Mercedes-Benz took two of the
top rankings in Kelley Blue Book Marketing Research's second quarter
consumer automotive perceptions research study, Brand Watch. The report,
which surveys thousands of new car shoppers, ranked Mercedes-Benz as "Best
Overall Prestige Brand/Luxury/Sophistication." The study also gave
Mercedes-Benz the top ranking for "Best Exterior Styling in the Luxury SUV
Segment."
"With a motorcar heritage dating back more than a century and
technology that is as new as tomorrow, Mercedes-Benz has cemented its image
as the foremost luxury brand among U.S. consumers," said Jack R. Nerad,
executive editorial director and executive market analyst, Kelley Blue Book
and kbb.com. "Mercedes-Benz' record of ongoing innovation in vital areas
like design, safety and creature-comforts continues to reinforce its elite
standing with the buying public, as our research attests."
Ernst Lieb, president & CEO, Mercedes-Benz USA said: "This really
underscores the momentum that the Mercedes-Benz brand has in the U.S.
market. We've had year-over-year record-breaking sales and are looking
forward to our 14th year of sales increases in this crucial market.
Aspiration to - and perception of -- the Mercedes-Benz brand are at an
all-time high. What's important about a study that's as comprehensive as
this one is that it shows we're delivering on a broad set of customers'
expectations both with respect to the product and the experiential aspect
of owning a Mercedes-Benz."
The trusted resource for new and used car information, Kelley Blue Book
issues this highly comprehensive consumer study on a quarterly basis and
takes a detailed look at new vehicle shoppers' perceptions of brands and
important factors driving their purchase decisions while in the midst of
the research and shopping process.
The study delves into how each manufacturer's brand equity differs
across vehicle segments, compares the relative standing of each make versus
competitive makes, and reveals the decision factors of car-buyers within
each make and segment. Across some 17 measurement categories, three overall
category winners are designated for best exterior styling, best interior
layout and comfort, and best prestige/luxury brand.