http://www.autopacific.com/index/news-app/author.George Peterson News from www.autopacific.com en 2010-09-09T13:41:20-07:00 hourly 1 1970-01-01T00:00+00:00 http://www.autopacific.com/index/news-app/story.61/title.autopacific-announces-2010-ideal-vehicle-awards Survey of 42,000 Consumers Reveals Vehicles that Exceed Expectations. Ford and Porsche Score Third Straight Annual Wins. An “ideal” is defined as conforming to an ultimate standard of perfection or excellence. In the 2010 Ideal Vehicle Awards, announced today by automotive research and consulting firm AutoPacific, owners rate their new vehicles by how closely they come to their ideal. Press Releases 2010-07-13 http://www.autopacific.com/index/news-app/story.60/title.autopacific-gives-the-all-new-sonata-a-thorough-test-and-first-ever-president-s-award Hyundai Sonata delivers, exceeds the hype. AutoPacific today announced its President's Award for the 2011 Hyundai Sonata. This first-time ever honor is the result of a special analysis of Hyundai's all-new 2011 Sonata that adds consumer credibility to all of the positive accolades recently bestowed upon Hyundai's most important vehicle to date. Press Releases 2010-06-10 http://www.autopacific.com/index/news-app/story.59/title.autopacific-announces-2010-vehicle-satisfaction-awards AutoPacific today announced its 14th Annual Vehicle Satisfaction Awards (VSA) to help consumers make informed vehicle purchase decisions. Survey results reveal Cadillac as the Top Premium Brand, Buick as Top Popular Brand, Suzuki Kizashi as Top Car and Lincoln MKT as Top Truck. Press Releases 2010-05-20 http://www.autopacific.com/index/news-app/story.53/title.autopacific-sales-forecast-u-s-light-vehicle-sales-set-to-recover-slowly 2009 will be a memorable year for the automotive industry – unfortunately for all the wrong reasons. The U.S. light vehicle market is expected to close out 2009 at a disastrous 10.3 million sales, down from 16.1 million sales just two years prior and the lowest industry volume since AutoPacific began forecasting automotive sales in 1988. The industry can look forward to year-on-year recovery over AutoPacific’s five year forecast period, but at a relatively gradual pace. Press Releases 2010-01-05 http://www.autopacific.com/index/news-app/story.52/title.consumer-brands-auto-brands-how-do-they-relate- You won’t likely find many Porsches parked in front of Walmart. Only one in 17 Walmart Shoppers will even consider a Porsche. On the other hand one in six REI shoppers will consider a Porsche. A Generation Y new vehicle buyer is much more likely to also purchase an Apple product – computer, iPod, and iPhone than older new vehicle buyers. Shoppers at H&M – a trendy “cheap-chic” clothier – are much more into their vehicle’s image than their vehicle’s power and acceleration. Trader Joe’s customers are more likely to drive an Audi, BMW or Volvo. Press Releases 2009-12-14 http://www.autopacific.com/index/news-app/story.49/title.selling-smaller-cars-in-the-us-won-t-be-child-s-play AutoPacific, Inc. and SIGMA GmbH use Model-Level Social Milieus to Help Manufacturers Determine How to Make Small Cars Sell to US Consumers. 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.” Press Releases 2009-12-10 http://www.autopacific.com/index/news-app/story.42/title.small-cars-big-market- According to a just released study by AutoPacific on the future of small cars in the U.S., American consumers are increasingly interested in small 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. "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," says George Peterson, president of AutoPacific. Press Releases 2009-09-10 http://www.autopacific.com/index/news-app/story.27/title.motorist-choice-awards-reveal-vehicles-that-please-both-hearts-and-minds 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. Press Releases 2009-08-11 http://www.autopacific.com/index/news-app/story.29/title.survey-indicates-ford-benefits-from-troubles-of-others-and-not-taking-bailout 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. Press Releases 2009-06-17 http://www.autopacific.com/index/news-app/story.7/title.survey-shows-public-wary-of-government-running-auto-companies 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. Press Releases 2009-06-10