• by Jack Loechner , Staff Writer @mp_research, November 17, 2003

'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.