Blue Book Briefing
February 2010 - Blue Book Briefing
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In this issue – FEBRUARY 2010:
· INDUSTRY INSIGHTS – Timely commentary from Jack R. Nerad, executive editorial director and executive market analyst for Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com: TOYOTA WOES PROMPT QUESTION: ARE MORE INDUSTRY TRAVAILS TO COME?
· LATEST NEWS & BLOGS ON KBB® GREEN – The latest news and blogs posted to KBB Green from the editorial staff of Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com
· LATEST NEWS STORIES ON KBB.COM – The latest video and written news stories by the editorial staff of Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com
· NEW-VEHICLE REVIEWS ON KBB.COM – All-new and updated video and written reviews from the editorial staff of Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com
· Kbb.com: Large-Vehicle Consideration Rebounds for New Trucks, SUVs, Crossovers
· Kbb.com Editors Rank Top 10 Hottest New Cars, Concepts from 2010 Detroit Auto Show
· Kbb.com Data Reveals Three Brands ‘Bucking the Trend’ in Down Economy
Toyota Woes Prompt Question: Are More Industry Travails to Come?
- Jack R. Nerad, executive editorial director and executive market analyst, Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com
The auto industry, its dealers and the public at large said farewell to 2009 with a note of hearty good riddance. The consensus among industry analysts was that we have never in our careers – and mine spans more than three decades – seen a year as filled with industry calamity and heartache as last year. Who could have imagined that the company once deemed so dominant in the American marketplace that politicians actively talked about “breaking it up” would dip so low, that it would fall into an orchestrated bankruptcy and emerge as a ward of the federal government? Who could have imagined that in the same year another of the domestic Big Three would also tumble into bankruptcy to be rescued by a combination of the federal governments of the United States and Canada, plus an Italian-based manufacturer that had pulled out of the U.S. market decades before? Who could have imagined that sales would not only drop, but fall so precipitously that they would take well-regarded brands down with them? But that was 2009. As we entered 2010, it was with more than a little relief and hope for better times ahead.
However, the unimaginable occurred yet again. Toyota, widely seen as the most highly regarded auto manufacturing company in the world, a company whose very name spells quality and reliability to millions of consumers in the United States and around the globe, has been brought to a veritable standstill by a product-quality-related safety issue. Two gigantic safety-related recalls and the dreadful publicity surrounding alleged product-quality related deaths and injuries was a difficult enough series of blows to weather. Other brands also have issued safety-related recalls of comparable size and have even been blamed for the deaths of customers, and somehow emerged from that gauntlet to regain their positive images and remain a force in the market. At no time, however, has a manufacturer ceased (or been forced by regulators to cease) the sale and even the production of vehicles on such a massive, pervasive scale.
An examination of the Toyota models whose sales have been suspended is a litany of market leaders representing millions of sales in the United States alone. Consider the names and the number of model-years represented in the sales suspension: 2005-10 Avalon, 2007-10 Camry, 2009-10 Corolla, 2010 Highlander, 2009-10 Matrix, 2009-10 RAV4, 2008-10 Sequoia and 2007-10 Tundra. The inability to sell these very popular models doesn’t entirely leave Toyota dealers across the country dead in the water, but it comes very, very close.
Further, we have to wonder what the ripple effects will be on Toyota, its Lexus and Scion brands, and retail sales as a whole. Will consumers who were about to purchase a Toyota product turn to alternative brands, or will they just sit on their wallets until the smoke clears? By extension, will a percentage of potential car buyers as a whole decide to sit out the market for awhile? Will those millions of owners of recalled Toyota products find them difficult to trade-in or sell privately? Perhaps most disquieting of all, are there similar accelerator systems in non-Toyota-built vehicles that might also encounter the same difficulties?
This news surrounding Toyota is not only a dark day for that highly respected company, but also a cause for concern across the auto industry. Frequently, the media looks for winners and losers in such a situation, but there are no winners here. This is a tragedy that affects us all.
LATEST NEWS & BLOGS ON KBB GREEN:
Check out the very latest news and blog entries by visiting www.kbb.com/green and clicking on News & Blogs.
The following latest news & blogs by kbb.com’s editorial staff went live on the site or were updated during January 2010.
· GM Builds First Volt Battery Pack At New Brownstown Plant
· New McKinsey Management Research Says Big Cities Will be EV Hubs
· Rinspeed Prepping New Intelligent Mobility Concept for Geneva Show
· SAE Approves Common EV Charging-Coupler Standard
· Toyota Strikes a Deal to Ensure Lithium Supply for EV Batteries
LATEST NEWS STORIES ON KBB.COM:
Check out the very latest news stories by visiting www.kbb.com and scrolling down to the Latest News & Articles link on the home page.
The following latest news stories by kbb.com’s editorial staff went live on the site or were updated during January 2010.
· Bentley Mulsanne Auto Show Video
· 2011 BMW 7 Series Auto Show Video
· Buick Regal GS Concept Auto Show Video
· 2011 Buick Regal Interview Auto Show Video
· 2011 Cadillac CTS-V Coupe Auto Show Video
· Cadillac Head of Design Auto Show Video
· Cadillac XTS Concept Auto Show Video
· Chevrolet Aveo RS Concept Auto Show Video
· 2012 Ford Focus Auto Show Video
· 2011 Ford Mustang GT Auto Show Video
· GM Electric Vehicle Auto Show Video
· GMC - Brand in Transition Auto Show Video
· 2011 Honda CR-Z Auto Show Video
· Mazda Mazdaspeed3 Video Review
· 2011 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Cabriolet Video
· MINI Beachcomber Concept Auto Show Video
· Suzuki Grand Vitara Feature Video
· Toyota FT-CH Hybrid Concept Auto Show
· Volvo C30 BEV Concept Auto Show Video
· VW New Compact Coupe Auto Show Video
Written Stories Posted to kbb.com:
· 2010 Detroit Auto Show Top 10
· 2010 Detroit Auto Show: 2010 Kia Shadow Dragon Soul
· 2010 Detroit Auto Show: 2011 BMW Z4 sDrive 35is
· 2010 Detroit Auto Show: 2011 Cadillac CTS-V Coupe
· 2010 Detroit Auto Show: 2011 Ford Mustang GT Gets New 412-HP V8
· 2010 Detroit Auto Show: 2011 Honda CR-Z
· 2010 Detroit Auto Show: 2011 Lincoln MKX
· 2010 Detroit Auto Show: 2011 Mercedes-Benz CLS Preview
· 2010 Detroit Auto Show: 2011 Mercedes-Benz E-Class Convertible
· 2010 Detroit Auto Show: 2012 Ford Focus
· 2010 Detroit Auto Show: BMW 740i/740Li to Offer Twin-Turbo Six Power
· 2010 Detroit Auto Show: BMW Concept ActiveE
· 2010 Detroit Auto Show: Buick Regal GS Concept
· 2010 Detroit Auto Show: Cadillac XTS Platinum Concept
· 2010 Detroit Auto Show: Cadillac to Debut Concept Car/CTS-V Coupe
· 2010 Detroit Auto Show: Chevrolet Aveo RS Concept
· 2010 Detroit Auto Show: Chrysler Lancia Delta
· 2010 Detroit Auto Show: Chrysler Recasts 300, T & C and PT Cruiser
· 2010 Detroit Auto Show: Dodge Adds Features, New Trims and Models
· 2010 Detroit Auto Show: Fiat 500 EV
· 2010 Detroit Auto Show: GMC Granite Concept
· 2010 Detroit Auto Show: Jeep Introduces Liberty/Wrangler Variations
· 2010 Detroit Auto Show: MINI Beachcomber Concept Ready to Kick Sand
· 2010 Detroit Auto Show: The Detroit Showcar Audi e-tron
· 2010 Detroit Auto Show: Toyota's New Hybrid, Plug-in Prius for 2012
· 2010 Detroit Auto Show: Toyota FT-CH Hybrid Concept
· 2010 Detroit Auto Show: Volkswagen New Compact Coupe Concept
· 2010 Detroit Auto Show: Volvo C30 Battery-Electric Prototype
· 2010 Detroit Auto Show Home: New Ford, Honda, Concepts and More
· 2010 North American Car of the Year Finalists Announced
· 2011 Juke Crossover Will Kick Off Nissan New-Vehicle Barrage for U.S
· 2011 Mustang GT Will Pace the Daytona 500
· Acura NSX Reborn -- But Only in Race Trim
· Chicago Auto Show Preview: Kia Ray Concept
· First Drive: 2010 Lexus GX 460
· First Look: 2010 Chevrolet Camaro Synergy Special Edition
· First Look: 2011 BMW 3 Series
· First Look: 2011 MINI Countryman
· First Look: 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL550 Night Edition
· First Look: 2011 Shelby GT 350
· Ford Makes Navigation Standard on all MyFord/SYNC-Equipped Vehicles
· Ford Sweeps North American Car and Truck of the Year Awards
· GMC Previews Urban Utility Concept for Detroit
· GM Names Whitacre Permanent CEO, Will Repay All Fed Loans by June
· Geneva Auto Show Preview: 2011 Mazda MAZDA5
· Geneva Auto Show Preview: Peugeot SR1 Concept
· Hyundai Extends its Buyer Assurance Program for 2010
· Kia Borrego Drives Off Into the Sunset for 2010
· Kia Unveils its Advanced UVO Infotainment Interface
· New MyFord Technology Redefines the Man/Machine Interface
· OnStar Develops a Smartphone Remote Control App for Chevy Volt
· Recall Alert: Toyota Stops Sales of Eight Vehicles
· Spyker Strikes Deal with GM to Save Saab
· The Ford Mustang Boss is Back -- But Only on the Track
· Toyota Owners, Shoppers: Sticking-Throttle Recall and Stop-Sale Q&A
· Toyota Introduces Auto Access Seat for the 2011 Sienna Minivan
· Volkswagen Notches 1-2-3 Sweep of Dakar Rally
NEW-VEHICLE REVIEWS ON KBB.COM - WRITTEN:
The following new-vehicle reviews written by kbb.com’s editorial staff went live on the site or were updated during January 2010. To see any new-vehicle review from kbb.com’s editorial staff, please visit www.kbb.com and click on the News and Reviews tab, then select the make and model.
The 2010 Chevrolet Tahoe continues to be one of the best full-size SUV values on the market. Despite rising fuel costs and sometimes erratic sales, those who simply cannot do without the Tahoe's capability will find much to like, including a hybrid model with city fuel economy ratings in the low to mid 20's. As the bestselling full-size SUV nearly 10 years running, the Tahoe has long had a lot going for it, including top rankings in the J.D. Power and Associates Initial Quality Survey. Despite the slightly conservative exterior styling, the Tahoe is still handsome, and its ride quality and overall responsiveness have never been better…
With seating for up to nine people, substantial towing capacity and aspirational appeal, GM's biggest family haulers have in the past accounted for more than 60 percent of full-size SUV sales. GMC's version, the 2010 Yukon, bridges the gap between its Chevrolet Tahoe and Cadillac Escalade siblings with a lineup that includes a base model priced similarly to the Tahoe, as well as a distinctive Denali model that can approach Escalade prices when fully loaded. While the faithful Yukon continues to serve millions of families well, the impressive 2010 Yukon all but antiquates the previous generation, which seems light years apart in styling, quality and interior materials…
Essentially mechanically identical to Chevrolet's Suburban, the 2010 GMC Yukon XL rides on General Motors' full-size SUV platform. Half-ton 1500 and heavy-duty 2500-series models are available, with rear-, four-wheel or all-wheel drive. The standard engine size is a 5.3-liter V8 that can operate on either gasoline or E85; 2500 models feature a 6.0-liter V8. Buyers who step all the way up to an extravagant Yukon Denali gain a class-leading 403-horsepower 6.2-liter V8, available all-wheel drive and upgraded level of features and luxury appointments…
To meet the needs of small businesses and practical-minded consumers, Ford is bringing the Transit Connect, formerly available in Europe and other spots around the globe, to the United States. Why bring a somewhat funky car/van/wagon to America? Because schlepping moderate amounts of goods around town in a traditional commercial cargo van is often inefficient, while small panel vans like the Chevy HHR can be just too small. In kind of a "just right" size, the Transit Connect offers a lower price, lower operating costs and more versatility than bigger vans, and it's been well-proven in some tough areas. There really is nothing quite like it on the American market…
Honda designed the Element to appeal to young male buyers. The original concept, in fact, was touted as a "rolling dorm room," designed to appeal to those with active lifestyles and a limited budget. Much to everyone's surprise, the Element not only hit its target audience, it picked up a number of unexpected buyers ranging from single moms to retired couples and everyone in between. The 2010 Honda Element is attractive to these folks for a number of reasons. It's economically-sized yet large-cargo friendly, and the rear seats can be folded flat to create a two-person bed. The Element also gets reasonably good gas mileage, even when equipped with the optional four-wheel-drive system…
Dads will tell you the best vehicle to transport the wife and kids is a big, burly SUV, but Moms know better. Despite its less-than-macho image, the minivan is still the best family transport ever invented. Large sliding side doors make for quick and easy entries and exits, while a low and level cargo floor means minimal muscle is required when loading. If a minivan is in your future, there are a number of makes to choose from, and at the top of that list is the 2010 Honda Odyssey. Renowned for its spacious interior, powerful engine, comfortable ride and exceptional safety rating, the Odyssey leaves little room for criticism. About the only deterrent to purchasing an Odyssey may be its high price and limited ability to pick and choose stand alone options…
When compared to the traditional pickup truck, the 2010 Honda Ridgeline may look a bit quirky. From its flying-buttress sheetmetal connecting the cab to the bed to its unit-body construction and four-wheel independent suspension, the Ridgeline is anything but conventional. Intended to appeal to younger buyers with an appetite for weekend adventures, the Ridgeline is designed less for work and more with play in mind. It offers a roomy cabin for four with a great set of front bucket seats and a unique storage compartment below the bed that's perfect for hiding valuables. The Ridgeline's eight inches of ground clearance and advanced VTM-4 all-wheel-drive system can tackle just about any obstacle, making it ideal for traversing deep snow as well as going off-road…
After entering the U.S. market with an inexpensive (some might say cheap) subcompact car more than 20 years ago, Hyundai has continued a climb upscale. Last year, the brand took its most ambitious step in that direction ever with the introduction of the Hyundai Genesis, a luxury sedan with the amenities of vehicles costing thousands of dollars more. Though intended to compete against the likes of the Chrysler 300C, Lexus ES 350 and the Volkswagen CC, the new Genesis actually channels attributes of even more expensive models, like the BMW 5 Series and the Mercedes-Benz E-Class. Powered by either advanced V6 or V8 engines, the rear-drive Genesis is filled with upscale items like adaptive front lighting, proximity key with push-button start and a truly amazing Lexicon 7.1 surround-sound audio system…
While Hyundai is quick to point out that its three-row crossover has more cargo room than a Mercedes-Benz GL and is as quiet on the highway as a Lexus RX 350, actual competitors for the Veracruz are more mainstream people-movers like the Honda Pilot and Mazda CX-9. Still, in years past the premium-like Veracruz stood up very well to the RX350 in back-to-back test drives organized, admittedly, by the Hyundai folks. Some have suggested that Hyundai may have been a little too optimistic, even, in its reliance upon the RX 350 as a source of inspiration. But we remember hearing similar criticisms when Lexus introduced its flagship LS sedan, in which some saw too many hints of Mercedes' S-Class – and that seemed to work out okay for Lexus…
The Grand Cherokee is legendary for its rugged off-road capability, sensible size and car-like ride and interior. While most SUVs have grown to near-gargantuan proportions, the 2010 Jeep Grand Cherokee remains true to the general size of the original 1992 model. Engine choices, however, have grown larger and include a choice between a fuel-efficient 3.7-liter V6 or powerful 5.7-liter HEMI V8. Jeep also offers a choice of three four-wheel-drive systems, which range from a basic shift-on-the-fly high/low transfer case to a permanently engaged system capable of sending power to whichever wheel has traction…
So you like the high seating position and versatile cargo capacity of an SUV, but at heart you're a true-blue driving enthusiast craving speed, speed and more speed? Thanks to Jeep, you can now get both at a price that will send the BMW X5 and Porsche Cayenne Turbo scampering home with their tails between their axles. Equipped with a 420-horsepower HEMI V8, the 2010 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 is one of the fastest, best-handling SUVs on the planet. Fans of the discontinued Dodge Magnum will find the Grand Cherokee SRT8 a suitable substitute with the added ability to pull it through loose sand and deep snow, a claim the Magnum could never make…
While its distinctive exterior styling might not win over everyone, a look inside and a test drive might make people realize that the 2010 Lincoln MKT is a formidable competitor in the luxury crossover segment, a category that's been dominated by import brands, including Lexus and Acura. With three rows of seating, a host of advanced in-cabin amenities and a new turbocharged direct-injected powertrain, the MKT proves that even if you're unsure about what's on the outside, it's what's on the inside that counts…
Suzuki's reputation was built, at least in part, with small and rugged SUVs, but changing market conditions and rising gasoline prices are placing emphasis on more efficient cars. So, building on the success of its SX4 subcompact, for 2010 Suzuki is introducing the all-new mid-size Kizashi sedan. The Toyota Camry and Honda Accord dominate the mid-size sedan market, and there are numerous other strong contenders, but even in that tough arena this new Kizashi is a solid entrant. With up-level interior appointments, eye-catching style, a generous list of standard features and a modest asking price, the Kizashi is a very appealing choice in Suzuki's efforts to win the hearts and minds of car buyers…
Volkswagen's perky Golf hatchback, a leader among mass-market compacts, has been through something of an identity crisis. Decades ago it was introduced to this country as the Rabbit, then it was the Golf (in line with its name in other markets), then it spent three years as the Rabbit and now, for 2010, it's once again the Golf. With that comes a fresh, new exterior, a restyled interior and the optional availability of a powerful and efficient turbocharged direct injection (TDI) diesel engine. Versatile by nature, the 2010 Volkswagen Golf arrives in two- or four-door variants and retains its above-par driving dynamics and high level of overall refinement. Yes, it's priced above most other compacts, but it's a simple case of "you get what you pay for..."
KBB.COM: LARGE-VEHICLE CONSIDERATION REBOUNDS FOR NEW TRUCKS, SUVS, CROSSOVERS
Latest Market Intelligence Shows Significant Increased Interest in Domestic-Made Vehicles
IRVINE, Calif., January 26, 2010 – According to the latest Kelley Blue Book www.kbb.com Market Intelligence Brand Watch study, large-vehicle consideration for new trucks, SUVs and CUVs is rebounding to pre-recession levels not seen since early 2007. In addition, new-car shoppers recently have shown increased interest in domestic automakers, especially Ford and Chevrolet.
According to the Q4 2009 Brand Watch Study, new-truck consideration has surpassed that of non-luxury sedan/coupe/hatchbacks for the first time since Q1 2007, and trucks were the most-considered new-vehicle segment in Q4 2009. Ford leads consideration for truck makes at 57 percent, far besting the second-place brand Chevrolet (at 48 percent) by nine points. GMC and Dodge round-out third and fourth place for new-truck brand consideration at 36 and 31 percent, respectively.
In addition, consideration for non-luxury SUV/CUVs were led by increased quarter-over-quarter interest in GMC and Chevrolet, gaining eight and six points respectively since Q3 2009. The quarter-over-quarter consideration increases for these two domestic brands likely are due to heavy promotion and interest in the GMC Acadia and Terrain, as well as their sister vehicles, the Chevrolet Traverse and Equinox.
In the luxury SUV/CUV segment, Cadillac surged ahead nine points in Q4 2009, tying with Lexus for the top spot at 37 percent consideration, likely due to heavy promotion and interest in Cadillac’s all-new redesigned SRX.
Ford continues to make perception headway in all segments, as consideration for Ford was the highest of any brand regardless of segment for Q4 2009 at 28 percent, surpassing second-place Toyota at 25 percent and third-place Chevrolet at 24 percent.
“The latest Kelley Blue Book Market Intelligence findings show how fickle American car buyers can sometimes be with regard to gas prices and the size of vehicles in which they show interest,” said James Bell, executive market analyst for Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com. “Now that gas prices have stabilized and there appears to be a light at the end of the tunnel in the recession, vehicle buyers are back to their old ways – wanting the most/biggest car for their money. Despite recent small-car introductions at auto shows and the changing landscape of line-ups due to impending CAFE regulations, U.S. automakers are still perceived as king in the large-vehicle segment in America.”
The Q4 2009 Kelley Blue Book Market Intelligence Brand Watch Study was fielded to more than 3,000 in-market new-car shoppers on Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com from October 2 – December 28, 2009. Kelley Blue Book’s Brand Watch is an ongoing study tracking and trending consumer perceptions, detailing strengths and weaknesses of makes within each segment. For Market Intelligence sales inquiries on any segment or brand, please contact Hwei-Lin Oetken, vice president of market intelligence services for Kelley Blue Book and kbb.com, at 949-267-4460 or hoetken@kbb.com.
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KBB.COM EDITORS RANK TOP 10 HOTTEST NEW CARS, CONCEPTS FROM 2010 DETROIT AUTO SHOW
IRVINE, Calif., January 14, 2010 – The 2010 Detroit Auto Show Top 10, www.kbb.com/2010DetroitTop10Cars, today were named by the expert editors from Kelley Blue Book, www.kbb.com, the leading provider of new car and used car information.
As media preview days concluded this week at the 2010 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com editors were on-hand for every press conference, new-car reveal and concept-car introduction. Emerging from a record-breaking year for auto industry headlines, much of the media buzz from the show regarded the sheer lack of volume of vehicle debuts compared with years’ past. Nonetheless, a variety of interesting concepts and upcoming production vehicles broke cover at this year’s Detroit Auto Show, giving shape to the future into which the auto industry is headed. After media preview days came to a close, the editors of kbb.com pooled their collective wisdom and opinions to rank their top 10 new cars and concepts coming out of the Detroit Auto Show this year.
“After the most amazing year most of us auto industry veterans have ever experienced, including a complete overhaul of the domestic landscape, bankruptcies, executive turnover and an ever-changing product focus, this year’s Detroit Auto Show had a completely different vibe from last year’s show,” said Jack R. Nerad, executive editorial director and executive market analyst for Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com. “No one thinks the industry is out of the woods yet, but there was a collective sense of renewed energy to move forward. The key emerging trends involve alternative-powered vehicles and in-vehicle technology, but there’s no shortage of interesting new conventional vehicles. So, it was a pleasure to pick our Top 10.”
Select Choices from kbb.com’s 2010 Detroit Auto Show Top 10 List
10. Audi e-tron
9. Buick Regal GS Concept
8. MINI Beachcomber Concept
7. Cadillac XTS Platinum Concept
6. 2011 Honda CR-Z
For the remaining top five vehicles, including the number-one choice of the kbb.com editors, full editorial commentary and reasoning behind each of the editors’ picks, visit the 2010 Detroit Auto Show Top 10 story in kbb.com’s Latest News section at www.kbb.com/2010DetroitTop10Cars.
For complete coverage of the 2010 Detroit Auto Show, visit http://www.kbb.com/auto-show/2010-detroit-auto-show.
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KBB.COM DATA REVEALS THREE BRANDS ‘BUCKING THE TREND’ IN DOWN ECONOMY
Audi, Mercedes, Subaru Depreciating Slower than Overall Market, Generating High New-Car Consideration
IRVINE, Calif., January 4, 2010 – Kelley Blue Book, the leading provider of new and used car information, today announces recent data from the company’s top-rated Web site, www.kbb.com, revealing three automotive brands that are ‘bucking the trend’ in the recent down economy: Audi, Mercedes-Benz and Subaru. All three brands are depreciating slower in the used-car market and also generating significant consumer consideration in the new-car market, outperforming their competitors.
While the overall market for model-year 2005-2008 used vehicles is down 8.5 percent this year, Subaru has shown the best performance in 2009, increasing 1.3 percent. In addition, Audi is down only 1.9 percent, and Mercedes-Benz is down just 3.3 percent this year, both significantly better than the market average.
When looking at data from recent weeks, Q4 2009 vehicle depreciation has outpaced drops in earlier quarters. Over the last four weeks the market has continued to slide, depreciating 5.6 percent overall. However, Subaru has come out on top once again in the past month, depreciating a scant 0.4 percent while the rest of the market has taken significantly larger hits. In addition, Mercedes-Benz and Audi continue to outperform the market, only dropping 2.7 percent and 3.6 percent in the past month, respectively.
In addition, preliminary Kelley Blue Book Market Intelligence data from the Q4 2009 Brand Watch study shows that in-market new-car shoppers’ consideration for Subaru in the Non-Luxury SUV/CUV segment is currently at its highest; since Q1 2009, consideration has increased five points (from 17 to 22 percent). Audi consideration in the Luxury SUV/CUV segment also is at its highest; since Q1 2009, it has increased four points (from 14 to 18 percent). Further, Mercedes-Benz consideration in the Sports Car segment has increased two points since Q1 2009 (from 15 to 17 percent).
“The fact that Audi, Mercedes and Subaru are ‘bucking the trend’ in a down economy is further proof that exciting and innovative vehicles are paramount to success,” said James Bell, executive market analyst for Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com. “Recent redesigns and new-car introductions by all three of these brands have ignited consumer interest, and the high demand for these cars also translates to better retained value on the used-car side of the business.”
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About Kelley Blue Book (www.kbb.com)
Since 1926, Kelley Blue Book, The Trusted Resource®, has provided vehicle buyers and sellers with the new and used vehicle information they need to accomplish their goals with confidence. The company's top-rated Web site, www.kbb.com, provides the most up-to-date pricing and values, including the New Car Blue Book® Value, which reveals what people actually are paying for new cars. The company also reports vehicle pricing and values via products and services, including software products and the famous Blue Book® Official Guide. According to the C.A. Walker Research Solutions, Inc. - 2009 Spring Automotive Web Site Usefulness Study, kbb.com is the most useful automotive information Web site among new and used vehicle shoppers, and half of online vehicle shoppers visit kbb.com. Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com also is a W3 Gold Award winner, sanctioned by the International Academy of Visual Arts. Kbb.com is a leading provider of new car prices, used car Blue Book Values, car reviews, new cars for sale, used cars for sale, and car dealer locations.
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