Segway will not Drive GM to Financial Recovery

Americans Say General Motors’ New Segway will not Drive Company to Financial Recovery

-- Majority would consider purchasing two-seater, but not as preferred transportation --

Flemington, NJ, April 8, 2009 – A new study conducted among 200 viewers of a news clip featuring the new GM Segway (a battery-powered, two-passenger vehicle), revealed that the majority indicated that the car will not aid General Motors on a road to financial recovery.

The study was conducted by HCD Research on April 7 to obtain viewers’ perceptions of a news clip that featured the unveiling of GM’s Segway. To view interest curves and detailed results visit: www.mediacurves.com.

The majority of respondents (60%) reported that if they lived in a city, they would consider purchasing the vehicle, and 69% indicated that the design was a breakthrough for the auto industry. Less than half of respondents (44%) reported that the prototype would become the way of the future for urban travel, and only 19% indicated that the new automobile would help GM in its financial recovery and restructuring process.

Among the findings:

If you lived in a city, would you consider purchasing this battery-powered two-seater?

Total

Yes 60%
No 40%

Do you think this is a breakthrough product for the automobile industry?

Total

Yes 69%
No 31%

Do you think this new automobile design will become the preferred method
of travel for urban residents in the future?

Total

Yes 44%
No 56%

IF YES: How long do you think it will be before the two-seater electric automobiles will become urban residents’ preferred method of travel?

Total

0-2 years 17%
3-5 years 39%
6-9 years 36%
10+ years 8%

Do you think the development and future launch of this battery-operated automobile will help GM in their financial recovery and company restructure?

Total

Yes 19%
Somewhat 57%
No 24%

While viewing the video clip, participants indicated their levels of interest by moving their mouse from left to right on a continuum. The responses were recorded in quarter-second intervals and reported in the form of curves.

The Media Curves web site provides the media and general public with a venue to view Americans’ perceptions of popular and controversial media events and advertisements.
Editors/Reporters: For more information on the study, or to speak with Glenn Kessler, president and CEO, HCD Research, please contact Vince McGourty, HCD Research, at (908) 483-9121 or (vince.mcgourty@hcdi.net).

HCD Research is a communications research company headquartered in Flemington, NJ. The company's services include traditional and web-based communications research. For additional information on HCD Research, access the company’s web site at www.hcdi.net or call HCD Research at 908-788-9393.

ENDS

© Scoop Media