Nearly 9 in 10 consumers research a brand's
sustainability initiatives before buying; more than two-thirds
believe rail is the most sustainable method for transporting
cars
ATLANTA, Dec. 20, 2022 /PRNewswire/
-- Norfolk Southern Corporation (NYSE: NSC) today unveiled the
results of its first-ever Automotive Buyer Benchmark, a look into
the decision-making processes of consumers who are, or will soon
be, searching for a new vehicle. The findings underscored the
importance car buyers place on automotive supply chain
sustainability.
"The race to perfect sustainable auto manufacturing and
transportation is on – and the Automotive Buyer Benchmark makes it
clear that consumers are watching how car brands approach these
processes intently," said Executive Vice President and Chief
Marketing Officer Ed Elkins.
"Consumers are motivated and demonstrating highly-intensive
research habits, working to understand the way auto parts and
finished vehicles are transported from the factory to the
dealership."
Eighty-eight percent of respondents research a manufacturer's
sustainability initiatives, such as how they minimize waste and
environmental impact, before purchasing a vehicle. More than
two-thirds (69%) said they would choose one car brand over another
if it had obtained a sustainability certification for its
manufacturing and transportation processes.
When asked specifically about the transportation process, 68%
said it is important that automotive manufacturers use the most
sustainable methods possible when delivering finished vehicles.
Rail was respondents' preferred option, with 69% saying they
believe trains are the most sustainable method for transporting a
vehicle from the manufacturer to the dealership.
"Our survey further underscores consumers are expecting brands
to focus on sustainable manufacturing processes while also taking
steps to decarbonize their supply chains," said Norfolk Southern
Vice President Intermodal and Automotive Shawn Tureman.
"Norfolk Southern is ready to help our customers meet this
moment by offering them the ability to tap into the most
sustainable way to move freight over land – rail."
"We will continue working to helping serve our customers by
offering them a supply chain option that drives their business and
their sustainability goals forward," said
Group Vice President Automotive Marketing and Sales D'Andrae
Larry.
For the Automotive Buyer Benchmark's complete findings, visit
this link.
About Norfolk Southern
Since 1827, Norfolk
Southern Corporation (NYSE: NSC) and its predecessor
companies have safely moved the goods and materials that drive the
U.S. economy. Today, it operates a customer-centric and
operations-driven freight transportation network. Committed to
furthering sustainability, Norfolk Southern helps its customers
avoid 15 million tons of yearly carbon emissions by shipping via
rail. Its dedicated team members deliver more than 7 million
carloads annually, from agriculture to consumer goods, and is the
largest rail shipper of auto products and metals in North America. Norfolk Southern also has the
most extensive intermodal network in the eastern U.S.,
serving a majority of the country's population and manufacturing
base, with connections to every major container port on the
Atlantic coast as well as the Gulf of
Mexico and Great Lakes. Learn more by visiting
www.NorfolkSouthern.com.
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SOURCE Norfolk Southern Corporation