KBB Breaks Down Auto Brand Popularity By Region

IRVINE, Calif. — When looking at top brands by region, KBB.com found that consumers tend to be loyal to makes that are headquartered or have assembly plants in that area. The vehicle information site’s findings suggest that shoppers have strong brand loyalty, especially if the OEM has local ties to the region.

In-market new-car shoppers, according to KBB’s Market Intelligence research, from the Western region of the United States are 85% more likely to consider Tesla than shoppers from other regions. And out of all regions, Southerners were least influenced by brand when shopping for a car, as evidenced by a relatively small 17% preference for Infiniti over other brands. Midwest shoppers, however, are 64 percent more likely to consider Chrysler, while Northeast shoppers are 56 percent more likely to consider Subaru.

Most Popular Automotive Brands by U.S Region

Least Popular Automotive Brands by U.S Region

“It seems what is popular in one region is overlooked in another,” said Arthur Henry, analyst at Kelley Blue Book. “Westerners prefer fuel-efficient brands with style, such as Tesla and Scion, but those same brands are shunned in the South and Northeast.

“Those living in the South gravitate toward brands that are manufactured in the same region,” he added. “Shoppers from the Midwest also have an affinity for brands headquartered or produced in their own backyard.”

Although the domestic automakers have very low market penetration in the West, both Chrysler and Buick resonate with Midwestern shoppers more than in any other region, due to brand loyalty and their overall support for the American brands. Midwestern new-car shoppers are 64% and 53% more likely to consider Chrysler and Buick, respectively. However, they are least likely to shop for import luxury brands such as Mercedes-Benz and BMW and all compact luxury cars.

“Known as the truck belt in America, Southern shoppers are more likely to consider RAM models than shoppers from any other U.S. region,” said Karl Brauer, senior analyst at Kelley Blue Book. “While Southerners are drawn to the ruggedness and durability the RAM truck brand offers, they also are more likely to shop for a traditional luxury brand like Infiniti than shoppers from other parts of the country due to its headquarters in Tennessee.”

Most Popular Segment by U.S Region

Least Popular Segment by U.S Region

KBB.com research also found Western new-car shoppers are 66% more likely to consider a hybrid car, while Midwest car shoppers are 42% more likely to consider a full-size crossover. Southern shoppers are 41% more likely to consider a full-size sport utility, followed by Northeast consumers, which are 20% more likely to shop for a compact crossover.

“Western-based, new-car shoppers are more likely to shop for a hybrid car and least likely to shop for a full-size crossover, as a result of higher gas prices in states like California,” said Brauer. “Westerners today are not only budget-conscious at the gas pump, they appear more environmentally mindful than ever before, and we are seeing this translate to the car they are shopping.”

In addition, the KBB.com data revealed major differences in the popular and unpopular segments for each U.S. region, which is similar to the data results for the auto brands.

“Based on actual shopping data on KBB.com, hybrids are synonymous with the West, as SUVs are with the South,” said Henry. “Seeing the key drivers motivating shoppers are topography, metropolitan density and government regulations, it is not surprising compact crossovers are preferred over full-size SUVs in the Northeast. This shows when brand choice is layered on top of segment preferences, manufacturers like Subaru rise to the top with its four-wheel drive options, along with Volvo and its high safety ratings, which help both brands drive interest in this region.”