November 23, 1999 (The Editor’s Desk is updated each business day.)

Value of quality changes in 2000 model-year cars

The quality changes in 2000 model-year cars had a retail value of $169.05 on average, representing about 41 percent of the average $408.42 yearly increase in manufacturers’ suggested list prices.

[Chart data—TXT]

Of the $169.05 estimated retail level of quality change in domestic passenger cars, the bulk was due to non-mandated quality changes such as powertrain improvements, theft protection, safety improvements, and changes in levels of standard or optional equipment—non-mandated quality changes were valued at $153.79 on average.

Changes in accordance with 1990 Clean Air Act Amendments and with head impact protection standards accounted for $9.87 of the average value of quality change and safety changes for child seat tether anchors accounted for $5.39.

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 14 2000 model-year domestic passenger cars included in the Producer Price Index for October.