Does Your Car Predict Your Vote?
In “The Big Sort,” author Bill Bishop describes how people tend to self-segregate by moving near others who are predisposed to think like them. One of the principles of his theory is that lifestyle determines a person’s politics, and a recent survey conducted by Kelley Blue Book seems only to add credence to Bishop’s argument.
The survey’s most surprising discovery was just how well the actual data hewed to Republican and Democratic stereotypes. By wide margins, domestic-car owners preferred Republican presidential candidate John McCain. The “buy-American” crowd broke down with 61% of GMC owners, 60% of Chevy, 58% of Buick and Dodge, and 57% of Ford saying they would vote for McCain.
The Arizona senator also led in owners of luxury vehicles, including 52% each of BMW, Lexus and Lincoln owners.
Meanwhile Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama dominated among small-import owners like Mini (70%), Subaru (61%), Saab 59% and Honda (50%).
Vehicle segments broke down predictably as well with full-size truck, SUV and luxury-SUV owners all preferring McCain by wide margins, while Obama has the support of wagon and hatchback owners (including luxury wagons). The Illinois senator also did well with the luxury-crossover segment and hybrid owners, where he held a nine point lead over McCain.
It’s not hard to see how a car buyer’s political priorities manifest themselves in the type of vehicle he or she chooses, but the question we have is this: Has your car predicted your vote? Do you break the mold? Let us know in the comments.
