Audi Q5 and Q7 also recognized as category leaders- Study considers new vehicle owner input and ALG residual value information
- More than 46,173 new car buyers studied for results
HERNDON, Va., October 14, 2014 – Owners of the Audi A7 helped name it the Best Model overall in the newly released 2014 Total Value Index (TVI) study, presented by Strategic Vision and ALG.
Additionally, the Audi A7 topped the Luxury Car category, while the Audi Q5 and Q7 were named the top Near-Luxury Utility and Luxury CUV, respectively.
“This recognition is a special achievement because it reflects the enduring value customers place on these three iconic Audi models,” said Scott Keogh, President, Audi of America. “Hitting that emotional note with premium car buyers is the foundation of Audi brand momentum.”
The Total Value Index weighs the customer experience against financial factors such as cost of ownership and resale value for an overall total vehicle score. The study examined the complete ownership experience of more than 46,173 new car buyers. The customers’ assessment accounted for several factors, including expected reliability, MPG, price paid, resale and innovation. This information was balanced with industry-leading Residual Value information provided by ALG. The Total Value Index was calculated from buyers who purchased 2014 models during October 2013 to March 2014.
“Vehicle shopper and owner perception is an increasingly important factor when determining value,” said Alexander Edwards, President of Strategic Vision. “By combining this information with ALG’s important Residual Values, we have created a ‘super metric’ that represents both consumer and investor views and reflects how future sales will be influenced.”
The Audi A7 blends progressive design, advanced technology and versatility. The vehicle is powered by the 3.0 liter TFSI® direct-injection V6 supercharged engine and Audi quattro® all-wheel drive is standard, providing exceptional grip and superior handling. The A7 model line also features some of Audi’s most advanced technology and driver assistance features.
The Audi Q5 offers a smooth and efficient 2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, along with V6 and hybrid variants, giving buyers options that suit their needs. The Q5 combines the sports appeal of a sedan with high variability of its interior space and many practical solutions for recreation and everyday driving.
The seven-passenger Audi Q7 provides functionality and comfort with a luxurious, premium interior. Q7 customers have the option of a gasoline turbocharged, fuel-injected 3.0 liter TFSI engine, or a powerful yet fuel efficient V6 turbocharged direct injection TDI clean diesel engine. The 2014 Audi Q7 offers Audi connect with a mobile Wi-Fi® hotspot for up to eight passenger devices and Google Voice Local Search.
ABOUT STRATEGIC VISION
Strategic Vision is a research-based consultancy with over thirty-five years of experience in understanding the consumers’ and constituents’ decision-making systems for a variety of Fortune 100 clients, including most automotive manufacturers. Its unique expertise is in identifying consumers’ comprehensive, motivational hierarchies, including the product attributes, personal benefits, value/emotions and images that drive perceptions and behaviors. J. Susan Johnson, CEO of Strategic Vision, coined the phrase “True Innovation” and we measure this construct in the detailed Total Value Index report. The ValueCentered® psychology and research methods were defined by Dr. Darrel Edwards in 1968, and enhanced by co-founders J. Susan Johnson (1972) and Sharon Shedroff (1975). For further information, contact Alexander Edwards or Christopher Chaney at (858) 576-7141 or visit www.strategicvision.com.
ABOUT ALG
Founded in 1964 and headquartered in Santa Barbara, California, with an office in Toronto, Ontario, ALG is an authority on automotive residual value projections in North America. By analyzing nearly 2,500 vehicle trims each year to assess residual value – which is mainly driven by used car inventory, brand strength, macroeconomic conditions, incentive spending and pricing – ALG provides auto industry and financial services clients with resale insights, forecasts and consulting services about the future vehicle marketplace. ALG, owned by TrueCar, Inc., the negotiation-free car buying and selling platform, has been publishing residual values for all cars, trucks and SUVs in the U.S. for 50 years and in Canada since 1981. The 2015 Residual Value Awards, honoring new vehicles projected to best maintain their value, will be announced Nov. 17. For more information, visit www.alg.com.
ABOUT AUDI
Audi of America, Inc. and its U.S. dealers offer a full line of German-engineered luxury vehicles. AUDI AG is among the most successful luxury automotive brands globally. The Audi Group delivered 1,575,500 vehicles to customers globally in 2013, and broke all-time company sales records for the 4th straight year in the U.S. Through 2018, AUDI AG will invest about $30 billion on new products, facilities and technologies.