|
›
U.S. drivers say Toyota is greenest car brand |
 |
A "green" image is more important when buying a new car than styling or technology, according to a recent survey among U.S. consumers. Toyota and Honda are perceived as the most environmentally friendly car brands.
|
2008-01-10
|
Toyota has taken a dominant first-place ranking in overall U.S. consumer brand perception, according to the "2008 Car Brand Perception Survey" by a leading consumer organization. Car owners rated the Japanese car maker highest across seven key areas: safety, quality, value, performance, environmental friendliness, design, and technical innovation. With a score of 189, Toyota topped the overall ranking before Honda (146 points), and Ford (112 points).
|
More importantly, nearly twice as many U.S. car-shoppers associated Toyota with being "environmentally friendly" (46%) as second-ranked Honda (29%), underlining the manufacturer's strong green image among American consumers. Related to this result, the Japanese brand also scored highest in "Technology/Innovation" (30%). At present, Toyota's hybrid model Prius achieves a fuel economy of 44 miles per gallon – 8 miles more than cars will have to achieve under the new federal fuel economy standard by 2020.
|
|
|
Another significant survey result showed that "environmental friendliness" (35%) is outperforming "styling" (23%) or "technology and innovation" (15%) as the most important consideration for consumers when buying a new car.
Background
The telephone survey data was collected in December 2007 from 1,720 persons whose households own at least one car. Consumer Reports are published by Consumers Union, an independent nonprofit organization conducting the most comprehensive auto-test programme of any U.S. publication to enhance consumer protection. Its "Auto Pulse" surveys track current opinions, perceptions and buying trends of American consumers throughout the year.
|
More information:
› Consumers Report Car Brand Perception Survey
|
