MEDIA CONTACTS: Peter Duckler

HLB Communications, Inc.

312/649-0371

(Chicago, IL, February 27, 1998) -- Imports remain hot -- at least among American car thieves. In fact, foreign cars claim nine out of the top ten spots and twenty of the top 25 in 1997, according to the annual study of most frequently stolen cars and trucks conducted by CCC Information Services. With the exception of the 1995 Ford Mustang (which ranked tenth), Toyotas and Hondas hold the remaining top 10 positions. Toyota's 1989 Camry tops the list, with model years 1990, 1988 and 1991 ranking third, fifth, and eighth, respectively.

Last year's most stolen model, the Honda Accord remains a target as well, claiming twelve out of the top 20 slots, as it did in 1996. Interestingly enough, the Cutlass Supreme, which in 1996 held four out of the top 20 spots and in 1995 topped the most-stolen list, ranks only 15th in 1997. The 1989 Chevrolet Caprice is the only other domestic car to appear in the national top 20.

"This year's study reflects the growing popularity of foreign cars not only among consumers but also among car thieves," said Jack Rozint, senior vice president with CCC, which monitors stolen vehicles for the insurance industry. "It’s a case of supply and demand. The increasing popularity of a car with consumers means there are more of that particular model on the road and, in turn, a higher demand for parts. Unfortunately that includes stolen parts. This increased demand on the black market drives which vehicles car thieves target."

Not surprisingly, the most populous states have the highest number of vehicle thefts. California led the pack, followed by New York, Florida, Michigan, Texas, New Jersey and Illinois. As for the "safest" states for vehicles, they are North and South Dakota, Wyoming, Vermont, Alaska and Montana.

Other interesting regional highlights include:

• The only domestic vehicle to crack the top 20 in California is the 1985 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme (ranked 19th). Toyotas and Hondas comprise the rest of the list, with the Toyota Camry claiming all of the top five slots.
• Midwesterners still prefer to buy -- and steal -- American. Domestic vehicles dominate the top 10 lists for Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Ohio, Michigan and Missouri.
• In Texas, only one car -- Ford Mustang (model years 1995, 1994 and 1996) -- make the list; the rest of the top 20 are all Chevy and Ford trucks.

The CCC study identifies the 100 most frequently stolen vehicles over the past year and is based on an analysis of CCC's 1997 total loss insurance claims processed. In 1997, CCC valued on average over 7,000 vehicles each business day for leading property/casualty insurers in the U.S. and Canada. These vehicles, lost through theft or collision, represent the vast majority of the nation's total loss valuations.

CCC Information Services, Inc., headquartered in Chicago, IL, is the claims industry's leading supplier of advanced claims management, software and communication systems. Its value-added, technology-based products and services increase efficiency and facilitate communication among more than 350 insurance companies, 12,500 collision repair facilities, 4,000 auto dealerships and a range of business partners.