Category: Kids & Kars

Blessing or a curse? The Chrysler Group and SIRIUS bring live TV to the back seat. Will kids find more to fight about, or parents find road trips less stressful?

Blessing or a curse? The Chrysler Group and SIRIUS bring live TV to the back seat. Will kids find more to fight about, or parents find road trips less stressful?

Scion xB wins inaugural Motorist's Choice Award for Small Wagons from AutoPacific and IntelliChoice

Scion xB wins inaugural Motorist's Choice Award for Small Wagons from AutoPacific and IntelliChoice

Jeff Payne has created a terrific team to support his dream of saving lives by making teens better drivers.

Jeff Payne has created a terrific team to support his dream of saving lives by making teens better drivers.

Improving safety on the road starting with the youngest drivers.

Improving safety on the road starting with the youngest drivers.

In the flurry of COTY awards, the Best Cars for Teens seems soft and not particularly well thought out. It appears like a no teen was asked for their opinions and only government- and industry-available information was used. Based on AutoPacific and VehicleVoice research Teens (or lets broaden that to GenY buyers) most likely would buy a used car (because they can afford it) or larger vehicles (because they aspire to them).

Maybe, just maybe, developing a relationship with GenY buyers is the marketing department’s job. Rather than wasting millions on developing a GenY car, why not focus on a great CPO program? The progression into a brand can successfully start with a great used vehicle, and it might be best for product planners to leave this job to marketing.