Providence, not a ‘patriotic’ car-buying city

PROVIDENCE – If the importance of buying a car “Made in the U.S.A.” were a reflection of one’s patriotism, Providence residents would rank among the least-nationalistic.

Providence ranked at No. 34 on the “Most Patriotic Car Buying Cities” survey published by online car shopping service CarGurus.com.

Thirty-eight percent of online car shoppers “pursued” – or contacted the dealership with purchase interest – U.S. brand cars in Providence, while 42 percent pursued Asian brand cars and 20 percent, European brand cars.

The most “patriotic” city? None other than the Motor City. In Detroit, 67 percent of online shoppers pursued American brands, an overwhelmingly popular choice as compared to Asian and European brands, both at 16 percent.

St. Louis shoppers met Detroit’s American car interest at 67 percent, but had a different split on foreign cars: 22 percent went for Asian brands while 11 percent pursued European ones; rounding out the Top Five were: Cleveland, Milwaukee and Tulsa.

At the bottom-end of the ranking, from No. 45 to No. 50, were: New York, Phoenix, San Jose, San Diego, San Francisco and Los Angeles.

In the City of Angels, just 27 percent of online car buyers pursued American brands while 39 percent opted for Asian brands and 34 percent for European ones.