'Buzzworthy' New Nameplates Are Crossover Vehicles AutoVIBES, the new monthly automotive omnibus study from Harris Interactive and Kelley Blue Book tracking new vehicle nameplates,
reveals the models generating the most 'buzz' during October 2003. Among 26 new nameplates, four out of the top five are crossover vehicles.
Each month consumers shopping for a new vehicle are
asked to rate new 2003 and 2004 nameplates entering the marketplace based on a number of vehicle traits: down-to-earth, confident, exciting, sophisticated, thought-provoking, aggressive, imaginative,
youthful and versatile.
October 2003 Results: Top Vehicle Nameplates
| Vehicle | % Aware* | % Rating Very/ Somewhat Favorable** | Defining Attributes** |
| BMW X3 | 28% | 87% | Confident, Exciting, Sophisticated |
| Cadillac SRX | 34% | 80% | Confident, Sophisticated, Thought-Provoking |
| Chrysler Crossfire | 34% | 70% | Aggressive, Confident, Exciting, Imaginative, Thought-Provoking, Youthful |
| Infiniti FX 35 and 45 | 40% | 82% | Imaginative, Thought-Provoking |
| Volkswagen Touareg | 42% | 75% |
Versatile |
*Of Total Sample
**Of Those Aware & Who Rated the Vehicle
"Most people's active lifestyles demand the space of a minivan, the feel of a sedan and
the styling of an SUV," said Charlie Vogelheim, executive editor of the vehicle information resource, Kelley Blue Book. "The combined attributes of crossover vehicles really fit the bill for most
consumers. This study supports the fact that the crossover segment is gaining favorability and attention in the consumer marketplace."
Additional consumer pulse points found within the study
include consumers' reliance on incentives and their confidence in buying a new vehicle. Findings indicated that 66 percent of consumers say the availability of incentives will affect the timing of
their next vehicle purchase. When it comes to their financial confidence, only seven percent felt they will be worse off one year from now, 49 percent felt they would be better off and 44 percent said
they'd be about the same.
You can find out more here.