Here at LotPro.com we see that General Motors is once again dipping into the bin of nameplates past to come up with the moniker of its next mid-size sports sedan, the Buick Regal. The official announcement came at a meeting of Buick-GMC dealers this morning.

“The transformation of Buick began with our luxury crossover, the Buick Enclave and continued this year with the launch of the 2010 LaCrosse premium sedan,” said Susan Docherty, Buick GMC General Manager. “We’re thrilled to announce that the Regal will be the next member of the Buick family.”

The Regal nameplate

Originally introduced in 1973 as an upscale version of that year’s Century, the Regal was originally offered only as a hardtop coupe with rear opera windows (hey, it was the 70’s).

In 1978, the Regal was downsized and began its 9 year run (reign?) with the noteworthy option of a 3.8-liter turbocharged V-6 engine, making it one of only 2 turbocharged domestics (along with the Buick LeSabre) and one of only 4 turbocharged vehicles available in the U.S. (along with the Saab and the Porsche 930).

Third and fourth generation versions followed in 1988 and 1997, respectively, with the fourth generation Regal GS clocking a ¼ mile ET of 14.7 seconds from its 3.8-liter supercharged V-6 that produced 240 hp and 280 ft.-lb. of torque.

The General eighty-sixed the Regal in 2004 and it was replaced by the Buick LaCrosse in 2005. And although the brand has been famous for attracting the blue-haired crowd, it appears that these customers still remember the name since, according to the press release, it “continues to be one of the top Buick nameplates recalled by consumers even though it’s been out of the market for the past six years.”

The new Buick Regal

Unofficially, Bob Lutz confirmed to Scott Burgess of The Detroit News back in August that the new Regal will be the same vehicle (with minor cosmetic changes as reflected in the teaser photo) as the one that was launched in China in November of 2008, which is based on the same architecture as the Opel Insignia.

Hyundai Genesis

NACOTY and NATOTY awards

At LotPro.com, we normally have to wait for the short list of candidates to be released by Automotive News. This year, Marty Padgett of The Car Connection (and also a juror) was kind enough to reveal the list just a bit early.

Patterned after the European “Car of the Year” award, the North American awards were first given in 1994. The jury is composed of no more than 50 journalists from the United States and Canada. In order to be eligible for consideration, a vehicle must be “substantially changed” from the previous model and be on sale shortly after the announcement of the award in early January. In addition:

•    Cars must have reasonably foreseeable annual sales in North America of 5,000 vehicles.
•    Trucks must have reasonably foreseeable annual sales in North America of 2,000 vehicles.

Ford F-150

From the short list of vehicles you see here, the three finalists in each category are announced in December and the winners are unveiled at a press conference at the beginning of the North American International Auto Show in Detroit (although the show does not sponsor the awards in any way).

Award trivia: During the sixteen years of the car award, hybrids have been honored 4 times. Domestic automakers have garnered eight awards, Japanese automakers have won the award three times and European automakers have received the award four times (for Car of the Year), while 2009 marked the first year a Korean automaker was honored (the Hyundai Genesis for Car of the Year). In the Truck of the Year competition, domestic automakers have taken the award home 10 times (including the 2009 winner, the Ford F-150), Japanese automakers have won 4 times, while European automakers have won twice.

This year’s short list is comprised of the following vehicles:

Ford Taurus SHO

Car of the Year

BMW 335d
Buick LaCrosse
Cadillac CTS
Chevrolet Camaro
Ford Fusion/Fusion Hybrid
Ford Taurus
Honda Insight
Kia Soul
Mazda3/MazdaSpeed3
Mercedes-Benz E-Class
Porsche Panamera
Subaru Legacy
Suzuki Kizashi
Toyota Prius
Volkswagen Golf/GTI

Cadillac SRX

Truck of the Year

Acura ZDX
Audi Q5
Cadillac SRX
Chevrolet Equinox
Ford Transit Connect
Honda Crosstour
Land Rover LR4
Lincoln MKT
Subaru Outback
Volvo XC60

The view from Auburn Hills

For those of us here at LotPro.com, the auto industry has always been a source of unending entertainment and events this week have certainly not proven us wrong.

Supermini goes large

On Wednesday, Fiat announced that the world’s largest Fiat 500 – five times the its normal size – would be coming to London for an event the company calls “The Big Smile.”

Designed to generate an awareness and interest in the new 500C, the 5:1 model has previously appeared at auto shows, although the latest iteration simulates the “open top” 500C, rather than the sedan through the use of a projection of the sky on the inner lining of the car’s roof.

If you happen to be in London between August 28th and September 2nd, it might be fun to check out the “big” Fiat, along with assorted roaming entertainers, stilt walkers and food stalls on Oxford Street.

Buick’s Saturn Vue/Opel Antara clone gets the axe

In a rapid reversal of events, GM Vice Chairman Tom Stephens reported on his “Fast Lane” blog yesterday that the compact Buick CUV that he announced in Traverse City a few weeks ago and that had been described by Stephens, himself, on August 10th as a “beautiful new crossover” that would “debut our new plug-in hybrid technology” and “firmly put Buick, and GM, front and center in the advanced technology game” was history.

According to his blog, the small SUV “received consistent feedback from large parts of all the audiences (at a future product showcase at the company’s Milford Proving Ground) that it didn’t fit the premium characteristics that customers have come to expect from Buick.”

In the blog, he goes on to state that, “We were all struck by the consistency of the criticism of the compact crossover. And what we decided to do in response is a good example of the essence of the new General Motors… acting quickly, and boldly, and listening to feedback from customers, employees, dealers, media and just about anyone else with an opinion.”

Considering the fact that the erstwhile Pontiac Aztec also received less-than-glowing reviews from its focus groups (and we all know how that project ended), the decision to “86” the Buick was probably a prudent one.

The good news, however, is that the hybrid technology originally intended for the vehicle will be, according to the same blog, “applied to another vehicle, at no delay.”

Images courtesy of Fiat U.K. and General Motors

Newest Buick

Late last week, General Motors offered up a teaser image of a new Buick crossover vehicle that will be introduced as a 2011 model. According to the press release, the as-yet-to-be-named crossover will seat five and will first arrive in 2010 powered by a new family of direct-injected gasoline engines.

One year later, in 2011, a plug-in hybrid version will arrive and it’s expected to be the first commercially available plug-in SUV produced by a major automaker.

“Buick has always been at the forefront of new technology, so it is only fitting that the brand should debut our new plug-in hybrid technology in a beautiful new crossover,” said Tom Stephens, GM vice chairman of product development. “This will firmly put Buick, and GM, front and center in the advanced technology game.”

Gasoline version

They new hybrid will be smaller than the current Buick Enclave. According to Susan Docherty, general manager of Buick-Pontiac-GMC, “Some customers who have been drawn to the Enclave were looking for something a little smaller. We believe this new Buick will excite those customers, and will continue to broaden the appeal of the brand.”

The first engine to appear in the smaller SUV will be GM’s Ecotec 2.4-liter direct-injected four-cylinder engine; while an optional 3.0-liter directed-injected V-6 will be available that is expected to deliver 30 plus mpg on the highway.

Plug-in version

They hybrid version will be powered by a modified version of the General’s current 2-Mode Hybrid system using advanced lithium-ion battery cells and the charging technology that was developed for the Chevrolet Volt.

The 8 kWh battery – containing half the energy of the Volt’s battery pack – can be fully recharged in four to five hours by connecting the vehicle to a conventional 110V household electrical outlet. If early testing is any indication, the Buick SUV should be capable of electric-only propulsion for more than ten miles at low speeds, while over-the-road the vehicle can use any combination of electric or gasoline engine power.

In addition to the battery pack, the hybrid’s powertrain system also includes two electric motors, an electronic control and battery management system, as well as a 3.6-liter direct-injected V-6 flex-fuel engine.

Déjà vu

If this all sounds strangely familiar, it should be remembered that earlier this year, before General Motors had decided to sell off the Saturn division, it was announced that the Saturn Vue 2-mode hybrid would also be available in a plug-in version. And while GM is tight-lipped on whether the new Buick is based on the Vue’s underpinnings (which, itself, is based on the German Opel Antara), chances are good that it is.

Images courtesy of General Motors

Summer in the city

At LotPro.com, we’re fortunate to work just a stone’s throw from Meadow Brook Hall, the 110 room, 88,000 square-foot Tudor revival style mansion, built by the widow of John F. Dodge, which is arguably one of the largest historic house museums in the United States.

Although it is currently owned by Oakland University, and therefore not subject to property taxes, you can imagine that the upkeep on such a splendid structure is, to say the least, rather steep – a recent upgrade to the structure’s HVAC system, alone, is said to have cost a cool (no pun intended) $2 million.

To help defray these expenses, the Meadow Brook Concours d’Elegance was established and, over the past 30 years, has raised and contributed close to $6 million towards the mansion’s preservation costs.

The Best of Detroit

In a gesture of appreciation for their support in the past, this year’s Concours d’Elegance was dedicated to the three domestic automakers that are headquartered in and around Detroit. As part of the celebration, the event showcased a number of Detroit convertibles from 1959. Here are those from General Motors:

1959 Buick Electra 225 convertible

Prior to 1959, Buick’s top two vehicle models were the Roadmaster and Limited. In 1959, as part of a modernization effort, they were renamed, respectively, the Electra and the Electra 225.

The 225, or “deuce and a quarter” in street parlance, was so named as the overall length of the car was 225 inches.

1959 Cadillac Eldorado Biarritz convertible

The 1959 Cadillac certainly marked the zenith of the brand’s tailfin era. Originally marketed as a low-volume convertible in 1953 based on the 1952 El Dorado Golden Anniversary concept vehicle, ’59 Eldos sported flamboyant tail fins, “rocket” style taillights and chrome-plated studs in the grille.

Riding on a 10 foot, 10 inch wheelbase, the overall width of the ‘59 Caddie was nearly 7 feet and the rear overhang measured 95 inches.

1959 Chevrolet Impala Fuel Injected convertible

Although more than 1.4 million Chevrolets were built during the 1959 model year, this particular convertible is just one of 26 full-sized Chevys (and one of only 3 known convertibles) delivered from the factory with “Ramjet Fuel Injection” – a feature prominently announced with a unique front fender script just ahead of the wheel openings.

In 1959, two FI engines were available: one rated at 250 hp and a high-compression 290 hp version featured on this convertible. In addition to its special powerplant, this car also features another rare full-size Chevrolet option – a first-year four-speed manual transmission. Another rarity is the under-dash cigarette ash catcher that, with the flip of a lever, uses the engine’s vacuum to whisk the ashes through a tube to a collection receptacle located out of sight under the instrument panel.

1959 Oldsmobile Ninety-Eight convertible

In 1959, the series 98 was Oldsmobile’s flagship trim level. Offered in four body styles, including a 2-door convertible, it had a wheelbase of 126.3 inches and a “Rocket” V8 engine that displaced 394 cubic inches and produced 315 horsepower.

Features that set the “98” apart from the lower-level “88” models included 98-specific emblems and trim moldings, an electric clock, power steering, power brakes and a “Jetaway” Hydra-Matic automatic transmission. This convertible also features whitewall tires mounted on steel wheels and “spinner” hubcaps.

1959 Pontiac Bonneville convertible

1959 was a big year for Pontiac. Not only was it the object of a dramatic re-style, but the Pontiac split grille, “Wide Track” stance and legendary 389 V8 were all introduced in 1959. To top it off, Motor Trend anointed Pontiac with its “Car of the Year” honors.

For 1959, Pontiac’s lineup consisted of three series: the entry-level Catalina, the mid-priced Star Chief and the top-of-the-line Bonneville, of which this convertible is an example.

Options on the car include tri-power carburetion (3 two-barrel carburetors “three deuces”), power steering, power brakes, “Wonderbar” signal-seeking radio and a four-speed Hydra-Matic transmission. 382,940 Pontiacs were produced in 1959 and, of these, 11,426 were Bonneville convertibles.

A remembrance of things past

1955 Buick Special

With the kind of bold styling not seen on any kind of Buick since, perhaps, the fifties, the new LaCrosse hopefully represents a renaissance for Buick. “There is great harmony in everything offered by LaCrosse – a beautifully crafted exterior, a premium interior and a satisfying driving experience to please the senses and complement any lifestyle,” according to Susan Docherty, Buick-Pontiac-GMC vice president. “It’s a seamless package that incorporates the very best of GM’s global resources to make this Buick an industry benchmark.”

Designed in partnership with GM’s design studios in China and the U.S., the LaCrosse features an exterior “spear line” running down the side below the beltline that’s reminiscent of 1950’s-era Buick Specials.

Trim levels

The new LaCrosse will be offered in three trim levels, CX, CXL and CXS:

CX – Initially, the entry-level CX will come equipped with a new 3.0L direct injection V-6, cloth seats and 17-inch wheels. The 3.0L engine generates 255 horsepower and 217 lb.-ft. of torque and will be mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. Later in the year, a new, 2.4L Ecotec four-cylinder (also using a six-speed automatic) will replace the 3.0L as the standard engine.

CXL – The CXL will also be equipped with the same 3.0L direct injection V-6. The “L” designator will add, among other things, leather seats with bun-warmers, dual-zone automatic climate control, fog lamps, and 18-inch alloy wheels. As an added bonus, an advanced, intelligent AWD system will also be offered as an option.

CXS – The top-of-the-line LaCrosse will be equipped with a 3.6L direct injection V-6, an optional real-time active-dampening suspension, leather seats that are the recipients of the luxury trifecta – perforated, heated and ventilated, while chrome-plated 18-inch alloy wheels are standard with 19-inchers as an option. The 3.6L engine, mated to a six-speed automatic transmission, generates 280 horsepower and 259 lb.-ft. of torque.

The interior

We spend most of our time sitting in, rather than staring at, our vehicles, and the new LaCrosse doesn’t disappoint here, either. Blue ambient lighting illuminates the various nooks, crannies and cubbies, including the instrument panel, center console and door panels.

Optional technologies include in-dash navigation, Bluetooth connectivity, auxiliary audio and USB ports, rear DVD entertainment system, head-up instrument display, rearview camera, adaptive forward lighting and, later this year, GM’s side Blind Zone Alert system.

It’s that time again. By that, I mean that those of us here at LotPro.com as well as the vehicle manufacturers and dealers all look forward to the annual J.D. Power Vehicle Dependability Study. In fact, we look forward to all of the stiudies that emanate out of Westlake Village, California. That because, unlike some survey results (aka Consumer Reports), auto manufacturers and dealers can advertise the heck out of a top finish.

The Vehicle Dependability Study is important for another reason: unlike Power’s other famous survey that measures initial quality, this study is based on a three year ownership experience – after the excitement of a new car has worn off and owners have dealt with living with the same vehicle day in and day out for three long (for some) years. In human terms, it’s like comparing the honeymoon to the actual marriage – things can change.

Vehicle ownership time grows

In the current economy, the Dependability Study takes on added significance as car owners are putting off buying a new vehicle and either purchasing used or deciding to hold on to their current vehicle for a little bit longer.

Here is the press release:

Buick LaCrosse

WESTLAKE VILLAGE, Calif.: 19 March 2009 — Buick and Jaguar each rank highest in vehicle dependability in a tie, according to the J.D. Power and Associates 2009 Vehicle Dependability StudySM (VDS) released today.  Buick improves from a sixth-place ranking in 2008, while Jaguar improves from 10th place. Following in the top five rankings this year are Lexus, Toyota and Mercury.

Toyota garners five segment awards—more than any other nameplate in 2009—for the Highlander, Prius, Sequoia, Solara and Tundra. Lexus follows with four segment awards for the ES 330 (in a tie with the Acura RL), GX 470, LS 430 and SC 430. Lincoln captures two awards for the Mark LT and Zephyr. Models by Acura, Buick, Dodge, Ford, Honda, Mazda, Mercury, Nissan and Scion each rank highest in one segment.

“Buick has ranked among the top 10 nameplates each year since the study was last redesigned in 2003, while Jaguar has moved rapidly up the rankings,” said David Sargent, vice president of automotive research at J.D. Power and Associates. “Lexus remains a very strong competitor in long-term quality.  In particular, the Lexus LS 430 sets the industry standard for dependability, with fewer problems reported than any other model in the study.”

The study, which measures problems experienced by original owners of three-year-old (2006 model year) vehicles, has been redesigned to include 202 different problem symptoms across all areas of the vehicle.  Overall dependability is determined by the level of problems experienced per 100 vehicles (PP100), with a lower score reflecting higher quality. The study is used extensively by vehicle manufacturers worldwide to help design and build better vehicles—which typically retain higher resale values—and by consumers to help them make more-informed choices for both new and used vehicles.

Acura RL

“In the current economic climate, consumers are delaying new-vehicle purchases and keeping their vehicles longer—the average age of a vehicle at trade-in has increased to 73 months in 2009 from 65 months in 2006,” said Sargent. “This makes vehicle dependability even more critical. Automakers have improved long-term dependability by an average of 10 percent each year since the inception of the study, which is a testament to the industry’s commitment to continuously improve and sustain quality, especially long-term quality. Making improvements in long-term quality not only satisfies customers who are holding onto their vehicles longer, but it will also influence their decisions when they return to the new-vehicle market or are seeking to purchase a pre-owned vehicle.”

2009 Ford Flex

What is IIHS?

Originally founded in 1959 by a group of insurers to support academic organizations working in the field of highway safety, the initial directive of this non-profit organization was changed in late 1968 when the Institute decided to “start at once to collect auto accident repair cost data prospectively.”

Beginning with the tenure of president William Haddon Jr., M.D. in 1969, the institute turned away from the traditional efforts of preventing crashes by changing driver behavior to developing a systematic approach to the reduction of vehicle occupant injuries, deaths and vehicle property damage.

The Institute’s current research covers three areas:

•    Human factors that include teenage drivers, alcohol-related driving impairment, truck driver fatigue and safety belt use.

•    Vehicle factors that focus on crash avoidance and crashworthiness research

•    Research of the physical environment that includes roadway design assessment to prevent such things as run-off-the-road crashes and the elimination of roadside hazards.

Crash Testing

Unlike the Federal government’s New Car Assessment Program (NCAP), the IIHS does not use a full-frontal impact test, but rather a 40% offset frontal test. This exposes 40% of the front of a vehicle to an impact with a deformable barrier at approximately 40 miles per hour. The logic, according to the IIHS, is that while a full-frontal test certainly would yield results that would demonstrate the effectiveness of in-car safety systems, the offset test results better demonstrate the structural integrity of a vehicle and a vehicle’s ability to protect its occupants.

In addition to the frontal offset test, the IIHS has also begun side impact tests using a barrier that is more elevated than in the NCAP test, to better simulate an impact with an SUV. Vehicle bumpers are also evaluated in a series of 5 mph tests, while seat and head restraint designs are tested and rated using a test sled.

Ratings and Top Safety Pick Awards

Based on test results, the IIHS rates a vehicle’s crash performance as good, acceptable, marginal, or poor. While requirements for a Top Pick have changed throughout the years, current vehicles must first earn a good rating in all three categories (front, side and seat/head evaluations for injuries that could be sustained in a rear impact). An additional requirement is that winning vehicles must offer Electronic Stability Control, as the Institute’s research indicates ESC “significantly reduces crash risk, especially the risk of fatal single-vehicle crashes, by helping drivers maintain control of their vehicles during emergency maneuvers.”

2009 Honda Fit Sport

Top Safety Picks 2009

For 2009, the big winners were Ford Motor Company and Honda Motors. For its part, Ford had the greatest number of vehicles – 16 different models (two, the Fusion and Milan, have ESC as an option) – that were rated as Top Picks, representing 44% of current Ford vehicles tested by IIHS.

Honda, on the other hand, had 13 vehicles that were rated as Top Picks that represented 100% of Honda’s current lineup that has been tested by the Institute.

2009 Winners:

Large cars

Acura RL
Audi A6
Cadillac CTS
Ford Taurus
Lincoln MKS
Mercury Sable
Toyota Avalon
Volvo S80

Midsize cars

Acura TL
Acura TSX
Audi A3
Audi A4
BMW 3 series – 4-door models
Ford Fusion – with optional electronic stability control
Honda Accord – 4-door models
Mercedes C Class
Mercury Milan – with optional electronic stability control
Saab 9-3
Subaru Legacy
Volkswagen Jetta
Volkswagen Passat

Midsize convertibles

Saab 9-3
Volkswagen Eos
Volvo C70

Small cars

Honda Civic – 4-door models (except Si) with optional electronic stability control
Mitsubishi Lancer – with optional electronic stability control
Scion xB
Subaru Impreza – with optional electronic stability control
Toyota Corolla – with optional electronic stability control
Volkswagen Rabbit – 4-door models

Minicar

Honda Fit – with optional electronic stability control

Minivans

Honda Odyssey
Hyundai Entourage
Kia Sedona

Large SUVs

Audi Q7
Buick Enclave
Chevrolet Traverse
GMC Acadia
Saturn Outlook

Midsize SUVs

Acura MDX
Acura RDX
BMW X3
BMW X5
Ford Edge
Ford Flex
Ford Taurus X
Honda Pilot
Hyundai Santa Fe
Hyundai Veracruz
Infiniti EX35
Lincoln MKX
Mercedes M Class
Nissan Murano
Saturn VUE
Subaru Tribeca
Toyota FJ Cruiser
Toyota Highlander
Volvo XC90

Small SUVs

Ford Escape
Honda CR-V
Honda Element
Mazda Tribute
Mercury Mariner
Mitsubishi Outlander
Nissan Rogue
Subaru Forester
Toyota RAV4
Volkswagen Tiguan

Large pickups

Ford F-150
Honda Ridgeline
Toyota Tundra

Small pickup

Toyota Tacoma

Kia Amanti

 Economic Concerns and “Change” Produce New Car Buying Perceptions of Total Value

Here at LotPro.com, we can remember the time when car buying decisions were based on whether you were a Ford guy, a GM (specifically Chevy, Buick, Pontiac, etc.) guy or a Chrysler guy. But let’s face it; if you can remember that far back, you are officially an “old” guy.

In today’s auto sales climate, quality and the perception of that quality have become more important than ever. J.D. Power started it all in 1981 with the company released its first Customer Satisfaction survey (Power calls it an Index) and again in 1987 when it released the automotive Initial Quality Study. Since that time, a number of companies have thrown their hats into the ring and have come up with their own unique methods of measuring customer loyalty and their perceptions of vehicle quality.

For its part, San Diego-based Strategic Vision has come up with its own matrix in evaluation customer perceptions of vehicle quality and brand loyalty. What follows is the company’s latest press release:

New Mazda3

For immediate release – Monday, November 10, 2008

San Diego – Strategic Vision today announced its 2008 Total Value Index® (TVI). TVI Scores fell across all brands reflecting economic concerns. During times of economic difficulties, automotive customers will examine the Total Value of potential vehicle choices with greater discrimination.

This greater customer scrutiny of automotive products will lead to new opportunities across all brands for the future. Customers are looking to the products to find the cues of quality that denote long term value with the best pricing, even among luxury vehicles. “When economic conditions become more favorable, the manufacturers who have focused their efforts in enhancing product quality and communicating messages of trustworthy products and overall value will be in a position to regain and even take over new market share,” reports Alexander Edwards, Strategic Vision’s president of automotive.

The economy has affected more than just the consumer’s willingness to spend money. As customers are bombarded with gloomy financial news on almost all fronts: stock markets down and fluctuating wildly, homes in foreclosure, plants closing and corporations laying off personnel, every decision has to be weighed against the individual consumer’s personal standard for Security. A vehicle purchased today must withstand even more demanding scrutiny. As a result, TVI brand scores are down across the board with a one notable exception. Pontiac made a stunning 25 point advance in TVI scores by combining competitive pricing with perceived interior quality. The Pontiac G6 is a good example of how Pontiac has exceeded customer expectations with price, value and interior quality cues.

Toyota Motor Sales is still the company to beat in customer value, although the Toyota brand was part of the overall trend of falling TVI Scores. Toyota Motor Sales has had 30 leaders in TVI over the past four years. In 2008, they add an astounding ten more: seven for Toyota (Yaris hatchback, Prius, Solara Convertible, RAV4, 4Runner, Sequoia and Tundra) and three for the Lexus (IS250/350, LS and RX400 Hybrid). Toyota’s consistent foundational messages of quality and reliability delivered over many years have generated consumer trust in Toyota products. “This trust is a crucial first step to success in today’s market,” says Dr. Darrel Edwards, Founder and CEO of Strategic Vision.

Ironically, Toyota’s strong perceived reliability and durability expectations may slow Toyota’s sales during this economic slowdown. Customers may begin to evaluate if now is the right time to purchase a new vehicle and many Toyota and Lexus buyers may decide to “put off” the purchase of their next vehicle and wait for more favorable economic conditions.

 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible

General Motors did well in Total Value with four segment leaders. Chevrolet’s strong tradition of value in both the sports car fun of the Corvette and the hardworking practicality of the Tahoe and Sierra were recognized. American Honda (with the Accord, Coupe, Odyssey and Ridgeline – all 2007 leaders) and Volkswagen of America (with the A3, Q7 and Passat Wagon) each had three models leading in their segments. Mazda is also worthy of mention as customers felt that they have received the “zoom-zoom” for their money in the Mazda3 Sedan and CX-9.

Buyers rated the following vehicles top in Total Value (TVI) in their segments:

The calculation of TVI begins with explicit statements that owners make about value (e.g. expected reliability, expected fuel economy, price paid, expected resale value, etc.). TVI then incorporates the importance of the variables that make up the ownership experience, and it is here that Strategic Vision finds “True Value” — the worth of the attribute weighed against the costs.

You may think that it’s Obama versus McCain, but it’s really…

1. Domestic vs. Import

According to the survey, Senator John McCain (R-AZ) leads Senator Obama and has a very high rating with domestic vehicle owners. Among owners of these brands, the senator from Arizona rates the highest with GMC (61%), Chevrolet (60%), Buick and Dodge (each with 58%) and Ford (57%) owners (it should be noted that there was no indication if any of those Ford owners drove Mavericks).

Senator Barack Obama (D-IL), on the other hand, leads Senator McCain when it comes to the owners of import vehicles. The senator from Illinois gets his highest rating from MINI (70%), followed by Subaru (61%) and Saab (59%). In addition, 50% of Honda owners plan on voting for Obama, while only 40% support McCain.

2. Station Wagons and Hybrids vs. Full-Size Trucks & SUV’s and Luxury SUV’s

The survey results show that vehicle segments also have a direct correlation to their owner’s candidate preferences. McCain receives his highest support from owners of full-sized trucks (66%), full-size sport utility vehicles (61%) and luxury sport utility vehicles (61%).

Obama, on the other hand, finds support from the owners of luxury station wagons (59%), station wagons and sport wagons (55%), hatchbacks (52%) and luxury crossover vehicles (52%). Obama also leads with 48% of hybrid owners – nine percentage points more than McCain.

Ownership reflects campaign issues

According the survey, a connection can also be made between owner preferences and the Republican and Democratic campaigns. It states that “Republican rallies often promote the idea of ‘drill, baby, drill,’ which may link gas-guzzling truck and SUV owners to McCain.  On the other hand, Obama has stressed the importance of putting more money toward wind, solar, and other alternative forms of energy, which may relate to his popularity among hybrid owners” (many of whom have been the recipients of federal tax credits in what might be construed as a form of vehicular socialism).

The survey goes on to parallel the domestic/SUV owner and McCain supporter with those vehicles that are traditionally sold in Republican “red” states, while import/hybrid owners that prefer Obama are found in “blue” Democratic states with strong vehicle sales in these segments.

And the winner is…

According to Kelley Blue Book Marketing, the survey correctly predicted the winner of both the 2000 and the 2004 presidential elections, but according to sources at Kelley, this year it’s a dead heat, so they’re not predicting a winner.

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