MSN Carpoint Unveils the Internet’s 10 Most Sought-After Cars of 2000 At Detroit Auto Show
REDMOND, Wash., Jan. 10, 2001 — The MSN Carpoint
online automotive service, the most visited car-buying and -ownership site on the Web, with more than 6 million monthly car buyers, today announced its list of the 10 most-requested vehicles of 2000. Consumer trends show passenger cars are still a major force, holding five of the top 10 positions.
The most-requested vehicle at the Carpoint buying service, for the third consecutive year, was the Honda Accord. The hot-selling Chrysler PT Cruiser, which is classified as a car by some government officials and as a truck by others, also made the top 10, coming in at a remarkable No. 2. It went on sale last spring. The Nissan Xterra, a recently introduced sports utility vehicle, joined the Ford Explorer as one of the most sought-after SUVs of the year. Ford also had the only truck to make the top 10 list with the Ford F-150 series. The Honda Odyssey was the only minivan on the list.
The Carpoint top 10 for calendar year 2000 reflects consumer interest in a broad range of vehicles, with practicality emerging as a key trend for 2000 and midprice passenger cars in the greatest demand.
Top 10 Most Requested Vehicles in 2000
(Percentage of total market)
1. Honda Accord 3.74%
2. Chrysler PT Cruiser 3.46%
3. Honda Civic 3.03%
4. Honda Odyssey 2.65%
5. Ford Explorer 2.28%
6. Toyota Camry 2.16%
7. Volkswagen Jetta 2.02%
8. Ford F-150 1.93%
9. BMW 3-Series 1.79%
10. Nissan Xterra 1.73%
“The Carpoint 2000 top 10 reflects consumer demand for a wide variety of vehicles,” said Mark Hickling, editor and publisher of MSN Carpoint at Microsoft Corp. “Our cybershoppers are clearly interested in the practicality of their new vehicle as well as its image and quality. You can see that throughout the entire top 10 list. Gasoline prices, which rose and fell last year, also appeared to have an impact in moderating consumer interest in larger vehicles.
“This online data is available monthly in the Carpoint Market Update data service to help Carpoint and our industry partners better predict and respond to consumer demand.”
The 2000 top 10 will be available on Carpoint.com. In addition, Carpoint is the official Web site for the North American International Auto Show 2001 and is offering a backstage pass to the show, including views of the hottest cars before they are unveiled to the general public. As the only place on the Web to see a comprehensive view of the show, Carpoint provides streaming video, surrounding video, extensive photography and editorial reviews from the show floor for those who cannot attend in person.
About Carpoint Inc.
Launched in October 1995, Carpoint (http://www.carpoint.com/) is the most visited online automotive marketplace, receiving more than 6 million consumer visits each month. From
product reviews and surround video features to new- and used-car pricing, the Carpoint site helps consumers find the car they love at a price they can afford. With details on more than 10,000 models and 100,000 used vehicles, visitors can research and compare cars of virtually every make and model, identify local dealers and receive instructions for post-purchase service and maintenance.
Carpoint generates more than $8 billion (U.S.) in auto sales each year for its network of more than 5,000 affiliated dealers nationwide. The American International Automobile Dealers Association exclusively endorses Carpoint. Carpoint also powers the Autos Channel on the MSN network of Internet services (http://www.msn.com/). MSN is the most popular destination on the Internet, attracting 230 million unique monthly visitors worldwide.
About Microsoft
Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT”) is the worldwide leader in software, services and Internet technologies for personal and business computing. The company offers a wide range of products and services designed to empower people through great software – any time, any place and on any device.
Microsoft, MSN and Carpoint are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corp. in the United States and/or other countries.
The names of actual companies and products mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.
For more information, press only:
Tara Naughton, Cohn & Wolfe, (212) 798-9831, [email protected]
Andrew Lipman, Cohn & Wolfe, (212) 798-9834, [email protected]
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