Fuel-Efficiency Focus at Detroit Auto Show Contradicts Consumer Search Data

It is no surprise that much of the 2010 Detroit Auto Show focused on the fuel-efficient side of the spectrum with hybrids, electric cars, and alternative fuel conversations. What is more surprising is that NADAguides.com, a leading provider of pricing information and market research for new and used cars, classics, RVs, motorcycles and boats, announced today the Top Five Most Researched Cars heading into the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit. They were not these fuel-efficient cars.

Consumer data, based on model research volume within each brand, shows the highest consumer interest is in vehicles from Chevrolet, Lexus, Nissan and Honda. The Chevy Camaro, a Motown muscle favorite, led the way in most of 2009 and into the first weeks of 2010 as being the most researched vehicle on NADAguides.com. Obviously consumers care more about looking good in their cars and their diet pills than they do about fuel-efficiency from an outside perspective.

Does this actually suggest that people are more likely to buy these cars though? Of course people are more likely to look into the cars that make them tingle when they look at them. Are they more likely to buy these cars though?

"Although electric, hybrid and small cars are being showcased in Detroit this week, the patterns we are seeing from consumers show a desire for affordable and efficient vehicles that offer substantial performance, upscale amenities and impressive technology," said Mike Caudill, spokesperson for NADAguides.com. "This most recent data not only identifies the top cars consumers are most interested in, but also provides automakers with a clear roadmap of what consumers are looking to buy. One aspect that may also surprise critics is that despite the demand for small, fuel efficient hybrids, muscle cars, while a small part of the market, sold relatively well last year and continue to pique consumer interest."

NADAguides.com's Top Five Most Researched Cars are:

2010 Chevrolet Camaro
2009 Lexus ES350
2009 Nissan Altima
2009 Honda Accord
2010 Lexus RX 350