KBB.com Predicts Super Bowl XLVII Traffic Surge For New Toyota RAV4, Mercedes-Benz Line-Up

IRVINE, Calif., Jan. 31, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- With Super Bowl^® XLVII around the corner, Kelley Blue Book analysts today report their predictions for how automaker ads will resonate among www.kbb.com car shoppers.  

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20121108/LA08161LOGO)

This year, Kelley Blue Book anticipates the redesigned Toyota RAV4 will be the biggest winner among all automaker advertising, with more KBB.com shoppers researching this model after the Big Game commercial airs.

"Similar to last year's advertising buzz surrounding Honda's CR-V ad, we anticipate the Toyota RAV4 will experience a similar effect with a surge of visitors researching the car on KBB.com," said Arthur Henry, manager of market intelligence for Kelley Blue Book.  "The RAV4 also competes in the popular compact SUV segment, which is in high demand due to its fuel economy and affordability.  As one of the last vehicles to receive a redesign in its segment, coupled with a high-profile ad campaign featuring The Big Bang Theory's Kaley Cuoco, the RAV4 is sure to experience a jump in shopper activity on KBB.com."

The 2014 Mercedes-Benz CLA also is predicted to benefit from its Big Game commercial, resulting in increased KBB.com shopper activity for the brand.  According to a recent Kelley Blue Book Market Intelligence survey that was targeted for advertising related to the Big Game, the buzz for Mercedes-Benz's upcoming ad created inflated awareness by revealing that the spot will showcase model Kate Upton.  The survey also reports that one-fourth of respondents who have seen automotive advertisement teasers before the official airing of the full clip during the Big Game, most often recalled Mercedes-Benz as the advertiser.

Hyundai is another brand predicted to receive a lift in KBB.com shopper activity following the airing of its five ads during the game.  With Hyundai's frequency and sheer volume of time on the air, the brand will experience a short-lived increase of KBB.com traffic share because of the brand's already-recognized and established models in the marketplace. 

"With a long history of advertising during the game, Hyundai has taken note that this media buy is a truly impactful way to connect with consumers," said Henry.  "Hyundai has grown in shopping activity and consideration on KBB.com as visitors have become more aware of the brand's impressive product offerings."

The Big Game survey conducted by Kelley Blue Book Market Intelligence from January 24-28, 2013, shows that 74 percent of KBB.com visitors plan on watching the game, and more than a quarter of those said the commercials are the highlight of the event.  According to the survey results, roughly 18 percent of KBB.com respondents already have viewed a 2013 Big Game commercial online prior to the game, and of those individuals, half said they watched a pre-released automotive-specific ad.

"With a large number of consumers tuning into the Big Game and paying close attention to the commercials, automakers who run advertisements during this event will have the opportunity to garner a tremendous amount of Internet traffic, both to new-car research websites like KBB.com and auto manufacturer sites," said Henry.  "Furthermore, with the game being streamed on the Internet in addition to the television broadcast, it makes it even easier for consumers to research the advertised models and brands online." 

For more information and news from Kelley Blue Book's KBB.com, visit www.kbb.com/media/, follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/kelleybluebook (or @kelleybluebook), like our page on Facebook at www.facebook.com/kbb, and get updates on Google+ at https://plus.google.com/+kbb/.

About Kelley Blue Book (www.kbb.com)
Founded in 1926, Kelley Blue Book, The Trusted Resource®, is the only vehicle valuation and information source trusted and relied upon by both consumers and the industry.  Each week the company provides the most market-reflective values in the industry on its top-rated website www.kbb.com, including its famous Blue Book® Trade-In and Suggested Retail Values and Fair Purchase Price, which reports what others are paying for new cars this week.  The company also provides vehicle pricing and values through various products and services available to car dealers, auto manufacturers, finance and insurance companies as well as governmental agencies.  KBB.com provides consumer pricing and information on cars for sale, minivans, pickup trucks, sedan, hybrids, electric cars, and SUVs.  Kelley Blue Book Co. Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of AutoTrader Group.

SOURCE Kelley Blue Book