CATA News

At a time still challenged by a pandemic, 17 area charities on Feb. 11 shared more than $1.6 million raised by the 2022 Chicago Auto Show's benevolent event, First Look for Charity, and two attendees left with the keys to new vehicles.

 

The black-tie benefit, which is held the evening before the auto show opens its 10-day public run, boosted its total raised to more than $58 million over 30 editions.

 

"First Look for Charity is a great instrument for the area's new-car dealers to show the positive impact they have on their community," said Bill Haggerty, chairman of this year's auto show. "All the benefiting charities are involved locally, so the money that's raised in Chicago stays in Chicago."

 

As the name of the event implies, those who attend First Look for Charity are part of the premier viewing of each year's Chicago Auto Show. Tickets to the fundraiser are $275 each, and purchasers can elect to have their proceeds equally benefit all participating charities, or any one charity of their choosing. For the event, the auto show floor is replete with live entertainment and a variety of exquisite food and beverage stations.

 

A highlight of the evening was the drawing for the event's grand prizes, this year two 2022 models: a Buick Enclave Avenir and a GMC Yukon Denali. Two Chicagoans took top honors. Vasiliki Katris went to the event when a family friend who could not attend gave his ticket to her, then she listened as that ticket's stub was drawn from the drum for the Yukon. Richard J. Green Jr. reached the stage almost immediately to claim the Yukon.

 

The proceeds from Katris's ticket went to Franciscan Community Benefit Services, one of the event's benefiting nonprofits. Green directed his ticket purchase to be shared by all 17 charities. Other participating nonprofits included the 100 Club of Illinois, Advocate Health Care, the ALS Association Greater Chicago Chapter, Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago, and Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago.

 

Also, Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Joliet, Glenwood Academy, Habitat for Humanity, Susan G. Komen Chicago, the Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, and Lydia Home & Safe Families for Children.

 

And, Misericordia, New Star, Special Olympics Illinois, Turning Pointe Autism Foundation, and the Jesse White Tumbling Team.

 

The Enclave and Yukon both were compliments of Buick-GMC and the Chicagoland Buick-GMC dealers.

 

The 2022 Chicago Auto Show concluded its 10-day run at McCormick Place on Presidents Day. Despite facing ongoing hurdles of producing a show in the midst of a global pandemic and vehicle inventory shortages, show organizers were able to bring back First Look for Charity, host a successful Media Preview and safely welcome hundreds of thousands of people to the public show. 

Eager attendees traveled to McCormick Place to get a look at the latest cars, trucks, SUVs and EVs, including on an indoor electric vehicle test track featuring a variety of new models.

"Over a two-year stretch when auto shows were canceled more often than opened, the Chicago Auto Show has been able to navigate the turbulent times and open our doors to the public each year during the pandemic," said ’22 Chicago Auto Show Chairman Bill Haggerty. "It’s not all due to luck or chance; we’ve worked strategically and side-by-side with city and state officials on plans A, B and C in order to safely hold our show, even if it meant moving the event from its traditional February timeframe to an indoor/outdoor hybrid show model last July."

The 2021 Chicago Auto Show was the first public event to reopen McCormick Place and revive conventions for the city since the onset of the pandemic. The ’22 show marked this year’s largest event held at McCormick Place. Organizers reported an attendance of 200,000 visitors, double the number of people who attended last summer’s special edition.

"We are proud of what we were able to pull off this February, even though it was impacted by these difficult challenges," Haggerty added. "Do we hope to return to a more ‘normal’ show in the future? Of course we do. However, considering what the world has faced with the pandemic, not to mention the severe inventory challenges in the auto industry, we know our attendees appreciate the variety of ways this show delivered." 

Chicago Auto Show General Manager Dave Sloan said, "While we experienced lower attendance than in a typical year, in part due to Covid restrictions being in flux and the difficulty communicating a clear message regarding safety protocols, we’re proud to have found a way to bring the auto industry’s latest to our loyal fans."

The show featured an array of vehicles that made their global, national or auto show debut, including:

 

• 2023 BMW ixM60

• 2022 BMW xDrive50

• 2022 BMW i4 M50

• 2023 Chevrolet Blazer

• 2024 Chevrolet Silverado EV

• 2023 Chevrolet Corvette Z06

• Ford 1978 F-100 Eluminator EV Concept

• 2022 Ford Bronco Raptor

• 2022 Ford Bronco Everglades

• Ford GT Alan Mann Heritage Edition

• 2022 GMC Hummer EV

• 2022 Hyundai IONIQ 5

• 2022 Hyundai Tucson PHEV

• 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe

• 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L Limited Black Package

• 2022 Kia EV6

• 2024 Kia EV9 Concept

• 2023 Kia Sportage PHEV

• Lexus IS 500 SEMA Build

• 2022 Lexus LX 600

• 2022 Lexus NX

• Lincoln Aviator Shinola Concept

• 2023 Nissan Ariya

• Nissan Frontier Trio of Concepts: Frontier Project 72X, Frontier Project Hardbody, Frontier Project Adventure

• Nissan Rebelle Rally Frontier

• 2023 Nissan Z

• Ram 1500 "Built to Serve" Edition

• 2023 Subaru Solterra

• 2023 Subaru WRX

• 2023 Toyota bZ4X

• 2023 Toyota Sequoia and Sequoia Capstone

• Toyota Tacozilla Tacoma Camper

• 2022 Toyota Tundra Capstone

 

Whether it’s having fun with an off-road experience, learning about the capabilities of a pickup truck or taking an EV for a test drive for the first time, the show offered the environment for consumers to shop, learn and play.

 

Fan favorites returned, including Camp Jeep (which marked its 18th year at the show), Ram Truck Territory and Subaru’s popular National Parks immersive exhibit and dog adoption. More than a dozen dogs were adopted from the display. New attractions this year featured an indoor 2022 Toyota Tundra test track and Ford’s two new indoor tracks to highlight its Bronco family of vehicles and its latest EVs, the F-150 Lightning and Mustang Mach-E.

 

"These last two shows really illustrate the importance of in-person interaction with the vehicle," said Sloan. "During our July special edition show, nearly 40% of attendees experienced a test track or test drive, a number we hoped to better this year with three outdoor test drives and six indoor test tracks-more indoor test tracks than we’ve ever offered before!"

 

Automakers reported hitting their test track and test drive number goals this year, which were on pace with years preceding the pandemic, despite the smaller show.

 

"This is an extremely valuable metric for our exhibitors, as research shows experiential opportunities like these translate directly to vehicle sales; that’s the value of an auto show," said Sloan. "We look forward to the future as we continue to reimagine and rebuild the Chicago Auto Show."

 

That fan engagement and excitement translated to social media, supported by initial Meltwater data that reports the Chicago Auto Show’s message reached more than 35 million people over 90 days.

 

"An auto show and digital reach go hand-in-hand," said Sloan. "We find this to be the case year after year. Fans want to share their experience with their network, and the show provides them a platform to do so. When they tag us and use our hashtag, we’re able to track the collective reach, which really highlights the show as a powerful platform."

 

The 2023 Chicago Auto Show is being planned for Feb. 11-20 at McCormick Place. The Media Preview will be held Feb. 9-10 and First Look for Charity will be the evening of Friday, Feb. 10.

 

Jennifer Morand, who has worked for the Chicago Automobile Trade Association for 10 years, on March 1 ascended to co-chief executive of the association, sharing titles with Dave Sloan. The pair will lead the CATA for the next two years, at which time Morand will fully take the reins.

Sloan said that Morand, who most recently served as the association’s director of public relations and social media, impressed him as someone who could lead the CATA in the future. Recent efforts by a PR firm to recruit her accelerated Sloan’s plans.

When she accepted the firm’s position in December, Morand did so provided she could remain with the CATA through the just-completed Chicago Auto Show — a great example of her dedication and professionalism.

"Obviously," said CATA Chairman Kevin Keefe, "our business is changing fast and the auto show business is, as well.  We feel that with Jen’s gifts and background, she is the best choice to lead our association in the future, and we could not let her get away.  Allowing Jen to ease into her leadership role with Dave by her side is a scenario that became instantly crystal clear to each of us. 

"Dave Sloan has been an excellent leader for the CATA the last 12 years, with the CATA and the auto show achieving some significant victories during that time.  Proposing this plan may be his best win yet.  He has said that putting Jen in the position to succeed would be the crowning achievement of his CATA career, one he feels he owes to the association that has been so good to him and his family.  We are grateful for his continuing leadership."

Sloan join the CATA in 1993 as executive vice president.

 

To address the aging technician workforce, the Hoffman Estates-based Collision Repair Education Foundation (CREF) has organized a "can’t miss" career fair event, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. March 11, where dealership managers can meet hundreds of Chicagoland area high school & college auto service/mechanical and collision students from the greater Chicago area.

The World of Wheels/Auto Rama Student Day will be at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont. The vast majority of students in attendance at the event will be specialists in mechanical/auto service. As students approach spring graduation, this is a chance for dealers to network with students who could be a dealership’s future entry-level fixed ops workforce. 

For more information and participation details, contact Tiffany Bulak from CREF at tiffany.bulak@ed-foundation.org.

 

In-vehicle apps are getting fewer criticisms than before.

Early versions often were clunky, leading many consumers to turn directly to their smartphones instead. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay gained traction from that.

But automakers’ in-car app interfaces are getting better — and becoming more popular, according to a new consumer survey by J.D. Power.

The percentage of vehicle owners using automakers’ built-in apps that appear on infotainment screens continues to increase.

Nearly 40% of the latest survey’s respondents say they use an OEM-offered app at least half of the time they drive. Such apps can offer information ranging from real-time traffic conditions to best nearby gasoline prices to primo parking spots.

Usage rates are highest for domestic OEMs such as Ford and General Motors, with almost 50% of owners using app offerings half the time and 27% saying they use them each time they drive.

That’s progress, but work remains. For example, apps were cited as the third-most problematic feature vehicle owners mentioned in the J.D. Power survey last year.

The main areas of dissatisfaction: connectivity issues and incorrect information.

"Owners are looking for accurate real-time information about their vehicle, which many apps are currently not providing," said Frank Hanley, J.D. Power’s senior director-global automotive consulting.

App speeds are improving (speed is top-of-mind for most users), but "accuracy and stability are not, in many cases," he said. "The apps are also lacking many of the features that owners want, causing many owners to say that the app is providing no real value."

The app features most desired by owners include remote control, navigation assistance, service monitoring and status/diagnostic information.

No single app in the industry currently executes all those features well, J.D. Power reported.

Other issues: Car buyers say they struggle to set up some in-vehicle apps. And many people aren’t aware of available app content. J.D. Power says dealers can help ease those pain points. 

Surveyed owners who got dealership assistance with set-up and feature explanations are more likely to use the app and express greater satisfaction.

Many dealerships have become creative in familiarizing customers with the technology in their newly purchased vehicles, apps included.

Some dealers have hired tech-savvy local high school students to offer customers tech tutorials as part of the vehicle delivery process.   

But customer willingness to pay for apps remains low, according to the J.D. Power survey on the current level of app use.

While 90% of owners do not pay for their apps, there is an increase in the percentage of those willing (or say they are willing) to pay in the future.

Among app users, 28% say they would be willing to pay up to $5 for an app, though 58% keep their wallets closed.

Of the 32 brands benchmarked in the study, among the top-performing mobile apps are Volvo Cars, MyHyundai, Genesis Intelligent Assistant and MySubaru.

"It’s critical that manufacturers devote proper resources to developing apps that truly meet the needs of new owners," Hanley said. "New app offerings from Jeep and BMW, for example, show noticeable improvement by adding additional content and increase in speed."

But some others "have issues with speed, pairing and connectivity."

 

By Eric A. Taub, New York Times

 

I am driving in the California hills high above Malibu, in a deep-blue electric Audi E-tron, and I turn onto a pitch-black winding road. Instinctively, I reach to turn on the high beams. But before I have a chance to do so, the low beams automatically rise and spread out like a hand fan, filling the entire roadway with light and projecting it far into the distance.

A few seconds later, the headlights of an approaching vehicle set my headlights in motion; the high beams angle down as the light continually shape-shifts, changing patterns to avoid illuminating the oncoming car.

I had just experienced adaptive driving beam, or A.D.B., headlights, one of the most important advances in vehicle lighting technology in decades. With A.D.B. lighting, a vehicle’s headlights are essentially always on high beam, while cameras and software instruct them to constantly reshape the beam to avoid blinding oncoming drivers or shining in the rearview mirrors of those close ahead.

The bad news is that while widely used in Europe and Asia for over a decade, these smart headlights are illegal in the United States. On my demonstration drive, I was piloting a not-for-sale-here European model of the E-tron equipped with Audi’s futuristic digital matrix headlighting system.

The good news is that after years of unsuccessful attempts to allow the technology, A.D.B. lights will soon be on American cars and trucks, thanks to a section in the recently passed Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act that mandates their use.

According to the infrastructure act, adaptive beam headlights must be approved for U.S. use within two years. And they will be allowed to meet the standard developed by the Society of Automotive Engineers, which is very similar to the systems already in use in Europe.

 

Lives and dollars are stake. Smart headlights are expected to pay off with substantial safety gains, according to a 2019 study from AAA. Widespread adoption would prevent thousands of crashes involving pedestrians and cyclists annually, the report said.

Using federal data from 2015, the study reported about 2,000 pedestrian deaths and 31,000 injuries in which alcohol was not a factor but dark or low-light conditions were. It pointed to about 14,000 such crashes involving cyclists. AAA expects that smart headlights would prevent at least 6% of these crashes, resulting in thousands of saved lives and over a billion dollars in reduced economic and societal expense.

The report also predicted 18,000 fewer crashes involving wildlife (it noted there were roughly 290,000 a year), saving a further $500 million a year.

The A.D.B. systems ease nighttime driver strain, according to research conducted by Valeo, a major vehicle lighting technology supplier. The company’s study found that driver stress levels, as measured by heart rate variability, declined by 36% when A.D.B. systems were used instead of standard low beams.

"Once you drive a vehicle with adaptive beams, you’ll see how great it is," said Bill Gouse, director of federal program management for SAE International, a standards-setting organization. "With A.D.B., you’ll no longer have to look off at a tree to save your vision because someone is coming toward you with their high beams on. This is our chance to stop lagging behind the standards used around the world."

Zdravko Miric, technical manager for vehicle safety standards at BMW of America, echoed that sentiment. "We’re really excited to offer A.D.B. lights in the U.S. market," he said. "It’s definitely a welcome advance in lighting technology."

The number of beam patterns offered by A.D.B. systems differs, based on each carmaker’s technology. General Motors autos in China equipped with A.D.B. can create 34 beam patterns, while digital systems from Audi and Mercedes-Benz use millions of micromirrors to create a virtually infinite number of shapes.

Audi’s digital matrix headlights, currently available (but deactivated) on the U.S. version of its E-tron, can also create a bright light "carpet" on a highway, illuminating the lane ahead, widening to show the way when the car is changing lanes, then shrinking back once the lane change is complete.

This light carpet "helps drivers to anticipate bends and stay in their lane," said Stephan Berlitz, Audi’s head of lighting development. "By visualizing the position of the vehicle in the lane, the lighting function is particularly helpful where the road narrows."

One added attraction that does work in the U.S. version: the ability to project one of five animations when locking and unlocking the vehicle. Radar detects whether there’s a wall in front of the vehicle and directs the image to it or to the ground, resolving distortion and height when needed.

The changeover to A.D.B.-capable headlamps could be swift for some drivers who own Audi, BMW or Mercedes models with deactivated units. Once the A.D.B. standard is approved, it’s possible that a simple software upgrade will activate them.

 

Some owners who could not wait for legalization say they have figured out how to activate their matrix headlights, and at least one aftermarket service dealer in Southern California will turn them on for $900.

Adaptive beam headlights could be just the beginning of advanced vehicle lighting developments. In Germany, Audi’s digital matrix headlights can already identify and illuminate a pedestrian in the road. In the future, in conjunction with the vehicle’s navigation system, the lights could cast a large arrow in front of the vehicle directing the driver where to exit the highway.

 

Valeo is developing a system that uses artificial intelligence to adapt a vehicle’s headlights to the age of the driver, reducing glare, for example, for older drivers who are more sensitive to it.

 

For automotive lighting experts, the day that A.D.B. systems are approved can’t come soon enough. "Once you drive a vehicle with adaptive beam headlights, you won’t want to go back," said Michael Larsen, G.M.’s technical fellow for exterior lighting.

 

"It’s really night and day."

 

As reported in November 2021, letters were sent by 20 Senate Democrats and 91 Democratic and Republican members of the House of Representatives urging the U.S. Treasury Department to act expeditiously to provide relief to dealers on new-vehicle LIFO who will experience significant LIFO recapture as a result of unprecedented inventory declines caused by actions related to the pandemic. 

In letters responding to Congress, Treasury officials stated that

        (i) "Businesses that primarily source and produce inventory within the United States are not eligible for [Section 473] relief…"; and

(ii) "If relief is provided, businesses with global supply chains would need to demonstrate … that the decrease in closing inventory … is directly and primarily attributable to the foreign disruption in the supply chain."

In response, the National Automobile Dealers Association in late January sent a letter to Treasury stating that 

(i) The first condition imposed by Treasury is not present in either the statute (section 473 of the Internal Revenue Code) or its legislative history and therefore should not preclude relief to otherwise eligible dealer taxpayers, and

(ii) The second condition has been met by a very strong letter that the Alliance of Automotive Innovators sent to Treasury on Jan. 21 at the NADA’s request.

The Alliance letter certified and provided supporting data demonstrating that 

a) "auto dealers have been unable to acquire a sufficient number of new vehicles from manufacturers to replenish their depleted inventories"; and

b) "[t]his decreased inventory production is primarily a result of the foreign supply chain disruptions caused by actions related to the COVID pandemic, especially with respect to semiconductor shortages."

The NADA letter also cited a fact sheet released by the White House on Jan. 21 that supports the Alliance’s certification by explaining that pandemic-related disruptions to foreign semiconductor factories have resulted in the reduced production of automobiles. 

The NADA letter stated that the information provided by the Alliance — as supported by the White House fact sheet — satisfies Treasury’s second condition for relief, and that Treasury therefore should move forward with the issuance of a Federal Register notice authorizing LIFO relief for affected dealers. The NADA further stated that it is prepared to assist Treasury and the IRS with the subsequent development of election and calculation procedures that dealers would need to claim the relief. 

The NADA expressed appreciation for the Alliance’s efforts to quickly generate and deliver a compelling letter supporting its franchised dealers on this issue. The dealer association will continue to report on related developments.

 

It’s all systems go for the 114th edition of the Chicago Auto Show, Feb. 12-21 at McCormick Place. Automakers are eager to show their latest models after so many auto shows have been disrupted since 2020 by the coronavirus.

The Chicago Auto Show has been one of the few auto shows to be uninterrupted during the pandemic, although the 2021 show was moved to July.

"While there were many wonderful aspects of our ‘special edition’ summertime show last year, we’re excited to return to February, as it’s historically been an ideal time for consumers to get out and beat the winter doldrums by experiencing the industry’s latest cars, trucks and SUVs," said 2022 Chicago Auto Show Chairman Bill Haggerty. "Plus, the show helps to drive consumer interest in new vehicles and it effectively kicks off the dealers’ spring selling season, solidifying that February is the right time for the show. 

"That said, we learned a lot from the July 2021 event that we plan to implement in February. The show will also feature popular exhibits like Camp Jeep and Ram Truck Territory indoor test tracks and outdoor test drives on city streets."

Expect lots of motion on the show floor, with tracks for Jeep and for Ram in the Stellantis display; for the Toyota Tundra; for Ford’s Bronco on its Built Wild track; for Mustang and Lightning electric vehicles; and still another EV track with multiple brands sharing the track. Outdoors, Ford, Kia and Subaru will offer test drives over Chicago byways.

In addition, the show will feature a lineup of interactive activities within the various exhibits. Step into Subaru’s National Parks display for a five senses immersive experience, and get a first glimpse of new EVs that will soon hit the market, such as the Subaru Solterra and the Toyota bz4X.

Consumers can get a good look at the show floor by watching three live TV specials. The programs will air at 7 p.m. Feb. 11 on WGN-TV; 6 p.m. Feb. 12 on ABC 7 Chicago (rebroadcast at 12 a.m. Feb. 13 and 4 p.m. Feb. 20); and 6:30 p.m. Feb. 15 on CBS 2 Chicago.

Also new this year, show organizers will honor first responders and military personnel by hosting a First Responders and Military Appreciation Day on Tuesday, Feb. 15. On that day, all first responders and military can visit a special location at the event to show their badge or military ID for free entry. Any guests that accompany first responders or military personnel will be receive a discounted admission for $10, valid that day only.

"The Chicago Auto Show has a longstanding tradition of providing people a fun, indoor activity within an otherwise quiet, cold month," said Dave Sloan, Chicago Auto Show General Manager. "We’re thrilled to offer 10 days of entertainment to fans who look forward to this event each year."

Based on guidance from Chicago health officials, the following protocols will be in effect:

1. Masks are REQUIRED for all attendees age 2 and older, except when eating and drinking. Masks must cover the nose and mouth.

2. Proof of COVID-19 vaccination WILL NOT be required for admission. However, designated areas will be set up for the consumption of food and beverage, and proof of COVID-19 vaccination WILL BE required for entry into those areas. Because of this requirement, outside food and beverages are not permitted into the 2022 Chicago Auto Show. 

All bags are subject to search. Patrons will be randomly selected for security screening.

Admission is $15 for adults, and $10 for seniors aged 62 and older and children ages 4-12. Children 3 and younger are free when they accompany a paying adult family member.

 

Julius Marks, 90, who was president and owner of Libertyville Lincoln and president of Classic Toyota and Kia in Waukegan, died Jan. 9.

 

A U.S. Air Force veteran of the Korean War, Mr. Marks lived in Libertyville beginning in 1972. The Illinois Automobile Dealers Association in 1991 nominated Mr. Marks for the prestigious Time Magazine Quality Dealer Award, which recognizes new-vehicle dealers for exceptional performance in their dealerships combined with distinguished community service. 

He was chairman of the Condell Medical Center’s strategic planning committee; chairman of the Libertyville High School citizens advisory committee; a past director of the LMV Chamber of Commerce (Libertyville, Mundelein, and Vernon Hills); a former trustee of Barat College in Lake Forest; and a member of the Rotary Club of Libertyville.

He also was a director of the University of Wisconsin Alumni Foundation, a supporter of the Big Brothers Inner City Schools Program of the Archdiocese of Chicago, and he also once formed a testimonial committee to raise money for a heart transplant patient. 

Survivors include Janet, his wife of 60 years; sons Daniel and Fred; a daughter, Sheila; and eight grandchildren. Memorials appreciated to Catholic Charities of Lake County.

 

A decade or so ago, doomsayers claimed personal vehicle ownership would tank, largely because young people of the time (millennials) weren’t interested in buying vehicles.

Well, scratch that item off the endangered list. Today’s Americans might not have a love affair with cars like they supposedly did in earlier times. But they sure need and want them.

That’s one of the findings of the 2022 State of the American Driver Report from a company named Jerry. It has an app that connects consumers with car insurers.

Among its survey standouts is that 80% of American drivers consider a vehicle as essential to daily and weekly activities.

But wait. Weren’t ride-hailing services expected to take over the transportation world? Who would need to buy a car if the likes of Uber and Lyft can be used?

"One of the most interesting results of the survey is that 50% of Americans have never used a ride-hailing app, even though ride-hailing feels ubiquitous," said Lakshmi Iyengar,  a Jerry data scientist.

Why’s that? First, such services typically aren’t available outside of urban areas. (Midwesterners are most likely to never have used a ride-hailing app.) Try summoning Uber from a farm town.

Moreover, the COVID pandemic has made many people apprehensive about getting into a ride-hailing car that’s had multiple occupancies throughout the day.

American consumer feelings about electric vehicles and autonomous vehicles were other survey topics.

A third of those polled never expect to drive an EV in their lifetime, while half expect to do so within 10 years.

However, many people with an interest in buying an EV aren’t necessarily out to save the planet. Fuel savings motivate them the most.

According to the survey, millennials (ages 25-40) are most eager to go electric, followed by Gen Z (ages 16-24).

Boomers (ages 57-75) are the least likely to show an interest in buying an EV, yet they were the only generation to first cite concern for the environment as a purchase reason. Gen Z’s primary interest is because EVs are "cool."

Topping the list, 47% of polled millennials are interested in buying an EV as their next vehicle. Gen Z followed at 41%, Gen X at 38% and baby boomers at 28%. Men were more interested (43%) compared to women (36%).

"The EV results are really interesting," Iyengar said. "EVs are getting close to a tipping point. As EVs scale in the next 10-15 years, we’ll see lower prices and cost benefits play out."

 

Regarding autonomous vehicles, Americans are split about their potential use in future daily life. Forty percent of polled drivers never expect to use a self-driving vehicle.

 

Gen Z drivers were most likely to say they expect to use a fully autonomous vehicle within five years. (That might stem from youthful optimism, because it’s questionable whether Level 5 autonomous vehicles will be on the market by 2027.)  

 

"As expected, younger drivers are the most optimistic, but in their lifetime they have seen such rapid technological progress," Iyengar said. "They have come to expect it."

 

Another survey finding: One in four American drivers are planning to car shop in 2022, but they anticipate facing continued supply-and-demand issues as a global microchip shortage has led to vehicle inventory shortages and increased prices.

 

Iyengar said some consumers need to buy a car while others with ample wherewithal want a new vehicle — and are willing to pay more. A third say they will shop if prices drop. "Americans experienced sticker shock when shopping for new and used cars in 2021, and no relief is in sight this year," she said.

 

The online survey of 1,250 respondents was conducted in December.