LA Auto Show Unveils ``Y Generation'' Dream Cars; Include Safety, Insurance Cost Factors When Car Shopping for Teens

    LOS ANGELES--Jan. 2, 2003--With industry estimates of the youth auto market as high as 60 million, auto manufacturers are rushing new models into production targeting the emerging "Y Generation" car buyers. The emphasis of these youth cars is on specs, style and speed.
    From souped-up showroom versions of the Ford Focus and Toyota Matrix to complete aftermarket car parts divisions such as MazdaSpeed, the youth trend is everywhere. But safety should be a priority for auto buyers, especially for cars intended for teenagers.
    According to a recent study, the number of teen drivers on California roads will increase from 2.4 million to more than 3 million by the year 2007. In California, teen drivers represent about 4 percent of the driving population, but are involved in 8.8 percent of all fatal collisions and 9.9 percent of all injury collisions, according to the California Highway Patrol.
    "A new wave of teen drivers will soon hit the road," said Candysse Miller, executive director of the Insurance Information Network of California. "Your teen may want to drive the newest 'hot wheels,' but be sure to factor safety into the mix."
    Crashworthiness tests can help set car shoppers' priorities, especially for the smaller and faster models marketed to teens. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (www.ibhs.org) offers families a comprehensive list of crash test performance. The list includes some of the newer and smaller models including the Volkswagen Beetle, the Mitsubishi Lancer and the Mini Cooper, all of which received the IIHS's "Best Pick" crash designation.
    When considering insurance costs, auto buyers will want to focus not only on crash test results, but also other safety features, the car's theft rate and the cost of repairs and parts. Consumer may check automotive theft rates through the National Insurance Crime Bureau (www.nicb.org). Vehicles with high theft rates, costly replacement parts or poor crash test performance typically cost more to insure.
    IINC is a non-profit, non-lobbying insurance trade association dedicated to helping consumers understand insurance and safety issues.

    EDITORS NOTE: IINC will have spokespeople available during the Los Angeles Auto Show to discuss this and other auto insurance issues. For more information or to schedule an interview, please call 213/738-5333.