Car shoppers rate safety features as must-have technologies

Car shoppers rate safety features as –must-have” technologies

USB/auxiliary ports are the number one” must-have” technology, rated by 43 percent of car shoppers in a recent survey by Kelley Blue Book; vehicle diagnostics are second; Bluetooth and a premium sound system are fourth and fifth. But safety and information features back-up/blind spot cameras, recall advisor, stolen vehicle recovery and collision sensors dominated the top 10.

The survey found that 39 percent of consumers choose a model based on its available in-vehicle technology, including infotainment and navigation. –Although a vehicleês infotainment system is not the main draw for a shopper, it can be the deal maker or deal breaker,” especially for younger buyers, said Arthur Henry, analyst for Kelley Blue Bookês KBB.com.