Indian cars acceptable in America, says AutoPacific research report
AutoPacific, a US-based automotive marketing research and product-consulting firm, has just released the results of its latest study, which finds that Indian cars are actually acceptable to North American buyers. Well, almost acceptable, since just 11% of the respondents in the study said they would be open to the idea of buying an Indian car. On the other hand, as many as 15% of the respondents in the same study said they would consider buying a Chinese car.
While 11% and 15% might seem quite low, only 16% of the respondents in the same study said they would consider buying a Korean car and Korean have been present in the US market for more than two decades. 'As Hyundai and Kia have been on the American scene for decades now, it's surprising that consideration for Chinese and Indian brands, sight unseen, would be about as strong as it is for the Korean brands,' says George Peterson, president, AutoPacific.
'However, with so many premium and high-tech non-automotive products already being made in China and purchased by Americans, why not automobiles too? It appears that buyers in America are willing to give Chinese and Indian vehicles a chance right out of the box. Understanding these consumers will be critically important to the success of any newcomer,' he adds.
The study, titled 'Opportunity for Chinese and Indian Brands in the USA,' is based on a survey of more than 30,000 new car and truck buyers. And according to Peterson, who was in overall charge of conducting the study, those who are prepared to consider buying Indian cars or Chinese cars tend to be young, well-educated and affluent for their age. Most of these people also hold good jobs in administrative, health care and middle management positions, and most are current owners of Japanese or Korean cars.
Given the results of this study, it does seem that M&M and Tata Motors should - and probably will - start exploring the US car market at some point in the future. Of course, M&M is already looking at launching its Scorpio-based pick-up trucks in the US, perhaps by the end of this year. And with its new crossover and luxury sedan waiting in the wings, we suppose Tata Motors can't be too far behind either!
[Via: indiaautomotive]