Influence of vehicle-exterior image on sound quality evaluation of Japanese and German drivers

In this study, an influence of vehicle-exterior image on sound quality evaluation was investigated. Luxury- or sporty-vehicle image was presented to Japanese or German frequent drivers, while listening to an acceleration sound. Subsequently, loudness, luxury and sportiness for the sound were rated. As the result, significant influence was not observed in the loudness and luxury evaluation in both nationalities. However, sportiness rating to the presented sound was markedly increased when the sporty-vehicle image was presented with the sound. Consequently, it appeared that the influence of the vehicle-exterior image on the sound quality rating differs depending on the evaluation parameter and sportiness is markedly affected by the visual information.