Majority Of New-Car Shoppers Unaffected By GM Recall, Reports Kelley Blue Book

IRVINE, Calif., April 30, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Despite General Motors' recent recalls, KBB.com survey data found consideration among the majority of shoppers remains unaffected, reports Kelley Blue Book www.kbb.com, the only vehicle valuation and information source trusted and relied upon by both consumers and the automotive industry.  The survey data also revealed only 5 percent of new-vehicle shoppers say the recent GM recall caused them not to consider purchasing a Chevrolet, Cadillac, GMC or Buick model.¹   

"Shoppers are willing to forgive, but not forget," said Arthur Henry, analyst for Kelley Blue Book.  "Most likely, GM is maintaining its shopping traffic on KBB.com from buyers who are looking to capitalize on any deals that may be offered or because none of the current recalled vehicles are a part of manufacturer's current product portfolio."

Percent of New-Car Shoppers Who Remembered a Recall by Brand¹

Among new-vehicle shoppers, there is strong awareness of Toyota and General Motors recalls.  KBB.com survey data revealed 48 percent of respondents remembered a Toyota recall and 40 percent heard about a GM recall this year.¹  While car shoppers are aware of major recalls on Toyota and GM models due to their publicity in the media, consumers are still shopping those brands on KBB.com.  Chevrolet's traffic on KBB.com grew 25 percent year-over-year and the brand saw a short-term dip of 14 percent from December 2013 to April 2014, which can be attributed to news of the recall.²  This confirms Chevrolet is benefitting from recent high-profile vehicle launches, including the all-new 2014 Corvette, Impala and Silverado. These models are helping the automaker remain top-of-mind among shoppers despite recalls on older, discontinued models.

"Whatever negative connotations GM has suffered from the recent recalls is minor when compared to the growing consumer interest the company has generated with its current line of compelling product," said Karl Brauer, senior analyst for Kelley Blue Book.

Even though Chevrolet is maintaining its overall stride in KBB.com share of traffic, the perception of Chevrolet's reputation has declined from the first quarter of 2013 to the first quarter of this year, sitting below the average among non-luxury brands like Honda and Ford, according to survey data.³  This further suggests consumers are being won over by Chevrolet's existing model offerings, regardless of the latest hit to its reputation.

For more information and news from Kelley Blue Book's KBB.com, visit www.kbb.com/media/, follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/kelleybluebook (or @kelleybluebook), like our page on Facebook at www.facebook.com/kbb, and get updates on Google+ at https://plus.google.com/+kbb.

¹ KBB.com GM Recall Survey April 15-17, 2014.
² Data sourced from KBB.com March 1, 2013 – March 31, 2014. 
³ KBB.com BrandWatch Survey Q1 2013 – Q1 2014.

About Kelley Blue Book (www.kbb.com)
Founded in 1926, Kelley Blue Book, The Trusted Resource®, is the only vehicle valuation and information source trusted and relied upon by both consumers and the automotive industry.  Each week the company provides the most market-reflective values in the industry on its top-rated website KBB.com, including its famous Blue Book® Trade-In and Suggested Retail Values, and Fair Purchase Price, which reports what others are paying for new cars this week.  The company also provides vehicle pricing and values through various products and services available to car dealers, auto manufacturers, finance and insurance companies, and governmental agencies.  Kelley Blue Book's KBB.com ranked highest in its category for brand equity by the 2014 Harris Poll EquiTrend^® study and has been named Online Auto Shopping Brand of the Year for three consecutive years.  Kelley Blue Book Co., Inc. is a subsidiary of AutoTrader Group, which includes AutoTrader.com, vAuto, VinSolutions and HomeNet Automotive.  AutoTrader Group is a subsidiary of Cox Enterprises.

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SOURCE Kelley Blue Book