Study Shows Rising U.S. Consumer Automotive Brand Loyalty in 2024
According to LexisNexis® Risk Solutions' second annual Brand Loyalty Study, U.S. automotive brand loyalty rose in 2024, nearly reaching pre-pandemic levels. The study reports that the brand loyalty rate increased by 1.8% last year, reaching 52.6%, close to the 54.2% benchmark from 2019. Additionally, the research analyzed 47 brands, with 11 surpassing the industry average in brand loyalty, an improvement over the previous year when only nine brands achieved the feat.
The study also highlights significant shifts in consumer preferences regarding vehicle fuel types. As the market transitions toward hybrid and electric vehicles (EVs), traditional internal combustion engines (ICE) are seeing a steady decline. Loyalty to ICE vehicles dropped from 97.6% in 2019 to 85.2% in 2024, while hybrid vehicle loyalty increased by 5%, reaching 52% in 2024. Despite a slight decrease in EV loyalty, from 77.7% in 2023 to 74.7% in 2024, the overall trend points to a growing consumer interest in environmentally friendly powertrains.
LexisNexis Risk Solutions AVP of Connected Car, Dave Nemtuda, said, “In light of 2023, the increased inventory on dealer lots is providing consumers with a wider range of options, which is a significant shift from the challenges they faced in 2023 when limited supply often led to brand switching. While affordability remains a headwind for many consumers seeking new or used vehicles, the industry’s upward trend in brand loyalty is a positive signal of brand strength. This is especially critical as automakers navigate rising inventories and evolving consumer preferences, particularly toward EV and hybrid powertrains in the post-pandemic market.”
Unlock the full insights from the study here: https://risk.lexisnexis.com/insights-resources/research/brand-loyalty?trmid=INSOEM23.OEMAware24.AutoLoyalt.WSLN-1394004
J.D. Power Study Shows Small Business Owners Face Challenges with Payment Processing and Surcharges
A recent J.D. Power survey revealed that small business owners are feeling less optimistic about their financial outlook than last year, and many are passing along the costs of payment processing to customers. As small businesses adopt a wider range of payment options, including credit cards, Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) services, digital wallets, and cryptocurrency, 34% of them are imposing surcharges on credit card transactions. The study illustrated when small businesses apply these surcharges, they experience a significant drop in satisfaction with payment processing services, with a 24-point gap in satisfaction compared to those who don’t add surcharges.
J.D. Power Managing Director of Payments Intelligence John Cabell said, “Small business owners are under pressure from both technological and economic perspectives, and as they continue to expand the number and type of payment options they accept, many are seeking more support and guidance from their merchant services providers and passing along their processing costs to customers. And customers are paying attention. Many retail customers—specifically, 41% of credit card users—say they decided not to use a card payment method at a large or small business because of a surcharge.”
Other key findings from the study show that in addition to financial pressures, small businesses are increasingly relying on third-party payment processors, with 65% of annual sales being processed through these services in 2025, up from 62% in 2024. Debit and credit cards remain the most commonly accepted payment methods, but digital wallets like PayPal and Apple Pay are seeing growth in merchant acceptance. While cryptocurrency usage has dropped, more small businesses are integrating alternative payment solutions like Cash App Pay and Venmo. The J.D. Power study also highlights growing concerns among small businesses about data security and the need for better advice and guidance from their merchant service providers. Satisfaction with data protection and guidance has notably decreased, signaling that small businesses are feeling the strain of adopting new payment technologies and combating fraud. Meanwhile, Shopify, Chase Payment Solutions, and PayPal emerged as the top-ranked providers for merchant services satisfaction.
Unlock the complete findings from the J.D. Power study here: https://www.jdpower.com/business/merchant-services-satisfaction-study
Choice Hotels Enhances Customer Engagement With “Check Into More” Marketing Campaign
Choice Hotels International has launched its 2025 global marketing campaign using the slogan “Check Into More.” The campaign showcases the variety of experiences offered by its 22 hotel brands, emphasizing the growing desire among U.S. travelers for unique and meaningful travel moments. Partnering with actor Keegan-Michael Key, known for his comedic flair, the campaign includes six TV and digital ads highlighting how Choice Hotels provides great value while helping travelers make the most of their trips. Key stars as the “Vacation Maximization-er,” utilizing humor and relatability to guide viewers towards enhancing their travel experiences.
Choice Hotels International Chief Marketing Officer Noha Abdalla said, “Over the last few years, we’ve seen a significant cultural shift in people booking travel based on what they want to experience, not just where they want to go. With over 7,500 properties at different price points ranging from full-service upscale hotels with on-site restaurants and bars, to ubiquitous select-service hotels, all connected through a benefit-rich rewards program, we’re empowering our guests to unlock more opportunities for connection and exploration.”
The campaign includes a variety of hotel offerings, from upscale Radisson properties with functional workspaces to Comfort Inn’s welcoming atmosphere with spacious rooms and pools. The goal is to highlight the versatility of the brand’s portfolio, which offers accommodations suitable for every type of traveler, whether traveling for business or vacation. The campaign also spotlights the Choice Privileges rewards program, offering members enhanced benefits like discounted room rates and special redemption opportunities. Additionally, the campaign introduces the “Time Off Tooolbox,” a fun initiative featuring customizable video and email templates voiced by Keegan-Michael Key. The tool helps travelers create playful “Out-of-Office” messages and time-off requests, making the process of taking a vacation more enjoyable. To promote the campaign, Choice Hotels is using a targeted media strategy across platforms like Hulu, Amazon, Disney, and social media to connect with families, young professionals, and business travelers.
Watch this YouTube video to view one of the campaign spots: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UoZ0qZ1zJhM
Original Article Links:
U.S. Automotive Brand Loyalty Increases in 2024, according to LexisNexis Risk Solutions
Many Small Businesses Add Card Payment Surcharges to Customer Purchases as Point-of-Sale Payment Methods Proliferate, J.D. Power Finds
Choice Hotels International Launches National Marketing Campaign to Inspire People to Maximize their Vacations and "Check Into More"