WESTLAKE VILLAGE, Calif. -

The J.D. Power 2014 U.S. Avoider Study showed that new technology offerings in vehicles are more important to new-vehicle buyers who purchase domestic models versus import vehicle buyers.

The study determined 38 percent of those buying domestic vehicles cite the latest technology features as a reason for their purchase, compared with 33 percent of import vehicle buyers.

Additionally, analysts found that domestic vehicle buyers who previously owned an import model are even more likely to purchase a domestic model due to its new technology and features (40 percent).

“Domestic brands in general are carving out a niche for themselves by offering vehicles with the latest technological features, and it appears to be getting the attention of consumers,” said Jon Osborn, research director at J.D. Power.

“It’s important for automakers to understand what motivates new-vehicle buyers to shop and purchase a particular model and focus on promoting those top purchase influencers to differentiate themselves and gain market share,” Osborn continued.

Osborn went on to mention five other key findings, including:

— Among both import and domestic new-vehicle buyers, latest technology is among the Top 10 purchase reasons indicated at the industry level.

— For a third consecutive year, gas mileage continues to be the most influential purchase reason at the industry level (15 percent) and is the second-most-frequently cited reason for rejecting a vehicle, behind price.

— Exterior styling remains the most influential reason for new-vehicle buyers to avoid shopping other models in the segment in which they purchased (33 percent).

— Slightly more than eight in 10 new-vehicle buyers who use the Internet for automotive shopping cite accessing online ratings and reviews prior to purchasing their vehicle. Analysts also noted 15 percent of new-vehicle buyers cite online ratings and reviews as a reason they avoided a specific vehicle, up 4 percentage points from 2010.

— Among new-vehicle buyers who purchased an electric vehicle, more buyers say that they did so due to environmental concerns (32 percent) than gas mileage (29 percent).

The study also revealed that the top five most influential purchase reasons among luxury and mass market new-vehicle buyers are:

Luxury                                                                                                         

1. Performance (power, handling, etc.)
2. Quality of workmanship (materials, fit and finish)
3. Exterior styling (design)
4. Like the image this vehicle portrays
5. Reliability (freedom from breakdowns)                            

Mass Market

1. Gas mileage (fuel economy)
2. Reliability (freedom from breakdowns)
3. The “Deal” (interest rates/rebates)
4. Exterior styling (design)
5. Performance (power, handling, etc.)

The 2014 Avoider Study is based on responses from approximately 29,000 owners who registered a new vehicle in April and May of last year. The study was fielded between July and September of last year.

The study, now in its 11th year, examines the reasons consumers purchase, reject and why they do not consider — or avoid — particular models when shopping for a new vehicle.