Key findings of auto-buying habits

September 27, 2002

The AP reporterd thatsome key findings from a new survey by Cap Gemini Ernst & Young concerning U.S. consumers' auto-buying habits:

--Nearly three-quarters of Americans surveyed bought their last vehicle from a franchised dealer; 14 percent chose a used car dealer.

--78 percent of auto dealers regard the Internet as an opportunity for their business; 5 percent view it as a threat.

--81 percent of consumers surveyed said the ability to shop without sales pressure is particularly important.

--Internet dealers were responsible for 1 percent of car sales in the United States.

--Nearly 45 percent of consumers said they had ordered a vehicle to their own specific design.