``Consumer Voice'' Survey Takes Consumer Pulse on Upcoming Auto Show Debuts, and a Host of Year-End Auto Trends

In anticipation of the upcoming auto show season, Autobytel, the most visited new car buying and research destination on the Web, asked its millions of monthly car-shopping visitors(a) to review some of the most highly anticipated year-end debuts, and to provide their feedback on what directions they think automakers should take (and which strategies they might want to reconsider) in 2004. Here's what today's in-market auto shoppers have to say about current model trends -- and what they'd do differently moving forward:

Mr. Automaker, Please Build Me a ...

Consumers sent clear messages to the automakers about the vehicle categories they want them to expand, what style directions they should take, and which features and technology would most influence their buying decisions. In general, hybrids and sports cars topped consumers' category wish lists -- with 25% indicating that they'd most like to see more sports cars, and 19% signaling that they'd prefer to see more hybrids. (Only 13%, notably, said they'd like to see more SUVs.) The responses, however, played out differently across different manufacturers -- for example, most respondents would like to see Ford build a family wagon, while most would like to see Honda build a truck.

Styling, Features and New Technology -- We Want Substance, Not Gadgets!

One finding that jumps off the page is how little value shoppers attribute to the new generation of technology gadgets and gizmos that are hitting the market -- with very few indicating that they'd pay more for these (often expensive) features. Only 9%, for example, said they'd pay extra for a DVD navigation system or GPS mapping system. Only 6.3%, meanwhile, said they would pay extra for a mobile entertainment system (i.e., TV/DVD screens, earphone ports, satellite radio, remote controls, etc.), while a mere 5.9% said they'd shell out more for a voice recognition system.

Consumers place a high premium on safety features, with 31% indicating they'd pay more for features like side air bags, side curtain air bags, and head restraint systems. When asked what the OEMs' top priority should be when they build a new vehicle, 41% replied "better reliability" and 24% said "fuel-efficiency."

In terms of styling, 70% of respondents favored the "sleek, futuristic look" of the Chrysler Crossfire, Nissan Murano, New Toyota Prius, Infiniti FX 45, et al. The boxy/utilitarian/Gen-Y look (see: Honda Element, Toyota Scion), on the other hand, received a cool reception, with only 6% indicating that they like this design direction best.

Consumers and Auto Shows...Let me Shop!

Consumers give the green light to some of the auto show season's most highly anticipated debuts, including the Saab 9-2X crossover and the MINI Cooper convertible. Shoppers are particularly excited about the new Mazda Miata (74% said, "yes, it's time") and the new Honda Odyssey (72% concurred). On a more general note, survey respondents indicated a strong desire to be able to buy, as well as browse, at auto shows. When asked whether attendees should be able to place an order to buy a vehicle at an auto show, nearly half (46%) responded emphatically, "Yes! I can't believe they haven't thought of that."

The complete "Consumer Voice" findings -- including a breakdown of the manufacturers that consumers felt built the best cars and trucks of 2003 -- will be available during press days at the L.A Auto Show.

Autobytel Offers Objective, Comprehensive Los Angeles Auto Show News and Analysis -- Straight from the Convention Floor

Autobytel is providing a one-stop information resource for journalists covering the upcoming 2004 Los Angeles Auto Show. Pre-show analysis is already available online at Autobytel Inc.'s websites, autobytel.com, autoweb.com, and carsmart.com. The company's editorial and data experts will also be combing the convention floor to cover unfolding launches and OEM announcements, offer expert reviews of concepts and production debuts, weigh in on industry trends, and snap plenty of new-model photos. This late-breaking news and information will be updated daily at the Autobytel websites during each day of the L.A. Auto Show (January 2-11).

Autobytel web site editor, Brian Chee, and AIC lead analyst, Christian Wardlaw, will be standing by to provide data and discussion to support show coverage.

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