Car Thieves Prefer Imports, Says CCC Information Services
3 March 1998
Car Thieves Prefer Imports, Says CCC Information Services
Toyotas and Hondas Top List of Most Stolen Vehicles
CHICAGO, March 3 -- 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, it's 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, Ill., 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.
MOST STOLEN VEHICLES REPORT
FOR 1997
Source: CCC Information Services Inc.
Rank Yr. Make Model Name
1 89 Toyota Camry
2 94 Honda Accord EX
3 90 Toyota Camry
4 95 Honda Accord EX
5 88 Toyota Camry
6 88 Honda Accord LX
7 90 Honda Accord EX
8 91 Toyota Camry
9 92 Honda Accord EX
10 95 Ford Mustang
11 96 Honda Accord LX
12 89 Honda Accord LX
13 90 Honda Accord LX
14 91 Acura Legend
15 87 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme
16 91 Honda Accord EX
17 89 Chevrolet Caprice
18 96 Toyota Corolla
19 96 Honda Accord EX
20 92 Honda Accord LX
21 87 Chevrolet Caprice
22 95 Toyota Camry LE
23 97 Ford F150 4X2
24 96 Toyota Camry LE
25 94 Honda Accord LX
SOURCE CCC Information Services, Inc.