November 26, 1999 (The Editor’s Desk is updated each business day.)

Value of quality changes in 2000 model-year light trucks

Quality changes in 2000 model-year light trucks had a retail value of $40.56 on average, representing about 10 percent of a $416.31 increase in manufacturers’ suggested list prices.

[Chart data—TXT]

Of the $40.56 estimated retail level of quality change in domestic light trucks, most of it ($33.31) was due to changes in accordance with 1990 Clean Air Act Amendments.

Safety changes for child seat tether anchors and for head impact protection accounted for $3.38 of the total value of quality changes. Non-mandated quality changes such as powertrain improvements, theft protection, other safety improvements, and changes in levels of standard or optional equipment accounted for $3.87 on average.

These data are a product of the BLS Producer Price Index program. Learn more in "Report on Quality Changes for 2000 Model Vehicles," news release USDL 99-324. The estimates on the value of quality changes were based on a sample of 19 2000 model-year domestic light trucks included in the Producer Price Index for October.