The Harris Interactive AUTOTECHCAST Study Finds Strong U.S. Consumer Interest in Enhanced Fuel Economy and Safety Technologies

DETROIT and ROCHESTER, New York, December 10 --

- Volvo, Audi and Jaguar Owners are Most 'TechSavvy' Automotive U.S. Consumers

Enhanced fuel economy attracts strong consumer purchase interest, according to AUTOTECHCAST, a study of nearly 15,000 U.S. consumers recently completed by Harris Interactive Inc., worldwide market research and consulting firm.

"As these technologies move from the drawing board into vehicles, they are likely to be supported by solid consumer demand," according to Scott Upham, senior vice president of Harris Interactive's Automotive & Transportation Research Group.

The study found that 63 percent of U.S. adult consumers are likely to purchase a new vehicle with enhanced fuel economy, if they have the option, in their next vehicle purchase. Respondents also indicated they are willing to spend an additional US$1,673 for hybrid vehicles.

"And we see gas prices are affecting consumer's vehicle purchase decisions," said Upham. "Rising gas prices have held steady at US$2 (USD) per gallon over the last 18 months."

Additionally, occupant safety technologies, including rollover control and protection, occupant sensing for intelligent airbag deployment and pre-crash sensing fared among the top technologies consumers are likely to purchase on their next vehicle.

Statistical details on the likelihood and familiarity of these technologies are included in tables that can be viewed in full at http://www.harrisinteractive.com/news/allnewsbydate.asp?NewsID=871 and at http://www.autotechcast.com.

Methodology

AUTOTECHCAST was conducted from November 4-22, 2004 among 14,426 adults 18 years old or older, a U.S. resident, own or lease a vehicle, are licensed driver, own a listed manufacturer, own a North American model, 2000 or newer, and are 50% vehicle decision maker.

AUTOTECHCAST measures consumer knowledge, unaided familiarity, purchase likelihood, vehicle differentiation and purchase price characteristics. Data represent the total in-market vehicle buying population and at the 95% confidence level, results have a sampling error of +/-1 or 2 percentage points. This online sample was not a probability sample.

Harris Interactive Inc. (http://www.harrisinteractive.com) is the 15th largest and fastest-growing market research firm in the world. To become a member of the Harris Poll Online(SM) and be invited to participate in future online surveys, visit http://www.harrispollonline.com.