On the heels of positive developments in connection with June’s new-car sales totals, the newest Ad-ology Auto Shoppers Forecast showed 36 percent of U.S. consumers plan to purchase a new vehicle during the next 12 months.

Analysts contend that reading is a 64-percent increase from May of last year.

“Stability in the U.S. economy is allowing many owners of older vehicles to shop for a replacement,” said Lee Smith, president and chief executive officer of Ad-ology Research.

“More than one-third of those who intend to purchase a new car or truck in the next 12 months will be replacing a vehicle that is 10 years old or older,” Smith continued.

The Ad-ology study indicated momentum is swinging back toward Japanese brands.

Analysts believe Japanese automakers are starting to bounce back from supply shortages caused by the March 2011 tsunami. Toyota, Honda and Nissan all show increases in purchase consideration from one year ago.

Ad-ology noticed Toyota is now tops in brand consideration with 48.3 percent of consumers citing it as a brand they will consider, marking an increase of 19.6 percent from 12 months ago.

According to the Ad-ology study, Acura and Kia joined the list of top 10 most considered brands for purchase this summer, while Chrysler and BMW fell out of the top 10.

The Ad-ology study revealed many of the factors that influence buyers during the purchase process, including:

—Automaker and dealer websites are as influential as the dealer’s own salespeople before the test drive.

—A dealership’s service department ranks as the fourth most-important factor when consumers choose a dealership (behind willingness to negotiate, reputation and selection of vehicles available).

—One in four new-vehicle shoppers in the U.S. has attended an auto show during the past 12 months.

—Automotive advertising has surprisingly more influence than potential buyers’ friends or parents.

—53 percent of potential new-vehicle buyers say that television advertising has caused them to call, click, search or visit the advertiser; 46.9 percent say television commercials have caused them to take action within the past 30 days.

Ad-ology went on to mention digital media continues to influence consumers and is becoming an increasingly crucial component for automotive marketers. In addition to banner ads, social media and daily deal sites, Smith noted that manufacturers and dealers alike must find their way onto shoppers’ smartphones.

“Seven in 10 potential new-vehicle buyers now have a smartphone for personal use – up from 57.3 percent last year,” Smith stated.

“Mobile devices will only continue to grow as part of the buying process over the next three years,” he went on to say.

The 76-page 2012-2013 Auto Shoppers Forecast for new vehicles is currently available for $95 through the Research Store at Ad-ology.com.

Auto Remarketing’s rundown of June new-vehicle sales in the United States can be found here,while the report on Canadian performance can be read here.