The 2011 Porsche Panamera is the top “Head Turner” in the premium vehicle category, according to the sixth annual Motorist Choice Awards.
The Motorist Choice Awards, which combine analysis from both AutoPacific and IntelliChoice, are designed to recognize vehicles that deliver a combination of high consumer satisfaction and low ownership costs over time. This year, AutoPacific and IntelliChoice grouped the winners into a collection of 15 popular lifestyle segments shoppers could easily identify with, including categories such as “Head Turner” and “People Mover.”
AutoPacific, an automotive marketing and production-consulting firm, performs an annual vehicle owner satisfaction survey in the U.S., with a record of more than 72,000 responses in 2011. This study solicits customer feedback on a recently purchased 2011 vehicle using 48 key attributes to cover the entire ownership experience, which is used to determine winners of the annual Vehicle Satisfaction Awards (VSAs).
Meanwhile, IntelliChoice monitors and adjusts costs of ownership for more than 1,800 vehicle models as the foundation of its Best Overall Value of the Year (BOVY) awards. The Motorist Choice Awards combine data analysis from both firms into one set of accolades, to showcase vehicles that earn high marks on both sets of criteria.
The awards were broken down into 15 unique categories defined by the needs and usage sought by new vehicle buyers, and named appropriately based on recommendations from a panel of consumers. The firms then determined winners in the Popular and Premium brand groupings.
“The Motorist Choice Awards are designed to assist consumers by using a categorization scheme other than traditional vehicle classes. Our research has shown that buyers often shop in more than one vehicle segment based on their needs and uses, rather than simply choosing a segment and then comparing models within it,” said George Peterson, president of AutoPacific. “Whether buyers are seeking a kid friendly, youthful, or fun to drive vehicle – we have a suggestion that will fit their budget and needs.”
In 2010, Porsche received the Motorist Choice Award for Best Premium Active Lifestyle Vehicle for the Porsche Cayenne, as well as the AutoPacific Vehicle Satisfaction Award for Best SportsCar for the Porsche 911.
The 2011 Motorist Choice Award winners were announced on Sept. 22 at the Orange County International Auto Show at the Anaheim Convention Center in Anaheim, Calif.
Source: Porsche
