US buyers shying from foreign cars, says J.D. Power

LOS ANGELES: The percentage of American car buyers avoiding foreign brands has increased to an all-time high, according to a new report.

J.D. Power and Associates revealed last week that the share of US buyers who avoid import models because of their origin has increased to 14 percent, the highest level since the 'Avoider Study' was initiated in 2003.

The study, based on nearly 25,000 responses to a survey in fall 2011, examines the reasons consumers avoid certain vehicles when shopping for a new car.

In contrast to the rise in avoidance of foreign-built models, J.D. Power said that US-made cars are doing well - the percentage of buyers avoiding domestic models such as Ford, Chevrolet and Chrysler now stands at six percent, another record low.

The firm says that the economic recession has prompted a 'buy-American' sentiment, adding that the quality, dependability and appeal of American cars is also on the rise.

Although the nationality of a car is important, buyers are far more likely to dismiss a brand because of their perceptions of reliability, the survey showed - 43 percent of avoiders say that their choice was due to "the brand's vehicles, in general, are known to have poor quality/reliability."

A significantly smaller percentage - 38 percent - based their decision on ratings and reviews, J.D. Power said.

Buyers are increasingly opting for US-built models such as those by Chevrolet. - Relaxnews