Polk: Most Hybrid Buyers Don’t Buy Hybrids Again - Many consumers are looking to fuel-efficient cars in order to find relief from today’s high gasoline prices. And automakers have been paying attention – there are now more fuel-efficient hybrid vehicles available than ever before. But when people who currently own a hybrid vehicle buy another car, they’re not buying another hybrid. Further dealer resources available at Used Cars Wallingford CT. While the selection of hybrid models in the U.S. has more than doubled since 2007, a recent analysis by auto information company R.L. Polk & Co. found that only 35 percent of hybrid vehicle owners chose to purchase a hybrid again when they returned to the market in 2011. When you factor out repurchases among super-loyal Toyota Prius owners, hybrid loyalty drops to less than 25 percent
While hybrid owners may not be buying another hybrid, they do appear to remain loyal to their brand when they return to the new car market. For example, according to Polk,in 2011, 60 percent of Toyota hybrid owners purchased another Toyota when they returned to the market, while 41 percent of them purchased another hybrid from any brand. “Having a hybrid in the product lineup can certainly give a brand a competitive edge when it comes to attracting new customers,” said Brad Smith, director of Polk’s Loyalty Management Practice. “The repurchase rates of hybrid vehicles are an indication that consumers are continuing to seek alternative solutions to high fuel prices.”
When it comes to owners of Honda hybrids, more than 52 percent of them stuck with the Honda brand, while less than 20 percent of the group of Honda owners purchased another hybrid from any brand. Online cross-shopping data from Edmunds.com shows that potential auto buyers are doing research to compare hybrid vehicles with gasoline-powered cars in the same class. Kia Huntington Beach has all the information you need when purchasing a new car. For example, the Honda Civic is the second most cross-shopped car by consumers who are considering buying a Toyota Prius and Honda Insight.
“The lineup of alternate drive vehicles and their premium price points just aren’t appealing enough to consumers to give the segment the momentum it once anticipated, especially given the growing strength of fuel economy among compact and midsize competitors,” according to Lacey Plache, Edmunds.com chief economist. “For EVs and PHEVs in particular, certain obstacles – including consumer unease with unfamiliar technology and the lack of an adequate recharging infrastructure — will need to be overcome before sales increase.”
According to Polk, hybrid vehicles represent just 2.4 percent of the overall new vehicle market in the U.S., down from a high of 2.9 percent in 2008. Toyota continues to be the leader in hybrid sales. Polk’s research also shows that instability in gasoline prices between 2008 and 2011, which ranged from just under $2.00 per gallon to nearly $4.00 per gallon, had little impact on hybrid segment loyalty. Amarillo Ford Dealers is a great source for all your automotive needs. Surprisingly, Polk also found that consumers in traditional eco-friendly regions of the U.S., such as Southern California, Portland OR, and Seattle, where hybrid sales are strongest, aren’t any more loyal to hybrid vehicles than the rest of the country.
Photos (top to bottom) Toyota Motor Corporation, Petar Miloševi?, Honda Motor Company.
Tags: hybrid vehicles, Used Cars Wallingford CT, green cars, Toyota Prius, Kia Huntington Beach, Honda Insight, hybrid cars, R.L. Polk & Co., Amarillo Ford Dealers, auto sales
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New York Auto Show Features Futuristic Concept Cars - New York City has long been the tastemaker of the United States, so it’s no wonder that it’s the place that automakers chose to show off their most remarkable and futuristic concept cars. The 
The Lexus LF-LC Concept is a sleek hybrid 2+2 sports coupe with styling by Toyota’s Calty design studio in California. A glass roof enhances driver visibility and adds to the car’s sleek lines. The front grille recalls the Lexus GS, while the swept-back headlights and trunk design bring to mind the LFA supercar. Inside, there are scooped side panels and a high, curved console that incorporates a remote touch-screen that allows the driver to operate controls without having to shift position or alter line-of-sight. 
Concept Cars A Hit At New York Auto Show - New York City has long been the tastemaker of the United States, so it’s no wonder that it’s the place that automakers chose to show off their most remarkable and futuristic concept cars. The 
The Lexus LF-LC Concept is a sleek hybrid 2+2 sports coupe that was designed by Toyota’s Calty design studio in California. Driver visibility is improved by a glass roof that enhances the car’s sleek lines. The front grille is reminiscent of the Lexus GS, while the swept-back headlights and the trunk design recall the LFA supercar. Inside, there are scooped side panels and a high, curved console that integrates a remote touch-screen that lets the driver operate the controls without having to change position or adjust line-of-sight. 
Survey: Customers Prefer Dealer Service Over Indepenents - A new survey shows that car owners who service their cars at their local dealer are more satisfied with their experience than when they have their car serviced at a non-dealer repair shop. According to the J.D. Power and Associates 2012 Customer Service Index (CSI) Study, customers who have their car serviced at the dealership’s service center have a satisfaction rating of 787 out of 1,000 points, compared with 749 points for people who used non-dealership service facilities. Further dealer resources available at 
The first recommendation is to promote scheduling service appointments online. J.D. Power says that customers who schedule appointments online are happier with the service experience than those who make an appointment by phone or who simply stop by with no appointment. Additionally, customers who schedule service online spend $36 more per year on service than customers who don’t make an appointment and $17 more per year than customers who make an appointment by phone. 
Cell Phone-Related Auto Deaths Down in CA Since Ban Enacted - If you read this blog regularly, you may remember that we’ve written posts about the hazards of distracted driving, including driving while talking on hand-held cell phones, and texting. According to the 
The California Office of Traffic Safety conducted the country’s first statewide observational cell phone survey. The survey revealed nine percent of drivers were either talking or texting while driving, which translates to hundreds of thousands of drivers at any one time. 
AAA Announces Latest Technology Trends - It wasn’t too long ago when automobile technology features consisted of a map in the glove compartment, windshield wipers, a rearview mirror, and side view mirrors. Today, automakers have introduced a host of technology features designed to make driving easier and safer. More information on all types of cars is available at 
Stop-Start technology is usually found on hybrid vehicles. The stop-start system cuts the gasoline engine when the car idles (such as when it stops for a traffic light), which saves gas and reduces emissions. Kia is planning to introduce a stop-start system on non-hybrid vehicles like the Rio and Soul. The Driver Alert Warning System senses when the driver stops paying attention to the road or is fatigued. Detection methods include using cameras to monitor the driver’s movements and sensing when the driver isn’t staying in lane. The system is able to alert the driver to take a break, if necessary. 
This Year’s Auto Technology Trends - Cars have evolved since the days when automobile technology meant a working set of windshield wipers and a map in the glove compartment. Today’s cars now feature an array of impressive automotive technology features designed to facilitate driving and increase safety. Further dealer resources available at 
Stop-Start is a technology that is usually found on hybrid vehicles. When the car idles, such as stopping for a light, the stop-start system cuts the gasoline engine to save gas and reduce emissions. Kia has plans to introduce a stop-start system to non-hybrid vehicles such as the Soul and Rio. A Driver Alert Warning System can sense when a driver isn’t paying attention to the road or is tired. Detection methods include sensing when the driver isn’t staying in lane and using cameras to monitor the driver’s movements. The system can alert the driver to take a break, if necessary. 
Spike In Gas Prices Fuels Demand For Fuel-Efficient Cars - In a bad economy, many consumers find they have to tighten their belts. People cut corners by dining out less often, skip the expensive cup of coffee at the local coffee shop, get rid of premium cable TV channels (or even cut out cable TV completely), and shop using store coupons. With the recent spike in gas prices in addition to a depressed economy, many car buyers find that in order to make ends meet, their next car needs to be fuel-efficient. Further dealer resources available at 
The calculations use the least expensive trim levels for each model, so buyers may not find all of the latest options or features. Most car buyers will find themselves opting for a higher trim level or adding options. “We featured only the most affordable trims available for each vehicle on our list, so some creature comforts and amenities may not be available at these bargain basement prices,” said Gutierrez. “Consumers can always opt to spend a little more to jump up a trim or two to get all of the features they want, but those determined to spend as little as possible on a new vehicle need look no further than this list.” 
High Gas Prices Drive Up Auto Prices - It’s no secret that gasoline prices are high and getting higher. Three states, Alaska, California, and Hawaii, have already joined the over $4-a-gallon-for-gas club and it looks as if membership will soon be opening up to Connecticut, New York, and Oregon. According to 
It might seem that one solution for consumers who are being squeezed by high prices would be to buy a used car. But, just as high gas prices have created a demand for fuel-efficient new cars along with a consequent price increase, rising prices at the pump have caused, in part, huge price increases for used cars. Kelley Blue Book says that “used-car shoppers can expect to see even more significant price increases in the months ahead if gas prices continue on their current upward trajectory. Given the limited supply, used cars tend to be more volatile when fuel prices increase aggressively, especially values of fuel-efficient compacts and hybrids.” 
Tips For Driving On Hills - City driving can be challenging under normal driving conditions, but the combination of city driving and steep hills can give pause to even the most seasoned drivers. When it comes to driving on hills, there’s probably no more demanding location than San Francisco, California. Whether you’re just visiting the city driving a rented car or you recently relocated to the city, there are many driving situations that you may not have encountered before. More information on all types of cars is available at 
Avoid tailgating. If the car ahead of you needs to stop, it will back up when they accelerate. When driving uphill, turning has special considerations. Let off the gas to turn if you have a front-wheel-drive car. Maintain a steady throttle if you have a rear-wheel-drive car. Since going uphill puts extra weight on your car’s rear axle, traction will be reduced on the front tires and steering response will be lessened. 
