March 2, 2010

HUMMER Gals Love Consumer Brands

Women owning HUMMERs have a strong affinity for ten consumer brands in the USA.

AutoPacific's Research Suite database that annually collects the opinions of over 30,000 buyers of new cars and light trucks asked which of 27 brands a new owner would buy from. The results from AutoPacific's Consumer Brands Study clearly show the interrelationship between owners of auto brands and buyers of twenty-seven consumer brands like Walmart, Lowe's, Apple, Sony, Hugo Boss, Costco, McDonalds and more.

What the study shows is that you likely won't find a Porsche driven by a woman in a Walmart parking lot, but you are likely to find a Land Rover driven by a woman at an Apple Store. Using these data AutoPacific can develop clear profiles of the dynamics between these auto brands and consumer brands.

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Looking only at female buyers, HUMMER buyers were most likely to shop at Lowe's, Old Navy, The Gap, Walmart and to buy Coca Cola, Levi's, Axe, LG, HP and Hugo Boss.

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The only other brand that came close to HUMMER gals was Land Rover. They were tops in Polo, Methoc, Sony, Gucci, Hugo Boss and HP. They were also in the top five among Trader Joe's, Whole Foods, Apple, Starbucks, Costco and Louis Vuitton shoppers.


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December 10, 2009

Selling Smaller Cars in the US Won't be Child's Play

AutoPacific_VV.jpgAutoPacific, Inc. and SIGMA GmbH use Model-Level Social Milieus to Help Manufacturers Determine How to Make Small Cars Sell to US Consumers

TUSTIN, Calif. USA and MANNHEIM, Germany (December 9, 2009) - Tightening CAFE standards may force smaller cars on US car buyers who are not inclined to downsize. "Our research shows that, despite what the U.S. Government is telling us, few Americans want to downsize to smaller cars," says George Peterson, President of AutoPacific, "Finding more buyers inclined to purchase smaller cars will not be easy."

For years, the US automobile industry has relied heavily on analyzing demographic factors in order to segment the marketplace, and sell consumers vehicles with different characteristics. Traditional socio-demographic targeting using variables such as sex, age, education or income, has been the norm. While many manufacturers have tried to create independent systems for segmenting the market, the results are often short-lived, and lack a global perspective in an industry that clearly must design and sell vehicles on a global level.

Continue reading "Selling Smaller Cars in the US Won't be Child's Play" »


December 3, 2009

Do Green Cars Really Add Up?

AutoPacific_VV.jpgReconciling Consumer Expectations with Reality Won't be Easy

TUSTIN, Calif. (December 2, 2009) -- A study released today by automotive research firm AutoPacific shows that while consideration for alternative fueled vehicles is on the rise, it is often driven by economic forces, rather than consumer desire to help the planet. "We have witnessed that hybrid consideration increased with fuel price, until people became used to higher fuel prices," says Jim Hossack, Vice President of AutoPacific. "Fuel prices have settled down in 2009 and so has demand for hybrid vehicles"

Going green will not be a walk in the park. Hybrid considerers are 10 percentage points more likely than gasoline considerers to agree with the statement, "I am prepared to pay a higher price for an environmentally friendly vehicle." This is even truer for plug-in hybrid considerers (+17 percentage points) and pure electric considerers (+ 19 percentage points). However, they plan to pay between $2,000 and $5,000 less on their next vehicle than gasoline considerers. "Clearly, there is a disconnect here. While green car considerers indicate that are willing to pay more, they are actually budgeting less for their next car. This needs to be reconciled, or alternative fueled vehicles may stall in the marketplace," said Hossack.

Continue reading "Do Green Cars Really Add Up?" »


October 21, 2009

Generation Y Open To New Brands, New Technology And Hybrids

Survey Shows Generation Y Frequently Multitasking While Driving

AutoPacific_VV.jpgTUSTIN, Calif. (October 21, 2009) -- Willing to embrace new brands, new technology and alternative powertrains, Generation Y will redefine the automotive market. A just released study on Generation Y new vehicle buyers in the United States shows Generation Y consumers are more likely than the generations before them to consider purchasing a Chinese or Indian branded vehicle, more willing to accept hybrid powertrains, and more likely to want the latest entertainment technology in their vehicle. As the largest generation since the Baby Boomers continues to gain spending power and enter the new-car market, which automakers will win their confidence? AutoPacific's study underscores the opportunities for automakers to reach Generation Y consumers as they move through their Teen, Young Adult and Young Family life-stages.

"Growing up with continuously evolving technology and electronics has given Generation Y a unique ability to adapt easily to change, a willingness to accept new brands, and an expectation that their vehicle provide the best of what is available," said George Peterson, president of AutoPacific, the research firm that conducted the study. Though many Generation Y consumers would choose a trip around the world over a luxury vehicle, Generation Y does expect that the vehicle they buy will be more than just basic transportation. "Generation Y is more likely than older generations to own portable electronics, more likely to research their vehicle options on the Internet, and an astonishing 29%points more likely to frequently multi-task while driving. They know what's out there, they know the economical and environmental problems we face, and their vehicle expectations reflect that knowledge."

Continue reading "Generation Y Open To New Brands, New Technology And Hybrids" »


September 9, 2009

Small Cars, Big Market?

AutoPacific_VV.jpgSurvey Shows What Buyers Want - And Their Hesitation to Think Small

TUSTIN, Calif. (Sept. 9, 2009) - A just released study on the future of small cars in the United States shows American consumers are increasingly interested in smaller cars, but with reservations about size and features. The study underscores the challenge automakers face in trying to meet government mandated improvements in fuel economy while still delivering what consumers want and will buy. Many carmakers have recently introduced new, smaller cars to the market and are launching more in the future.

"Our research indicates that American car buyers are definitely willing to buy a more fuel-efficient car, but that they don't want it to be much smaller than what they are driving today," said George Peterson, president of AutoPacific, the research firm that conducted the study. "Tomorrow's successful small car won't be tiny. It will be reasonably sized, have increased fuel economy, adequate performance and a full load of customer features."

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August 11, 2009

Motorist Choice Awards Reveal Vehicles That Please Both Hearts And Minds

vv_intellichoice_autopacific_mca.jpgAwards Show Consumers Enjoy Luxury and Size
(August 11, 2009) -- Right brain, left brain; the practical versus the emotional -- an age-old dilemma often at the center of decision making when buying a new car or truck. The 2009 Motorist Choice Awards recognize new cars and trucks that give their owners both economic and emotional satisfaction, helping new-car buyers find vehicles that best satisfy all of their personal-transportation needs. The fourth annual Motorist Choice Awards survey, announced today, scores 196 cars, trucks, crossovers and SUVs. With the top overall scores in both owner satisfaction and value, the Lexus LS placed highest of any 2009 model year vehicle.

Large and luxury vehicles dominated this year's results. The top 34 ranked cars, and 106 of the top 107, are large cars, luxury cars, sport utility vehicles, crossover SUVs or minivans. Only one small car, the BMW 1-Series, scored in the top 100, landing in the 35th slot. Toyota Prius is the next-highest-scoring small car, coming in 107th.

Awards are given for top-scoring vehicles scoring in each of twenty-three segments, as well as for the top-scoring brand. Nine manufacturers earned segment wins, led by Toyota with nine awards (including three for Lexus), followed by General Motors with six (Chevrolet 4, Cadillac 2), Honda with three, and Chrysler with two (Dodge 1, Jeep 1). Audi, Ford, Hyundai, Nissan and Volkswagen took top honors in one segment each.

(And check out our video on YouTube.)

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July 28, 2009

Americans Open to Vehicles From China And India

Untitled1.jpgNew Study Shows Willingness to Accept Unknown Brands

Tustin, CA (July 28, 2009) -- Newly released research shows fifteen percent of new car buyers in the United States say they would consider purchasing their next vehicle from China, and eleven percent would consider buying a car from India, without knowing specific brands or vehicles. This compares with sixteen percent who said they would consider a vehicle from Korea, which has been marketing vehicles in the U. S. since the 1980s.

"As Hyundai and Kia have been on the American scene for decades now, it's surprising that consideration for Chinese and Indian brands, sight unseen, would be about as strong as it is for the Korean brands," said George Peterson, president of automotive research firm AutoPacific and author of the study. "However, with so many premium and high-tech non-automotive products already being made in China and purchased by Americans, why not automobiles too? It appears that buyers in America are willing to give Chinese and Indian vehicles a chance right out of the box. Understanding these consumers will be critically important to the success of any newcomer."

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July 14, 2009

Americans Keeping Their Cars Longer

Untitled1.jpgThose Intending to Keep Car More than Four Years Up Over 12 Percent

TUSTIN, Calif. (July 14, 2009) -- An annual survey of new vehicle buyers shows a significant increase in the number of people planning to hold onto their cars and trucks. In 2005, just over 46 percent of new car acquirers indicated they would not be shopping for a new vehicle for four years or more; in the just completed survey that number has risen to about 59 percent -- an increase of almost 13 percent. At the same time, the number of people intending to replace their vehicle within the next 2 years has fallen.

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June 29, 2009

2009 AutoPacific Ideal Vehicle Awards Announced

AutoPacificIVA_vv.jpgU.S. Auto Makers Score Most Wins In Meeting Consumer Expectations According To Autopacific's 2009 Ideal Vehicle Awards
Survey of 32,000 Consumers Reveals Vehicles that Meet or Exceed Expectations

TUSTIN, Calif. (June 29, 2009) -- Porsche and Ford Motor Company earned top honors in the 2009 Ideal Vehicle Awards (IVA), announced today by automotive research firm AutoPacific. The IVAs are based on owners' ratings of their new 2009 model year cars and trucks across 15 key vehicle attributes. The cars or trucks that owners would change the least are the most ideal.

"In today's economy, car buyers take many factors into consideration -- styling, safety features, fuel economy and more," says George Peterson, president of AutoPacific. "IVA winners deliver the most of what consumers are really looking for in their vehicles."

"While some measurements barely differentiate between the highest and lowest-ranked vehicles, the Ideal Vehicle Awards clearly show which carmakers are providing the attributes car buyers want," says Peterson. "Looking at segment wins and top overall honors, shoppers can use the IVAs as a benchmark for vehicles that are designed and built with customers just like them in mind. In fact, AutoPacific owner research also shows that IVA-winning vehicles achieve higher overall satisfaction from their owners."

Continue reading "2009 AutoPacific Ideal Vehicle Awards Announced" »


June 17, 2009

Survey Indicates Ford Benefits From Troubles Of Others And Not Taking Bailout

07AnnualMtg_9387_HR.jpgPublic Responds Positively to Ford's Actions, but Some Still Have Reservations
TUSTIN, Calif. (June 17, 2009) -- American consumers' opinions about Ford Motor Company have been positively influenced by the company's decision not to accept government bailout funds, and by the bankruptcy filings of rivals General Motors and Chrysler. Automotive research and analysis firm AutoPacfic conducted an online survey of more than 900 U.S. consumers regarding their purchase intent and opinions of individual car companies. Highlights include:

* Asian and European manufacturers scored highest when the survey asked "How concerned are you about buying/leasing a vehicle from" a particular maker, with an average of 61% "Not concerned at all." Ford scored 48%, far ahead of GM's 15% and Chrysler's 14%.

Continue reading "Survey Indicates Ford Benefits From Troubles Of Others And Not Taking Bailout" »


June 11, 2009

Ford Benefits from GM/Chrysler Bankruptcies

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The Detroit Big Three soon will consist of the New General Motors, New Chrysler and Old Ford, or better... the New Old Ford. Ford has benefited from a major restructuring begun with the arrival of Alan Mulally in 2006. Like most other automakers today, their sales are way down and they are hemorrhaging cash at an alarming rate. But they seem to have a plan. They have a viable short term product plan, have aggressively rightsized their organization and have not taken federal bailout money and have not undergone bankruptcy, It's a wonder that all sounds like good news.

A VehicleVoice Internet survey of over 900 respondents in the field from June 3 through June 8 asked several questions concerning Ford's position in the market while General Motors and Chrysler are in bankruptcy...

Continue reading "Ford Benefits from GM/Chrysler Bankruptcies" »


June 9, 2009

Bankruptcy Makes Americans Skeptical of GM and Chrysler

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A just-completed national survey shows American consumers are skeptical of the U.S. government's involvement in the auto industry, with 81 percent of respondents agreeing that the faster the government gets out of the auto business, the better.

Following General Motors' Chapter 11 bankruptcy announcement last week, automotive research and analysis firm AutoPacific conducted an online survey regarding government involvement in the auto industry. Highlights from this survey of more than 900 U.S. consumers include:

• Eighty-one percent of the respondents AGREE that the faster the government gets out of the auto business, the better.

Continue reading "Bankruptcy Makes Americans Skeptical of GM and Chrysler" »


May 19, 2009

AutoPacific Rising Star Winner - Hyundai

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Hyundai is the winner of the first Rising Star Award from AutoPacific. The Rising Star Award is given to the brand climbing the most positions in AutoPacific's Vehcile Satisfaction Award research. Hyundai climbed eleven positions year-to-year. This is testament to Hyundai Motor America and Hyundai dealers selling vehicles that satisfy their customers and good customer handling at the dealerships.

Hyundai had two category winning vehicles - the Hyundai Genesis won the Aspirational Luxury Car Category and the Sonata won the Premium Mid-Size Car Category.

Other Rising Stars were Infiniti climbing ten positions and Mercury climbing nine.


May 12, 2009

Would You Recommend Your Car To A Friend?

AutoPacific's Research Reveals the Most Highly Recommended Vehicles

TUSTIN, Calif. (May 12, 2009) -- Who do you go to for advice when buying a new car? What about owners themselves? AutoPacific has just analyzed recommendation intentions from 25,000 new-car owners, and the results offer interesting insights.

AutoPacific, which has provided automotive analysis to carmakers since 1986, bases its findings on a just-completed comprehensive survey of more than 25,000 consumers who purchased or leased new cars or light trucks in the period from September to December 2008.

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"Typically, car buyers are very pleased when they first drive their new car off the dealer lot. But just as a vehicle's worth depreciates over time, some car owners' level of confidence depreciates," says George Peterson, president of AutoPacific. "We have quantified their level of confidence to see which new car owners will recommend their model most and this is information which will help new car shoppers make informed, confident buying decisions. While many owners can be happy with their new cars, it takes another level of confidence to recommend it."

Continue reading "Would You Recommend Your Car To A Friend? " »


May 5, 2009

Research Shows Moms Lead The Way In Using Hi-Tech Conveniences

Think Minivan Moms are Behind the Times? Think Again.

TUSTIN, Calif. (May 5, 2009) -- The stereotype would have us expect that today's moms, often drivers of minivans or SUVs, care more about a Diaper Genie than the latest techno-gadgets. Time to catch up with today's driving mom.

In fact, today's moms find the convenience and connection the latest technology provides valuable. Of eleven electronic technologies important to new-car buyers that are measured by AutoPacific, a marketing research company based in Tustin, California, moms have a higher ownership in seven of the categories than the general car-buying population. These include wireless computer networks, Bluetooth cell phones, digital video recorders, video game consoles, Blackberries, and MP3 players. But Apple iPods are where moms are really out front. In ownership of the popular music and video device, moms lead men and female vehicle owners who are not moms by twelve percentage points.

"The lesson here is to look at the data before making assumptions," says George Peterson, president of AutoPacific. "Clearly, moms are very interested in using the latest technology. Moms are multi-taskers at the highest level and desire convenient technologies that allow them to safely accomplish their daily routine, while also making sure that the latest Hannah Montana song is available at the push of a button."

Continue reading "Research Shows Moms Lead The Way In Using Hi-Tech Conveniences" »


April 17, 2009

From Model Ts To Microprocessors -- How Cars Have Changed

Today's Consumers Expect More Features in Their Vehicles as Technology Grows

TUSTIN, Calif. (April 15, 2009) -- You have some free time. You decide to plug in the laptop and surf the Internet using your wireless connection. After a few minutes you grab a cold soda out of the refrigerator, recline your seat and decide to watch some satellite television. And you've done all of this in a parking lot waiting for your child's soccer practice to end.

Today many comforts of home as well as their technologies are available in your car, so you never have to be far from the entertainment, information and luxuries you enjoy. This is quite a departure from the days of the Model T Ford when cars weren't even equipped with fuel gauges or electric starters. Some of today's cars can be started with the push of a button from yards away.

"Features that were once the stuff of science fiction are now common on even entry-level cars," said George Peterson, President and CEO of AutoPacific, a Tustin, Calif. automotive research firm which has been conducting consumer insight research since 1986. "The newest, most advanced features usually appear first on luxury vehicles and then migrate throughout as the technology becomes less expensive. Our research has revealed there is strong and growing demand for all types of new technology in vehicles, with safety features having the most demand.. For example, many drivers are interested in vehicles that will stop themselves in emergency situations, warn you when other cars are too close, or even parallel park themselves."

Continue reading "From Model Ts To Microprocessors -- How Cars Have Changed" »


April 7, 2009

Job #1 at Ford: Debt Reduction

Ford-dealership.jpgIn the midst of ongoing media attention aimed at the auto industry in general and the Detroit "Big Three" specifically, some positive and important news emerged this week as Ford announced it had reduced its debt load by just under $10 billion dollars. The Detroit automaker said it was spending $2.4 billion in cash, in addition to 468 million shares to improve its balance sheet and distance it from federal aid.

The news is seen as important, because buyers are reluctant to step off the sidelines, even with incentives and greatly reduced pricing. A just-completed AutoPacific online survey showed that buyers are disappointed by automakers taking bailout funds and that Ford tops their choice options in U.S. vehicles, in part due to its ability to avoid an Uncle Sam handout. The same survey respondents indicated they were unlikely to purchase vehicles from either GM or Chrysler.

Continue reading "Job #1 at Ford: Debt Reduction" »


April 3, 2009

Survey Shows Public Very Aware Of Auto Industry Troubles And Not Inclined To Buy

AutoPacific Research Indicates Balance of Year May Continue to be Difficult for Car Companies

TUSTIN, Calif. (April 3, 2009) -- A national Internet survey conducted between March 31 and April 1 reveals that the American public is extremely aware of the current challenges facing the American automobile industry and the Obama administration's actions to confront them. Only three percent in the survey said they were not aware of the billions of dollars in government loan guarantees made to General Motors and Chrysler, 94 percent knew that both companies had been required to submit viability plans in hopes of receiving additional government aid, and 89 percent were aware that the White House had declared neither plan represented "a credible path to viability." The survey findings were the result of over 700 responses.

Continue reading "Survey Shows Public Very Aware Of Auto Industry Troubles And Not Inclined To Buy" »


March 25, 2009

You Can Depend on Detroit - AutoPacific Response to Editorial

The March 23 Los Angeles Times editorial 'You can depend on Detroit" hits the mark; today's auto industry is a tremendously competitive place. Consumers can now choose cars and trucks from domestic (Detroit) automakers that match the quality and reliability of vehicles from Japanese or European makers. So why won't Americans buy American cars?

Buyers have long memories. In the late '70s through the early '90s American manufacturers dropped the ball in product quality, reliability and customer service. While those problems have largely been corrected, the stark reality is that many people were burned during those years and they will forever be biased against the Detroit Big Three. Parents have influenced their children. Friends have influenced neighbors. Worrisome for the domestic makers, many Americans today have never, never owned an American car. They have no point of reference or familiarity with today's domestic offerings.

During the auto industry bailout testimony by the Detroit Big Three, Senator after Congressman castigated the DB3 management for selling vehicles Americans did not want to buy. Based on AutoPacific research, it is the government officials who are out of touch with today's reality, not the U.S. automakers. In fact, in AutoPacific's most recent research with owners of new cars and trucks, and echoed by other automotive researchers, both General Motors and Ford Motor Company products won more than their fair share of awards for satisfying their customers and developing vehicles ideal for their target customers.

Lexus builds outstanding vehicles supported by a great dealership experience. But its position atop durability studies is not unassailable. Today, American consumers have terrific choices - foreign AND domestic.


October 2, 2008

September 2008 Fuel Survey

So, what's happening out there?

The results of the September, 2008 fuel survey are now in. Some of the highlights, after the jump:

Continue reading "September 2008 Fuel Survey" »


August 23, 2008

July 2008 Fuel Price Survey Results

July, 2008, Much Like May, 2008

The July fuel price survey was in the field from July 9 to 14, and 1,248 respondents participated. Essentially, the news from early July is much the same as the news from the May, 2008 survey, but significantly different from a year ago.

The median price paid for fuel was $3.89 in July, up only 10 cents over the last two months, but up $1.06 over August, 2007.

Respondents were asked about their current vehicle segment and the vehicle segment they would select if they were to replace their current vehicle. The increase in consideration for Small Cars was 11% last August, 54% in May, 2008 and 60% in July, 2008. Segments suffering a decline in consideration include: SUVs (-37%), Pickup Trucks (also -37%), Large/Luxury Cars (-23%), and Minivans (-20%).

Based on the responses to current and preferred replacement powertrain questions it is clear that there is somewhat greater interest in diesel engines (+180%) and a huge increase in hybrid consideration (+780%). The diesel and hybrid consideration is much the same in July and May of this year, but relative to last August, diesel consideration has declined (perhaps reflecting higher diesel prices) while hybrid gasoline interest has increased. As might be expected, 4-cylinder consideration is on the increase while interest in 6 and 8 cylinder engines continues to decrease.

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July 24, 2008

Top Brands in Vehicle Satisfaction for 2008

Each year AutoPacific identifies the Brand and individual vehicles that top all others in vehicle satisfaction: The Vehicle Satisfaction Awards. AutoPacific’s Vehicle Satisfaction Award (VSA) is an industry benchmark for objectively measuring how satisfied an owner is with their new passenger car or light truck. Owner satisfaction is measured across 46 specific areas related to a vehicle's operation, comfort, safety and the overall purchase/lease experience. The 2008 ratings reflect input from 33,500 buyers and lessees of new vehicles acquired September through December 2007.

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2008 Vehicle Satisfaction Award top brand honors went to Cadillac, while other luxury brands such as Lexus, Mercedes-Benz and Porsche also had strong showings. But what does it mean to have a top brand? Though calculations single out one brand as having the highest overall score, each individual attribute also has its own top scorer. Sometimes the detail underneath it all can have just as much, if not more, meaning than the final outcome.

Continue reading "Top Brands in Vehicle Satisfaction for 2008" »


June 30, 2008

AutoPacific Announces 2008 Ideal Vehicle Awards

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Tustin, California, June 30, 2008 – An “ideal” is defined as an excellent or perfect example. In the annual Ideal Vehicle Awards (IVA), announced today by automotive research and consulting firm AutoPacific, owners rate their new 2008 model year cars and trucks by how close they come to their ideal, as measured by 15 key vehicle attributes. The cars or trucks that owners would change the least are the most ideal.

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June 2, 2008

May 2008 Fuel Price Survey Results

Rate of Change Skyrockets!
The results for the May, 2008 edition of AutoPacific's internet fuel price survey are now in. The survey was conducted from May 13 to May 24, and has more than 1,400 respondents. The results are dramatic - just as auto sales (or the lack of them) have been dramatic and the shift in product mix in the last few months has been dramatic.

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Continue reading "May 2008 Fuel Price Survey Results" »


May 29, 2008

AutoPacific Announces 2008 Vehicle Satisfaction Awards

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Cadillac Top Brand, Mercedes-Benz S-Class Top Car, Toyota Sequoia Top Truck and Top Vehicle

Tustin, California, May 29, 2008 - A study released today by noted automotive consulting firm AutoPacific, Inc. summarizes the results of its 2008 model year vehicle satisfaction research. AutoPacific's Vehicle Satisfaction Award (VSA) is an industry benchmark for objectively measuring how satisfied an owner is with their new passenger car or light truck.

In a year that promises to be the toughest in a decade, owner-based awards like AutoPacific's Vehicle Satisfaction Award will help customers make their purchase decisions.

The brand with the highest satisfaction rating is Cadillac. The vehicle - car or truck - registering highest overall satisfaction in 2008 is the new-for-2008 Toyota Sequoia Large Sport Utility Vehicle. The passenger car with the highest overall satisfaction score is the Mercedes-Benz S-Class.

There are twenty-eight Vehicle Satisfaction Award categories. At the manufacturer level, multiple top ranked award winners include: General Motors (eleven categories), Toyota (nine categories), Ford (six categories), Volkswagen (four categories), Honda (three categories) and Hyundai (two categories).

"Cadillac wins the Vehicle Satisfaction Award as the top brand in a close race. Strong satisfaction performance by Cadillac cars and trucks has Cadillac winning over other leading luxury marques including Lexus, Mercedes-Benz, and BMW says AutoPacific president George Peterson. "Top ranked finishes by Cadillac's Escalade, CTS and DTS helped cement their industry topping position."

Peterson continues, "Vehicles that are all new received top rankings in several categories: Cadillac CTS, Honda Accord, Mitsubishi Lancer, Scion xD, Toyota Sequoia, Audi Q7, Buick Enclave, Hyundai Veracruz, GMC Acadia, Saturn Vue and Nissan Rogue. These new-for-2008 vehicles were strongly rated by their owners showing that the industry continues to improve as new vehicles are added to the hotly contested American car and light truck markets."

From a vehicle type perspective, Traditional Sport Utility Vehicles received the highest ratings as a class closely followed by Crossover Sport Utility Vehicles. Peterson says, "Clearly, SUVs continue to be one of the most popular and satisfying vehicle types available in the USA today. Even with skyrocketing gas prices, SUVs are attractive and Crossover SUVs fill the bill for most SUV buyers with better fuel economy." Cars scored slightly below industry average followed by minivans and pickup trucks.

Continue reading "AutoPacific Announces 2008 Vehicle Satisfaction Awards" »