diesels indicate that customers are searching the CarMax inventory for the vehicles that have historically offered the best gas mileage,” said Ann Yauger, director of carmax.com. “Visitors to carmax.com can make use of flexible search criteria when looking for their next car. Whether it’s searching by MPG, model, price or specific feature, www.carmax.com makes it easy to find the perfect car.”

The CarMax Web site can be used to research information on new and used cars, including hybrids and diesels of various makes and models. The website showcases vehicles with multiple photos, the no-haggle price, and information on features, options, fuel economy and customer reviews.