Lesser impact of automotive sponsored events

According to newly released results of the 2012 Automotive Marketing Communications
Study, carried out by Foresight Research, the automotive research specialists, it was found that:

• Overall, 10% of new vehicle buyers in 2011 attended an automotive sponsored event in the 12 months prior to vehicle purchase (down from 13% in 2010).
• Overall, 5% of all new vehicle buyers were highly influenced in their purchase decision by an auto sponsored event, down significantly from 12% in 2010 and 10% in 2009. Among event attendees, however, 24% were highly influenced by the event they attended.
• Purchase incentives, previously the most influential element of events were less available or less enticing resulting in lower event influence on purchases.
• Buyers who participated in a ride and drive were influenced by the event at a 42% higher rate than those who did not participate in a ride and drive.
• Interestingly, Mitsubishi, Audi, Mercedes Benz, BMW, Cadillac and Jeep buyers reported the highest purchase influence from events.

The study was based on interviews of 7,851 new vehicle buyers in the U.S.

Hyundai Genesis best upscale sedan

According to new test results from Consumer Reports, out of a test group of 10 upscale sedans including the the Chrysler 300C, Hyundai Genesis, Toyota Avalon, and Acura TL, the Hyundai Genesis came out at top of the CR’s ratings with an Excellent road test score of 92. The car has been on top of the list of upscale sedans since 2009. The 2012 model has a softer, more comfortable ride; a stronger direct injected V6; and a more fuel-efficient eight-speed automatic transmission improving the overall mileage.

A surprise was the Revamped 2011 Chrysler 300C which scored an “Excellent” overall road test score of 80, up from 64 for the previous model. According to David Champion, senior director of Consumer Reports’ Auto Test Center in East Haddam, CT “The 300C’s quick, muscular 5.7-liter V8 engine is now complemented by responsive handling and a more comfortable ride.” He further added: “And, thanks to a major upgrade, its roomy interior is now quieter, more luxurious, and has improved visibility.”

A disappointment was the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid, a fuel-efficient family sedan, which scored only 69, a full 20 points below the previously-tested and more popular conventional Sonata GLS.

On the other hand, the all-electric Nissan Leaf scored a respectable 78 points. The Leaf is quick, very quiet, rides comfortably and is easy to get in and out of. However, the limited driving range of only about 75 miles per charge, and the long time it takes to recharge (about 6 hours on 240V) are the main drawbacks.

The full report is available to subscribers of www.ConsumerReports.org and in the November issue of Consumer Reports.

More problems for Toyota

According to reports the Toyota recall due to gas pedal problems could cost the company around US $2 billion. Apparenalty it was due to a software problem but this has definitely hurt consumer's trust in this car company.

The story does not end there. Just found out that the US authorities are launching an investigation regarding problems in the 2010 Toyota Prius as well. Can't help but wonder there are vested interests working here considering the fact that the US Govt, has stake in the US car makers - General Motors and Chrysler.

The Nissan Z tour

The Nissan Z has developed quite a following and as a warm up to the upcoming launch of the all new 370Z, Nissan is having a rally across the US. You can Follow the Z North American Rally which is currently in Washington D.C.. This will be followed by a stop in Gaithersburg, Maryland on December 11th.

Check out the new Z promo video clip:

Asian brands beat American brands in the US

According to a report in the International Herald Tribune, the three big US car makers, namely, General Motors, Ford Motor and Chrysler, combined sold less than (44.4 %) than the Asian brands - 10 brands in total (48.1 %) for the first time ever. The data was provided by the Autodata Corporation.

Amazingly, Toyota overtook GM in United States sales.

The drop in sales of pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles with growth in sales of compact cars show that consumers are becoming increasingly concerned about fuel economy of their cars.

Read the full report here: U.S. cars lose to Asian rivals for first time

Mahindra & Mahindra entering the US market

I was talking to a few guys about the expected take over of Jaguar and Land Rover by Indian car maker, Tata. While doing so I mentioned the other Indian company who was bidding for the same - Mahindra. It was no surprise that no one had heard of them.

I just found out that they are planning to enter the US market soon.



Found this interesting slide show - Mahinda: An American "Hosehold Name?" narrated by David Kiley.

American car companies not doing that great

David Welch asks "Why Detroit is Stuck in Second Gear".

It's quite puzzling considering that Japanese brands are doing OK over there. It's not even a case of cheap imports to the US anymore as the Japanese companies are building their cars for the US markets in plants over there.

Is it styling, after sales service or are they really cheaper than the American brands?

Think your tuned imported ride is amazing

Join the Import Tuner Ride of the Month contest and you stand a chance of winning a great t-shirt and getting your car featured in Importtuner.com.

The contest starts on 6th of June (next month) this year. Last date of entry is the 22 of June, 2007. Online voting will start immediately after that from 17:30 p.m. PST onwards and ends on the 30th of the same month (till 17:00 p.m. PST).

All you have to do is submit your contest entry and photos of your ride. Images of your car will automatically be resized and/or cropped to a 112x80 Thumbnail and a 400x300 Full Size. Only one entry is limited per person. I guess that's fair. So if you have a few modified cars, choose the one that you think is the most outstanding. Another rule is that you be 18 or older as of 1st of June 2007 with a valid driver's
license to enter or win. Oh! I nearly forgot. This is open to US residents only.

Three top entries will ultimately be selected as the winners of the contest and will have the honour of being featured on the site. Getting featured is a big deal as this site has a 6 Google page rank. Was going through some of the feature articles and I especially liked one on Honda tuning. A guy called Chang was already on the 3rd version of his 2000 Honda S2000 with more modifications expected in the future. I guess it's a hobby, an addiction and a passion for some guys.

In case you didn't know, Import Tuner Cars is a PRIMEDIA publication that focuses on modified / modifying cars imported to the States.

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Toyota cautious of becoming number 1

Most manufacturers would be overjoyed to become the #1 carmaker in the US and I guess Toyota is no exception. However, according to this article "Why Toyota Is Afraid Of Being Number One", they are keen to avoid the backlash that might happen.

Toyota has done a remarkable job over the past 20 years of selling itself as an American company.

Read on on how Toyota became the most respected car company in America.

Sales in different parts of the World, according to the Third Quarter Financial Results:

North America: Vehicle sales reached 764 thousand, an increase of 121 thousand units, due to strong sales of redesigned models such as the RAV4, Camry and Yaris and the new model FJ Cruiser.

Europe: Led by strong sales of compact models such as the Yaris, vehicle sales increased by 60 thousand, to 306 thousand units.

Asia: Sales decreased by 13 thousand, to 204 thousand units, as a result of weakened market conditions in Indonesia and Taiwan.

Other regions, including Central and South America, Oceania and Africa: Vehicle sales increased to 340 thousand units, an increase of 37 thousand, due to continuing popularity of the IMV series in Central and South America and the Camry in Oceania.

Click here for full version.

Tags: Toyota