Monday, October 12, 2009

Latest Trend: More Snobs Are Trading Down

Lexus LS 460


Hyundai Equus (arriving next year to compete with the LS 460)


Premium Class Downshifting
In 2006, 15.9% of consumers who traded in a compact-premium car, SUV or crossover purchased a mid-size premium vehicle. Today, that number has dropped 4.4% to 11.5%. The current economy has shifted the car-buying habits of today's cost-conscious consumers.



2006 June 2009
Compact to mid-sized15.90%11.50%
Other trade-ins in the premium segment showed shifts as well.
Mid-sized to large8.00%4.50%
Large to mid-sized12.60%16.20%
Mid-sized to compact10.80%
14.80%


In the premium class segment, which represents such makes as Audi, BMW and Lexus, a 4-year study depicts how more consumers are trading down to less expense vehicles. For instance, BMW 7-series customers are trading down to the more economical and less showy 5-series. Also consumers are shifting to new luxury players like Hyundai. Maybe the new Lexus-like design of the Buick LaCrosse can benefit from this shift just as Hyundai has with its Genesis sedan. Are consumers willing to sacrifice the snob effect of owning certain premium cars to drive politically correct vehicles in this soft economy?


(The info provided by PIN is based on the time period of 2006 thru June 2009.)

Source: Power Information Network


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