Nielsen Wire » Nissan

Hybrids, Gas Prices Dominate Online Auto Buzz

Nielsen Wire — Mon, 12 Jan 2009 15:25:53 +0000

Nielsen Online’s latest Automotive Industry Overview shows that gas prices and the economy were key topics of online discussion in 2008. More than one million messages focused on gas, as consumers discussed strategies for dealing with a $4 per gallon price tag. The financial crisis and its impact on the big three automakers also fueled conversation, as consumers began looking into more fuel-efficient vehicles. Though alternative fuel/hybrid vehicles like the Toyota Prius, Chevy Volt and Ford Fusion hybrid generated substantial buzz in 2008, high MPG was only one hot topic in automotive buzz. Performance numbers were also important enough that the Nissan GT-R drew both consumer interest and scrutiny from Porsche. The Hyundai Genesis also had a buzz-worthy launch, collecting praise from bloggers and consumers alike.

A Look Under The Hood

A. Prius discussion spiked in the summer months, driven by its status as the benchmark hybrid in the time of high fuel prices and buzz about the next-gen version.

B. Peak buzz for the Chevy Volt in September was driven by the unveiling of the 2011 production version and publicity events.

C. The Nissan GT-R generated strong buzz throughout 2008, peaking in October when Porsche contested its Nürburgring lap time.

D. Ford Fusion buzz shows an upward trend, driven by consumers discussing updates for the 2010 models, the debut at the L.A. Auto Show and the hybrid version’s surprisingly strong fuel economy.

If you are interested in the complete Monthly Automotive Industry Overview, please contact Larry Black.

Auto Industry Bailout Buzz Spikes In November

admin — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 17:09:27 +0000

From October to November 2008, online consumer references to a potential government bailout of U.S. domestic automotive manufacturers grew by more than 380%, according to an analysis of auto-related blog discussions released Wednesday by Nielsen Online.

In mid-November, following GM released its quarterly earnings report – which highlighted the gravity of the Big Three Automakers’ financial situation, and online consumers began comparing the potential auto bailout to the U.S. government’s bailout of the financial industry or the Chapter 11 benefits/consequences of the airline industry.

Around November 21, the first Congressional bailout hearings spurred consumers’ opinions across the Internet. Many questioned how the domestic OEMs will be held accountable for using bailout funds. Others heavily criticized the Big Three Auto CEOs for flying corporate jets to the hearings.

In non-bailout related blog discussions, online consumers expressed enthusiasm about potential future Toyota hybrid models, such as a sport coupe version of the Prius or a Lexus-only hybrid compact.

Online consumers were also abuzz during the L.A. Auto Show, with many expressing interest in alternative fuels and new versions of vehicles, such as the Ford Fusion and Mustang, Lexus RX, Mazda 3, Nissan 370Z, and Cube.

View the complete “Automotive Industry Overview” for November 2008.

Stay tuned on Nielsen Wire for monthly installments of Nielsen Online’s monthly “Automotive Industry Overview” of online, consumer-driven automotive discussions.