ACA Research study shows distinct preference for new over used vehicles
Despite the uncertainty surrounding an economy in transition, Australian commercial van buyers continue to display a healthy appetite for the vehicles, according to a recent survey.
Market research consultancy ACA Research has released some of the findings of its Commercial Vans Insight: Brand Health & Segmentation Study after questioning 250 organisations operating at least one van but with control of 4,200 such vehicles all up.
Of these, 60 per cent indicated that they intended to buying vans this year, with 69 per cent of them saying the purchase would be of a new vehicle, 18 per cent a used vehicle and 12 per cent a mix of the two.
ACA Research’s summary of its report reveals that the markets age limit for replacement is about five years, with 40 per cent of respondents nominating 4-5 years and 25 per cent more than five years.
In the brand-awareness stakes, Toyota was a clear leader with 74 per cent of unprompted responses nominating the maker and 58 per cent saying they were owners.
This was more or less double the next highest response, which was for Hyundai, with Volkswagen, Mercedes-Benz and Ford not far behind on both counts.
“Sprinter and Transit are the most popular large vans, while Vito and Transporter compete strongly for the Premium customer,” ACA’s researchers state.
“The critical factors for most are reliability, suitability, fuel economy, load volume, comfort and price.”
Among individual models, front of mind for purchase were Toyota HiAce at 42 per cent, Hyundai iLoad at 27 per cent, Mercedes-Benz Sprinter and Vito at 10 [per cent each and Transporter and VW and Ford Transit at 9 per cent each.
ACA Research can be contacted here.