November 24, 2006 (The Editor’s Desk is updated each business day.)

Quality changes in 2007 passenger cars and light trucks

The estimated retail equivalent value of quality changes for 2007 model year domestically produced passenger cars averaged $150.91.

[Chart data—TXT]

The estimated retail value of quality changes for passenger cars includes:

• $56.57 for safety improvements such as changes in airbags and tire pressure monitor systems;
• $94.34 for other quality changes, such as changes in audio systems, warranty changes, and changes in levels of standard or optional equipment.

The estimated retail equivalent value of quality changes for 2007 model year domestically produced light trucks averaged $392.10, which includes:

• $160.09 for federally mandated and non-mandated safety improvements such as tire pressure monitor systems, stability control, and airbag systems improvements;
• $58.01 for powertrain improvements;
• $174.00 for other quality changes, such as emissions improvements, warranty changes, changes to audio systems, and changes in levels of standard or optional equipment.

The analysis of quality improvements in passenger cars and light trucks is a product of the Producer Price Index (PPI) program. Estimates of the value of quality changes are based on a review by the BLS of data supplied by producers for similarly equipped 2006 and 2007 domestically produced models priced for the PPI. For more information, see "Report On Quality Changes For 2007 Model Vehicles," (PDF) news release UDSL 06-1973.