Gadgets Are Great, Auto Show Visitors Say
DETROIT, Jan. 14 -- Consumers visiting the 2002 North
American International Auto Show (NAIAS 2002) want advanced technology in
their vehicle cockpits -- including hands-free wireless communications,
on-board DVD players, computers and voice-activated controls, according to a
survey by R. L. Polk & Co. Eighty-eight percent of respondents said they were interested in on-line
mapping and navigation systems in their vehicles.
In-vehicle controls to turn
on houselights gained the interest of 83 percent of respondents.
DVD players
and voice-activated controls for vehicle functions scored 73 percent overall
interest.
On-board computers came in with 72 percent interest. ``On-board technology is clearly something that consumers will be demanding
when they visit dealer showrooms now and in the near future,'' Polk said. Polk Trend Centers are easy-to-use computer platforms that allow attendees
to cast votes on a variety of fun topics including:
favorite concept vehicle,
favorite exhibit and favorite vehicle features.
Polk will collect opinions at
the Trend Centers until the end of NAIAS 2002, then compile and issue a final
report. Below are the results to date of some of the questions NAIAS 2002 visitors
have been answering about their interest in vehicle options:
About R. L. Polk & Co. Polk has served the automotive industry for nearly 80 years and is the
longest standing curator of automobile records in the United States.
Founded
in Detroit in 1870, Polk launched its motor vehicle statistical operations in
1922 when the first car registration reports were published.
The company now
provides automotive solutions to nearly every segment of the motor vehicle
industry as an analytical consultant and statistician, as a provider of
database-marketing services, and as a supplier of vehicle histories.
Based in
Southfield, Mich., Polk is a privately held global firm, currently operating
in Australia, Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Mexico, Spain,
the United Kingdom and the United States. For more information on Polk, visit www.polk.com on the Internet.
R. L.
Polk & Co. is an official sponsor of NAIAS 2002.
Hands-Free Cellular Phone (683 respondents)
"Gotta Have It" - 37 percent
Very Interested - 30 percent
Somewhat Interested - 20 percent
Not At All Interested - 13 percent
On-Line Mapping and Navigation (686 respondents)
"Gotta Have It" - 30 percent
Very Interested - 31 percent
Somewhat Interested - 27 percent
Not At All Interested - 12 percent
Home Activation of Lights, Doors and Security System (685 respondents)
"Gotta Have It" - 26 percent
Very Interested - 26 percent
Somewhat Interested - 31 percent
Not At All Interested - 17 percent
DVD Player with Built-In Screen (698 respondents)
"Gotta Have It" - 27 percent
Very Interested - 20 percent
Somewhat Interested - 26 percent
Not At All Interested - 27 percent
Voice-Activated Controls (703 respondents)
"Gotta Have It" - 19 percent
Very Interested - 23 percent
Somewhat Interested - 31 percent
Not At All Interested - 27 percent
On-Board Computers with Internet and E-Mail (690 respondents)
"Gotta Have It" - 22 percent
Very Interested - 24 percent
Somewhat Interested - 26 percent
Not At All Interested - 28 percent