According to a recent press release, the Audi Q7 luxury SUV has earned the highest rating in its category under a new consumer sentiment index aimed at identifying the smartest “green” choices available to consumers in the United States.   The report states the Audi Q7 was a stand out among all 2008 and 2009 model luxury SUVs. The Audi line of vehicles boasts 23 models, including 12 models launched during 2008 and 2009.

Audi of America Executive Vice President Johan de Nysschen:

“This recognition provides further proof that Audi vehicles overall, and the Audi Q7 in particular, offer exceptional satisfaction and long-term value. It also clearly reinforces Audi’s commitment to provide environmentally sensitive vehicle choices throughout our model lineup.”

This is the first year for the SmartGreen Index (SGI), which is tabulated by the San Diego-based marketing research firm, Strategic Vision. The index is based on actual customer experiences with automobile quality, overall value and performance on environmental measures, such as fuel economy. Strategic Vision weighs customer responses to find trends that would best predict customer advocacy, owner satisfaction, brand loyalty and model sales.

Strategic Vision said the 2008 index also uses this data to discover models which provide meaningful emotional connection” with consumers.  They believe that merely claiming the best fuel-efficiency numbers, a hybrid power plant or even a strong customer satisfaction base isn’t enough in fact, at Strategic Vision, they’re looking for an emotional connection, as well.  In other words: showin’ the love.

Says Dr. Darrel Edwards, CEO of Strategic Vision:

“While all customers are looking for vehicles they can trust and depend on, a majority of customers also have vehicle priorities such as styling, capacity, comfort, capability, performance and price. Ideally, most customers are looking for a vehicle they can love and express a meaningful emotional connection to.

Among other vehicles which ranked “Best in Class” for their excellence in quality, styling, performance and greenness within the SGI factor are:

• Mazda3 Sedan
• Toyota Yaris Hatchback
• Toyota Prius
• Kia Amanti
• Lexus IS 250/350
• Mercedes S-Class
• MINI Cooper Clubman
• BMW 3-Series Coupe
• Honda Accord Coupe
• MINI Cooper Convertible
• Chevrolet Corvette Convertible
• Honda Odyssey
• Honda CR-V
• Nissan Murano
• Highlander Hybrid
• Toyota 4Runner
• Chevrolet Tahoe
• Lexus RX 400 Hybrid
• Honda Ridgeline
• Chevrolet Avalanche
• Toyota Tundra

Armed with this information, I took a little trip over to Kelley Blue Book Green, where I was able to see a list of the top new green models which have generated the most research buzz over the last 30 days or which people seem to be most interested in and while I expected to see the Audi Q7 on the list, it wasn’t there - however the Prius and Chevrolet Tahoe did make both lists.  

I guess in the end, this means we really do love and feel an emotional attachment to our vehicles, especially if we own a Toyota Prius or Chevy Tahoe!

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