How Do You Line Up? Survey Reveals Most Popular Cars Among Democrats and Republicans

Strategic Vision, a marketing research and industry forecasting firm, recently conducted a large-scale survey to determine the most popular cars among Republicans and Democrats, respectively.  While the results aren't too surprising, they've given statistical proof to what many have often assumed.

After interviewing more than 38,000 people, the study found that the most popular car among Republicans is the Ford Mustang convertible, followed by the Audi A8 sedan, the Mercedes GL-Class, the Ford Expedition, and the Ford F-150.

For Democrats, favorites included the Honda Civic Hybrid, the Volvo C30, the Nissan Leaf, the Acura TSX Sport Wagon, and the Ford Fiesta.

Ford Motor's communication director was pleased with the results of the study.  "We’re happy to serve the red and blue states,” he said. “We offer the power of choice to drivers and customers of every political stripe.”

The New York Times writes:

The survey, which had a margin of error of plus or minus 3 percent, included retail sales of 2011 and 2012 model-year cars and trucks. The study did not control for demographics like age or income. The news release from Strategic Vision also did not break down sales by geographic location.

[...]

Christopher Chaney, vice president of Strategic Vision, said certain cultural outlooks associated with party affiliations could carry over into car purchasing. For example, Republicans accounted for 69 percent of convertible purchases, compared with 17 percent for Democrats. “In the case of convertibles, we feel that there’s a freedom aspect, and that these buyers are looking to reward themselves, a mindset more associated with Republicans,” Mr. Chaney said.

Ultimately, Mr. Chaney and Mr. Edwards want automakers to consider using their survey data to bolster sales. “The idea is, ‘How do I formulate commercials and messages so that Republicans can be interested in hybrids, and Democrats in convertibles?’” Mr. Chaney said. “Instead of stereotyping people, we should look at these things as opportunities to understand the opposite. Because people are ultimately more alike than different.”

While not topping out the list, President Obama's most recent personal cars were a Ford Escape Hybrid and Chrysler 300C sedan.

(H/T: Jalopnik)