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HOT TOPICS
2017
MEMBERSHIP
DIRECTORY
139
THE HISPANIC MARKET: A POWERFUL CONSUMER SEGMENT
IN METRO NY
Hispanics represent 24% of the population in greater New York’s designated market area. Since 2000, this
demographic has accounted for 100% of the region’s population growth, and Hispanic household incomes of $75K
or more per year have beyond doubled in that time. If your marketing strategy does not include targeted outreach
to Hispanics, you’re missing an enormous business opportunity with a rapidly growing market.
Important facts about metro New York’s Hispanic auto-buyers:
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While nearly three-quarters of Hispanics in the downstate region are bilingual, an overwhelming majority
speak Spanish in the home and consume Spanish-language media.
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Hispanics research autos online and comparison-shop 10%more regularly than Non-Hispanics.
•
12% of Hispanics in the market for a vehicle are first-time buyers.
“For many dealerships, the Hispanic consumer is an untapped opportunity for sales and service growth,” says
Sara Hasson, Senior VP of Strategy and Insights with Univision Communications Inc.“Start with a simple Spanish-
language invitation to your store on TV, radio, digitally or at community events, and reap the rewards of a loyal
consumer that is ten years younger than the Non- Hispanic population in New York.”
Increasing Your Spanish-Audience Appeal
To reach this growing segment of motivated buyers, first decide how much of your annual/monthly budget will
be spent on Spanish advertising and showroom enhancements. Then, determine where that ad budget is most
effective (television/cable, print, radio, targeted digital ads, etc.).
As a guide, the top 10 auto brands invest 12% of their national television advertising in Spanish language TV. It is
important that dealer ads follow in suit across local platforms.
Almost all OEMs have Spanish-language versions of their websites and shopping tools accessible through a
“Change Language” or “Español” link. Dealerships are encouraged to offer translation options for their sites as
well. Given this group’s tendency toward online vehicle research, having Spanish-language vehicle detail pages
gives a dealership a tremendous leg-up over a competitor that may not.
When evaluating your dealership’s in-person appeal to the Hispanic car-buying market, consider the following
“checklist”of questions:
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Does your showroom feature Spanish signage and brochures?
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Do you employ Spanish-speaking salespeople, service advisors, and F&I managers?
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If you have a children’s section, does it contain Spanish kids’materials?