Who the heck believes THIS survey? I sure don't!

Where did they do this survey?

Little Rock Arkansas?

Ford 500 and Chevrolet Cobalt?

Yea, right!

See the survey results below...

Domestic Launches Creating Most Buzz, Mercedes-Benz CLS Universally Viewed as Sophisticated

New-vehicle launches creating the most buzz differ greatly by demographic and vehicle consideration groups, according to the 2006 AutoVIBES Demographics reports, now available from online research leaders Harris Interactive® and Kelley Blue Book Marketing Research. The annual AutoVIBES Demographics series of reports provide significant insight into the diverse vehicle shopping preferences and opinions of different age groups, ethnicities and segment consideration groups.

*Click on the photos to enlarge



AutoVIBES examined 49 new-nameplate launches in 2005, 25 of which were domestics. Car-buyers in 14 demographic/vehicle consideration groups rated 12 domestics and only two imports as being the most buzz-worthy.

"Domestic manufacturers have recently introduced some exciting new products that are catching the eye of many consumers," said Jack R. Nerad, executive editorial director and market analyst for Kelley Blue Book and kbb.com. "The highly-anticipated Dodge Charger is making waves among buyers in many different demographics."

The new AutoVIBES study also shows vehicle shoppers of all generations see domestic vehicles as the most buzz-worthy, although each generation rates a different domestic vehicle in the top spot. The youngest age-group surveyed, Generation Y, and the oldest age-group surveyed, Pre-Boomers, had only one vehicle in common on their top five buzz list: Dodge Charger.



Source: Harris Interactive

dblo7 - 6/1/2006 1:05:17 AM

+1 Boost

Don't fault 001....He is still getting over buying a new Porche and can't help bash domestics (especially the Vette). Commie bastard! lol

Redwood - 6/1/2006 12:04:41 PM

+1 Boost

I once had a girlfriend (Gen Y) that aspired to have a brand new Chevrolet Cavalier. My current girlfriend (Gen X like me) wants an M3 or M6, which I unfortunately can't buy her. Remember, there are people out there that are NOT into cars like the readers of this site and they have a completely different perspective than we do. I do have to wonder about the Ford 500 though. Fusion maybe, but not the 500. I do like the looks of it and the interior is nice (sat in it at the auto show), but it needs that new 3.5 V-6 installed.

Hyundai - 6/1/2006 1:31:25 PM

+1 Boost

It really makes you consider the validity, or even authenticity, of the survey when "Truck Considerers'" top rank is a car, the Charger, and "Hybrid Considerers'" top rank is a gas-powered sedan, the Charger.

Does anybody else notice this and get the same impression as I do? If their end results are completely off then that means that their process is flawed as well.

mkk21 - 6/1/2006 4:05:20 PM

+1 Boost

Where did they do this survey? They must have gone in the midwest because there is no way the people out here on the west coast would ever choose these vehicles. Especially with so much people with their BMW's and Benz's.

Steve - 6/1/2006 11:56:39 PM

+1 Boost

Demographics don't amount to a hill of beans because within any age group segment (e.g., 30-40 year old males), you will find members from all walks of life.

BMW has based their marketing on psychographics, which reflect values and hehavior, regardless of age, ethicity, etc. It's only one reason why BMW is such a successful company, GM is awed by them as are non-auto business leaders.

Before you conclude that I believe the sun shines from BMW's butt, I don't care for their styling, and I don't like the fact that they require a fair bit of expensive maintenance and repairs annually. But they did't become the world's biggest luxury car maker by accident.

Steve - 6/1/2006 11:56:39 PM

+1 Boost

Demographics don't amount to a hill of beans because within any age group segment (e.g., 30-40 year old males), you will find members from all walks of life.

BMW has based their marketing on psychographics, which reflect values and hehavior, regardless of age, ethicity, etc. It's only one reason why BMW is such a successful company, GM is awed by them as are non-auto business leaders.

Before you conclude that I believe the sun shines from BMW's butt, I don't care for their styling, and I don't like the fact that they require a fair bit of expensive maintenance and repairs annually. But they did't become the world's biggest luxury car maker by accident.

mkk21 - 6/2/2006 10:55:55 AM

+1 Boost

My mistake e--s--f. I keep forgetting that Chicago is considered part of the midwest. Eventhough its not on the coast I think of it like a east coast city since it is so much like New York. I meant more of the southern mid west states and down south.

BenP - 6/2/2006 12:45:53 PM

+1 Boost

there are lies, damn lies, and then statistics. This survey is obviously a joke. Toyota is arguably making the best cars out there, regardless of one recall. Speaking of recalls, what comes to mind when you hear Ford and Firestone in the same sentence? That problem was not the tires, but rather poor suspension geometry and Ford not being willing to delay their Explorer and deciding that lower tire pressures would get them through the rollover ratings and they could just fix it all later. On the other hand, the prius has trouble with stalling. Which would you rather deal with? They are also a strong company financially. Why even compare them to the big three, all on the doorstep of bankruptcy. If they wanted to be making the most cars, they would be. GM is doing a great job of making a ton of cars for sure, but if they don't figure out how to profit in the process, then they're just digging a bigger hole with every unit sold. Chrysler is better, but Daimler-Benz had to sacrifice their own quality in the process of building up Chrysler. Ford? A few decent cars, but mostly mass rental cars. I'm not a fan of Toyota's cars personally, but their status as a leading manufacturer is undeniable. I've been in the auto industry a couple years now, and if I were buying stock, it would be in Toyota. If you had been putting your money where your mouth is (investing in domestic auto. manufacturers) for the last 10 years, you wouldn't be able to afford the computer to type your opinion on.