Campbell, Calif. — PRIMEDIA’s IntelliChoice.com, an online source for automotive ownership cost and value analysis, announced the Environmental Protection Agency’s new gas mileage ratings should not be a primary concern for auto buyers considering hybrids and alternative fuel vehicles.

“The EPA’s new gas mileage ratings update a 24-year-old model for measuring fuel economy and have been anticipated for some time,” said James Bell, publisher of IntelliChoice.com. “We strongly support the new ratings, which will help consumers by estimating miles-per-gallon based on real-world driving conditions. The bottom line is that hybrids still provide the highest fuel economy when measured against respective vehicles in their class. According to the EPA, on average, there will be a 10 percent decrease on most vehicles.”

Bell emphasized that a vehicle’s overall value should be taken into account when considering a purchase and fuel economy is just one factor. IntelliChoice.com, which offers value rankings for all makes and models, calculates vehicle value based on repair, maintenance, resale value, insurance costs and government fees, in addition to fuel costs.

IntelliChoice.com’s recently announced Best Overall Value of the Year for model-year 2007 recognized several hybrid vehicles for their overall value, including the Toyota, which was ranked as the best car value under $23,000, and the Ford Escape, which was ranked as the best SUV under $28,000.

“We have been saying for some time that fuel economy is just one of the many appealing factors for hybrids,” said Bell. “Our value rankings take into account their many other strengths, such as resale value and high levels of quality.”

In-depth information about hybrid, alternative fuel and standard cars, SUVs and trucks can be found at www.IntelliChoice.com.