Audi R8 Knocks VW Golf Out of Pole Position, Mercedes-Benz C-Class Joins the E-Class on the Gaywheels Most Researched List
New York, NY – Gay and lesbian vehicle shoppers’ behavior is often stereotyped as being all luxury and all convertibles. In reality, the data dispels that myth while giving some credence to it at the same time. Today, Gaywheels.com announced its list of the Top 10 Most-Researched Vehicles during the third quarter of 2009:
Gaywheels.com Top 10 Most-Researched Vehicles -3rd Quarter 2009
Rank
1 Audi R8
2 VW Golf
3 VW Jetta
4 VW Eos
5 Nissan Quest
6 Mitsubishi Outlander
7 Mercedes-Benz E-Class
8 Mazda MAZDA3
9 Saab 9-3
10 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
“If LGBT consumers’ behavior is indicative of future trends, there may be a light at the end of the tunnel for auto makers,” said Gaywheels.com founder Joe LaMuraglia. “For the first time there is a luxury sports car in the #1 spot on the list. Historically, that slot has been held by stylish, affordable and fuel efficient vehicles. We also have the most luxury vehicles ever represented in the research data.”
The Audi R8 debuted on the list in the second quarter of 2009 and has quickly moved up to the top spot. VW continues with a strong showing with the Golf, Jetta and Eos in the 2nd, 3rd and 4th spots respectively. Mercedes-Benz made its first showing ever last quarter and in this time period has two vehicles, the E-Class and the C-Class, on the most-researched list.
“In a study of LGBT new car buyers conducted in the Spring of 2009 with market research and consulting firm Sorgenfrei, we learned that gay men and lesbians have disparate needs and purchase reasons for their vehicles. This may explain the myriad of price points and body styles represented in the data,” said LaMuraglia. “I’ve said this many times, the LGBT consumer is the most diverse diversity group and this data supports that statement.”
The Top 10 Most Researched list is based on website statistics gathered from July 1, 2009 – September 30, 2009 from Gaywheels.com’s new car data partner vLane.com. Gaywheels.com publishes the Most-Researched list quarterly.
Go to the Top 10 Index
About Gaywheels.com
Launched in 2005, Gaywheels.com is dedicated to promoting responsible consumerism and affecting change by encouraging car shoppers to patronize gay-friendly companies throughout the vehicle purchase process. Users of the site are able to investigate which automakers and other automotive companies offer domestic partner benefits to their employees, thus qualifying them as “gay-friendly,” plus read general reviews about cars, trucks and SUVs from those manufacturers. With that information at hand, they can make educated choices during the car-buying process. For more information, please visit www.Gaywheels.com.