Video games have become as culturally pervasive as movies. In 2007, video games generated US$9.5-billion in revenues, while movies took in US$9.6-billion at the box office. Today, players come from both genders, and all age groups and, with the introduction of Nintendo’s Wii, can involve the whole family.
But you’re asking, how is this going to sell me cars? Simply put, driving a car in virtual reality increased how much someone liked that brand of cars. Clearly test drives will excited individuals. However, you can exactly go 120MPH down the back strait of Road Atlanta in an M3 on a regular old test drive. Additionally, it’s hard to borrow a Subaru Impreza WRC to excite someone, especially when they just came to test drive a Outback or a Tribecca. This sort of brand building can only be done through simulators. However, that is apparently enough to get at least 50% of audiences (according to the study) more excited and in turn more likely to buy a car. Additionally, you’re building a relationship with someone that may be more likely to buy again down the road (perhaps even upgrading as their work positions get more important).
Beyond the lab, we see similar promotions from the likes of BMW with the release of their new M3. They had a video game specifically for driving the M3 to get you excited about the brand. Even I have been subjected to this via the Ford F-150 “Raptor” simulator at this years. NADA. I was already a huge fan of the truck, but getting behind the (virtual) wheel of a “Raptor” and running it across a desert in Baja conditions was just the icing on the “I’m Sold” cake.
Lock up your GMs! Seem as if criminals have it out for you this year. Between Cadillacs and Hummers, GM hold 4 of the top 8 spots on this list. In fact, if you have any large American car, you might want to think about building a small shed to house it.
Car: Claims Per 1,000/Average Loss Payment Per Claim
For the same reason American car makers love to sell large SUVs and truck, thieves are seeking these behemoths out. They are large, cheap ways to get a nice car that will allow you to put expensive stereos, large rims and other accessories on that are easy to steal and resell without too much worry. Dropping 24s on your Hummer may say, “You’re ballin’” to your friends, but it says, “Come steal me” to every car criminal out there.
On the other hand, should be you be looking for the most inconspicuous (boring) cars on the road to protect your insurance premiums and pimped car stereos, you might want to check out the list below. To be honest, not all of them are boring or lame. Some of them just have excellent security systems and car-jackers know that it’s not worth the time to steal the car or there will be no way to re-sell the expensive parts off the car. As you can see, most of the cars are people carriers though with a preponderance of SUVs. The interesting thing is that whereas some of the cars are rather popular (Ford Focus, VW Beetle, Toyota Prius) some of the cars are the most obscure models available (Buick Terraza, Saturn Relay).
I think this video pretty much explains itself. If anyone wants to try their hand at rally, I suggest you head on over to our Subaru part of the site and see if you can pick yourself up a nice new or used Subaru Impreza.
