Blue Book Briefing
December 2009 - Blue Book Briefing
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In this issue – DECEMBER 2009:
INDUSTRY INSIGHTS – Timely commentary from Jack R. Nerad, executive editorial director and executive market analyst for Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com: WILL THINKING SMALL BRING BIG RETURNS?
SPECIAL TO THIS ISSUE – Announcement from the Editorial Team of Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com: W3 AWARD WINS AND THE OEMS
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: New-Car Shoppers Likely to Purchase on Black Friday if Deals Available
· Kbb.com Editors Name 10 Car Features for Which They are Most Thankful
· Kbb.com, Innovative Automotive Video Reviews Win W3 Awards
· Kbb.com Reports: New-Car Shoppers Show Increased Interest in Audi, Ford, Hyundai
· Recession and Gas Prices Impacting Use-Car Value Stability
Will Thinking Small Bring Big Returns?
- Jack R. Nerad, executive editorial director and executive market analyst, Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com
A look at the sales data for the past several years shows an unmistakable trend: the American market has shifted toward small cars. Over the course of the past two years, sales of small (B- and C-segment) cars have gone up considerably and their combined share of market has skyrocketed, since the market has been shrinking even as small-car sales have grown. At the same time, auto manufacturers have been falling all over themselves putting forward new hybrid, full-electric and “electrically driven” concepts. For example, October’s Tokyo Motor Show was full of news about the electrification of the automobile. Electrics were staged front and center – the key vehicles at most presentations – not as oddball niche vehicles worthy only of a sidebar. Many of these electric concepts are destined for America, and it is likely we will see more alternative-powered vehicle models on our shores in the next few years.
So a logical conclusion to be drawn is this: Americans finally get it; they realize their large cars, sport utilities and full-size trucks are profligate users of energy, spewers of harmful greenhouse gases and wasters of resources. American consumers, the newly coined thinking postulates, are becoming much more like their global brethren in Europe, Asia and South America where small cars are the thing. In other words, Americans of all stripes are going green, and that environmental consciousness will be reflected in their increasing preference for small cars versus big trucks. So the future of the small car in America, and the futures of the companies that sell them, are as bright as the mid-summer sun.
To which we have to reply a hearty ‘maybe.’
But aren’t the signs obvious, you might ask? Haven’t sales and market share taken a direct right turn toward small cars? Isn’t the trend as obvious as the nose on Dumbo’s face? Haven’t manufacturers identified a “green” sentiment that they expect to capitalize on in coming years, especially from the Millennial generation?
Let’s look behind the numbers. Sales and market share of B- and C-segment cars enjoyed big gains in 2008 and that trend continued in 2009. So what was going on in 2008 that might have persuaded consumers to eschew large vehicles and move toward small cars? Do you think $4 per gallon gasoline qualifies? Of course, gas prices have since moderated. So what was going on this year that might have persuaded consumers to continue to turn to small cars? We’ve got two logical answers for you – the collapse of the global economy that has sent car-buyers (those few who are left) on a quest for more cost-effective transportation solutions (read: small cars) and the federal government’s reaction to the collapse that found expression in the ‘Cash for Clunkers’ program. The ‘Cash for Clunkers’ effort alone was enough to cause a big spike in small-car sales this year.
As to the global electrification of the automobile sentiment, it seems strong among vehicle manufacturers, perhaps largely for political reasons, but it is far from an across-the-market trend among American consumers. Yes, American consumers are turning toward small, more fuel-efficient cars, but as the economy recovers and Americans feel more flush again, will they continue to seek small vehicles?
W3 Award Wins and the OEMs
- The Editorial Team of Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com
A lot of Web sites produce auto-related videos, but we at Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com are proud to announce that two of ours have recently captured Silver Award wins in the prestigious W3 Awards program: The “Cadillac CTS-V” feature video and the “Kia Soul and Nissan Cube Go Head-to-Head” feature video. The W3 Awards are judged by a nationally renowned panel of artists, designers and graphic professionals.
We at kbb.com review the vast majority of cars and trucks available to the public each year, but certain ones lend themselves to video features, where the car’s personality (and our own editors’ personalities) can really shine through. Not only are we very proud of our silver W3 Award wins , but we also are happy to share these honors with Cadillac, Kia and Nissan, without whom we could not have produced these winning videos. By designing cars that shout, “I’m ready for my close-up,” it made our jobs much easier.
Featuring the Cadillac CTS-V in a video was an obvious choice, motivated by its supercharged V8 engine, and its daring style. The Cadillac CTS-V’s bold personality dominated the video screen, leaving viewers to wonder, was kbb.com Video Road Test Editor Micah Muzio driving the CTS-V, or was it driving him?
And speaking of bold, describing the distinctive styles of the Nissan Cube and Kia Soul as bold might be an understatement. Groundbreaking? Maybe. Revolutionary? Perhaps. Divisive? Definitely. Love them, or hate them, the Nissan Cube and Kia Soul each have their own fans and detractors, as represented in our video by Muzio and Executive Editorial Director Jack R. Nerad. Our head-to-head video showcases both vehicles as a blueprint to the future in terms of utility and technology, and encourages our visitors to express an opinion on these new, chic cars.
We look forward to filming more new vehicles like the CTS-V, Cube and Soul in the year ahead, and hope to continue our winning video streak.
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 November 2009.
· BMW and SGL Group Team To Make Carbon Fiber Car Parts
· Feds Greenlight Funding Aid for Mileage-Maxing Three-Wheelers
· Financing Crunch Postpones Aptera 2e Intro Until 2010
· Fisker Buys Ex-GM Plant, Will Build Affordable Plug-In Hybrid
· Ghosn Decrees That Nissan Will Lease LEAF EV Batteries
· Infineon Raceway Will Host First U.S. Electric Motorcycle GP Event
· Latest Update Confirms Volt Progress on Track and On Schedule
· Name The Volt's Signature Color and Win a Test Drive
· Nissan Shows Electric Version of its Upcoming NV200 Van
· SEMA Scene Green: Toyota Shows A More Eco-Friendly Prius
· Tesla Runs Record 313 Miles in Global Green Challenge
· Volkswagen Teams With Stanford on a $5.75-Million Auto Think Tank
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 November 2009.
· Audi R8 525-Horsepower Performance Video
· Daihatsu Basket Tokyo Motor Show Video
· Porsche 911 Turbo Drift Video
Written Stories Posted to kbb.com:
· 10 Car Features We're Thankful For
· 2010 Lotus Evora Will Start At $74,675 in the U.S.
· 2010 Mercedes-Benz ML450 HYBRID Arrives With Lease-Only Deals
· Acura TSX Sport Wagon Coming for 2011
· Another Look: 2010 Kia Soul!
· BMW Previews New 5 Series With Dynamic Teaser Video
· Chrysler Restructures its Electric Vehicle Efforts
· Chrysler Reveals Its Five-Year Game Plan
· First Look: 2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe 2.0T R-Spec
· First Look: 2011 Buick Regal
· First Look: 2011 Porsche Boxster Spyder
· Ford Fusion41 Competition Targets Happy, Connected Hybrid Owners
· Ford Planning New Top Cop Cruiser
· Ford Tabs China's Geely Motors as Preferred Bidder for Volvo
· Ford Will Be First to Offer Inflatable Seat Belts
· Functionally Dynamic: New Honda CR-Z
· GM Announces Early Debt-Repayment Program
· GM Changes Mind on Magna Deal, Will Keep Opel
· Hyundai Genesis Coupe Gets A Mid-Engine V8
· Hyundai Showcases its First Direct-injected Gasoline Engine
· IIHS Names 27 Vehicles as Its 2010 Top Safety Picks
· Kbb.com, kbb.com Videos Win Awards
· Mercedes-Benz Launches Enhanced Vehicle Telematics System
· Microsoft Offering Free Car-Themed Graphics for Windows 7 Computers
· Mitsubishi Lifts the Veil on Its 2011 Outlander Sport
· Nissan Gives its 2010 Rogue a Splash of Krom
· OnStar Stolen Vehicle Slowdown Thwarts its First Carjacking
· SEMA Scene: Chevy Builds Its Coolest Camaro for Jay Leno
· SEMA Scene: Ford Shows Ragin' Raptors With New 6.2-liter V8
· SEMA Show Sneak: ’34 Ford Rod Takes EcoBoost Back to the Future
· Volkswagen Prepping Jetta TDI Cup Street Edition
· Volkswagen Provides Sketchy Details on Upcoming Midsize Sedan
· VW to Launch 2010 GTI on iPhone/iTouch with Free Racing Game App
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 November 2009. 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.
By all accounts, the 2010 Audi R8 is a supercar, but that doesn't mean it's uncompromising and hard-edged. It's an incredibly capable performance machine, yet every bit as luxurious as it is sporting. The posh interior is loaded with electronics and bathed in leather and Alcantara. With Audi's venerable 4.2-liter V8 providing the power, the R8 isn't at all temperamental, as the notion of a supercar might suggest. The addition of a V10 model not only allows the R8 to better compete with its most obvious rival, the Porsche 911 Turbo, but also a number of exotic Italians as well…
The 2010 Chrysler PT Cruiser Classic continues as one of the most stylish compact wagons on the market. While some may argue its retro look has grown tiresome, sales remain strong enough to justify the car's continued production, as does the demand for aftermarket parts and accessories. Beyond its flamboyant "look at me" exterior, the PT Cruiser provides a roomy and highly flexible interior as adept at hauling kids and cargo as it is serving tailgate, or, rather, liftgate-party duty. Like many cars in this segment, Chrysler offers PT buyers a simple set up consisting of one engine and transmission choice bundled together in a nicely equipped package that starts around $19,000…
Although it was temporarily overshadowed by the SUV as the symbol for family transport in third-millennium America, as recently as 2008 almost a million families opted for the arguably more functional minivan. Chrysler is widely credited with inventing the modern minivan and is now the only domestic manufacturer left in the game. Fresh from its recent complete redesign, the 2010 Chrysler Town & Country – and the less chromed and wood-grained Dodge Grand Caravan – refine the segment by offering attractive seating and entertainment options clever enough to remain competitive with rival minivans from Honda, Nissan, Toyota, Hyundai and Kia…
As penny-pinching is becoming fashionable, the compact pickup is beginning to look mighty attractive. Though it can't tow or haul like a full-size Silverado, the 2010 Chevrolet Colorado makes an attractive alternative for those whose truck use tends to be more recreational than occupational. The Colorado's 185-horsepower four-cylinder and 242-horsepower five-cylinder engines provide good power and excellent fuel economy, while a four-wheel-drive option allows the compact pickup to tackle deep snow and venture off-road. For those seeking more power, a 5.3-liter V8 is available on Extended and Crew Cab LT models. Although the Colorado's cab and bed are not the largest in this segment (and its turning radius is uncommonly wide), the truck remains competitive with Ford's Ranger series and, to a lesser extent, the Toyota Tacoma, Nissan Frontier and Dodge Dakota…
Dodge created the Charger for consumers who need the convenience of four doors but loathe the idea of driving a generic family sedan. Even in base and mid-level forms the Charger's edgy lines and sporty wheels make a bold statement and, for those who can afford the HEMI V8 engine, the vehicle has bold moves to match. Sharing its engine and chassis with the Chrysler 300, the 2010 Dodge Charger merges American styling and muscle with suspension and transmission technology borrowed during the short-lived merger between Daimler and Chrysler. The result yields a car that can outrun just about everything in its price class and several others costing tens of thousands more…
Imagine what it must have been like back in the '60s and '70s to walk into a dealership, point out the muscle car of your dreams and drive it off the showroom floor. Until recently, the only people who could recount the joy of driving a brand-new Camaro, Challenger or Boss Mustang were those who came of driving age during the 1960s. But, thanks to Dodge, the experience has been brought back to life, only this time the muscle car of your dreams isn't a cramped, poor-handling coupe, but a sophisticated and comfortable sedan. With one of the most powerful HEMI V8 engines on the planet, the 2010 Dodge Charger SRT8 is more than just a rehashed nameplate from the past; it is the genuine article remade with twenty-first century technology…
Offering bold, muscle car-like styling combined with a comfortable ride, predictable handling and reasonable fuel economy, the 2010 Dodge Avenger is the Dodge Charger of the mid-size sedan segment. Far from a ham-fisted hunk of steel, the Avenger offers an impressive list of comfort and convenience options, such as a navigation system with real-time traffic information and the chill zone in-dash beverage cooler…
Although it's been overshadowed by the SUV as the symbol for family transport in third-millennium America, large numbers of families still opt for the arguably more functional minivan. Chrysler is widely credited with inventing the modern minivan and is now the only domestic manufacturer left in the game, as GM and Ford have effectively replaced their slow-selling minivans with three-row crossover SUVs. For the 2010 model year, the Dodge Grand Caravan and its slightly ritzier Chrysler Town & Country sibling, continue as strong players offering attractive seating and entertainment options to better compete with the remaining minivans from Honda, Nissan, Toyota, Hyundai and Kia…
After Dodge redesigned the Dakota in 2008, the popular mid-size truck could no longer be tagged as a "mini-Ram". The Dakota's apparent success proves its buyers probably disdain today's bulked-up full-sized pickups, preferring a leaner exterior. With little compromise in interior room or workhorse ability, the Dakota delivers a trimmer package that makes it easier to negotiate congested city traffic and crowded parking lots. Yet the Dakota remains roomier and more potent than its smaller competitors. The Dakota comes in four distinct trim levels. Each is available with either aft-hinged rear doors – called Extended Cab – or the four conventional doors of the Crew Cab. Most are available with either rear-wheel or conventional four-wheel drive. Standard is a capable 210-horsepower V6, while an impressive 302-horsepower V8 is available…
Based on the same D-segment platform as the Dodge Avenger, the 2010 Dodge Journey is a relatively new crossover utility vehicle that fits in between the compact Caliber and family-hauling Grand Caravan. The Journey provides the utility of an SUV, the passenger capacity of a minivan, the driving characteristics of a car and has a multitude of storage bins and spaces. The Journey compares favorably with the Chevy Equinox, Ford Escape, Hyundai Santa Fe and Toyota RAV4, and it's especially ideal for those with families, or those looking to start new families, as it offers different trim levels with a choice of seating configurations and amenities that should suit a variety of needs and budgets…
Timing may not be everything, but it certainly counts for something. Consumers have shown a definite penchant for smaller, more fuel-efficient crossover utility vehicles, which bodes well for the 2010 Jeep Compass. Sharing much of its mechanicals with the Jeep Patriot, the four-cylinder Compass is designed for buyers who seek on-road comfort and convenience with a dash of Jeep off-road heritage Jeep purists will likely find more to like in the Patriot, with its more traditional Jeep styling and off-road abilities…
A value-packed and inexpensive alternative to the segment-leading Toyota Corolla and Honda Civic, the 2010 Hyundai Elantra makes a great first (or even second) car. The spacious and fuel-efficient Elantra can comfortably and safely pack in a family of four (five in a pinch) and its cargo. From front to rear, the Elantra's sharp styling, roomy interior and quality-conscious engineering qualifies this fourth-generation version as a fully contemporary, yet affordable, sedan…
KBB.COM: NEW-CAR SHOPPERS LIKELY TO PURCHASE ON BLACK FRIDAY IF DEALS AVAILABLE
Study: New-Car Shoppers Not Very Aware of Black Friday Auto Discounts, but Say They Would Take Advantage
IRVINE, Calif., November 22, 2009 – Kelley Blue Book www.kbb.com, the leading provider of new- and used-vehicle information, today announces the results of the latest Kelley Blue Book Market Intelligence survey of in-market new-car shoppers, revealing their likelihood to purchase a new car on Black Friday (the day after Thanksgiving, Friday, November 27, 2009) and the effect of additional Black Friday-specific discounts and incentives on purchase timeframes.
When generally asked how likely they would be to purchase a new car on Black Friday, 55 percent of car shoppers said they were somewhat likely, and only 12 percent said they were very/extremely likely.
However, when asked how the availability of additional automotive discounts and incentives on Black Friday would affect their purchase timeframe, 32 percent of in-market new-car shoppers said they would definitely purchase a new car sooner than they had planned. An additional 65 percent said they would consider purchasing a vehicle sooner if additional Black Friday auto discounts and incentives were available.
New-car shoppers also revealed they are not very aware of any special Black Friday-specific discounts being offered by auto manufacturers and dealers. Only four percent of survey respondents said they were aware of such discounts and plan to take advantage of them to purchase a new vehicle on Friday, whereas the majority (67 percent) said they were not aware of any Black Friday-specific auto discounts, but would consider buying a new car if such deals were available.
Among in-market new-car shoppers who said they were not likely to buy a new car on Black Friday, 35 percent said they are waiting on better incentives and discounts, and 17 percent indicated that the incentives and discounts they are aware of right now simply are not good enough.
“The latest Kelley Blue Book Market Intelligence survey data shows that car shoppers are hungry for deals this Friday and would seriously consider buying a new vehicle then if the price was right,” said James Bell, executive market analyst for Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com. “However, there is a perception gap about what special deals actually are available to new-car shoppers on Black Friday. This should motivate auto makers to heavily promote any special discounts or incentives so new-car shoppers can help positively contribute to the bottom line for manufacturers’ and dealers’ November sales.”
This Kelley Blue Book Market Intelligence Survey was fielded to 121 in-market new-car shoppers on kbb.com from November 20-23, 2009, and the preliminary data contained in this press release is based upon 51 qualified respondents. For Market Intelligence sales inquiries on any vehicle, segment or brand, please contact Kelly Kim, director of market intelligence services for Kelley Blue Book and kbb.com, at 949-268-2756 or kkim@kbb.com.
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KBB.COM EDITORS NAME 10 CAR FEATURES FOR WHICH THEY ARE MOST THANKFUL
Editors Celebrate Thanksgiving by Listing Favorite Car Features, Providing Reasoning, Vehicle Examples
IRVINE, Calif., NOVEMBER 19, 2009 – While giving thanks for family, friends and health are always in order, it seems with each passing year there are more and more comparably trivial things that many are in no hurry to live without. Americans have quickly become accustomed to digital cameras and video recorders, smartphones, wireless Internet and other items previously considered luxuries that are now a part of their daily lives. The same rings true for cars; not too long ago, power windows and a good stereo qualified a car as cutting-edge. In celebration of the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday, the Kelley Blue Book www.kbb.com editors have assembled a list of their 10 favorite car features (in no particular order): www.kbb.com/thanksgiving2009.
“As people become more tech-savvy and spend more time in the car each year, auto makers have come to realize that to stay up-to-date and relevant with their customers, features that once seemed outlandish or extravagant now are becoming expected equipment in new cars, regardless of what they cost,” said Jack Nerad, executive editorial director and executive market analyst for Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com. “When you think about it, many ‘base’ model cars with economical pricing offer more standard equipment today than some luxury vehicles that cost double their price offered only a few years ago.”
Sample Choices from the kbb.com Editors’ List of ‘10 Car Features We’re Thankful For’
Power Liftgate
Car that comes to mind: Hyundai Veracruz Limited
Why: “Leave it to Hyundai to include a power liftgate as standard equipment on its Veracruz when competitors offer it as an option on vehicles with much higher New Car Blue Book Values.”
Around View Monitor
Car that comes to mind: 2010 Infiniti FX
Why: “Let’s face it: If you drive a car as big and bold as the FX, an appalling parking job will get even more attention.”
Cross Traffic Alert
Car that comes to mind: Lincoln MKT
Why: “There have been more than a few occasions where this system has come in handy, especially in a three-row vehicle like the Lincoln MKT.”
Bluetooth Streaming Audio
Car that comes to mind: 2010 Chevy Camaro
Why: “One of the oldest nameplates returns with one of the newest technologies.”
For the remaining list of car features for which the kbb.com editors are most thankful, including descriptions, vehicle examples and reasoning behind each of the editors’ picks, visit the ‘10 Car Features We’re Thankful For’ story in kbb.com’s Latest News section at www.kbb.com/thanksgiving2009.
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KBB.COM, INNOVATIVE AUTOMOTIVE VIDEO REVIEWS WIN W3 AWARDS
Top-Rated Web Site Earns Gold, Online Videos Receive Silver Recognition
IRVINE, Calif., November 18, 2009 – Kelley Blue Book, www.kbb.com, the leading provider of new and used car information, today announces several W3 Award wins. Kbb.com, the company’s top-rated Web site, received a Gold Award in the automotive Web site category. In addition, two kbb.com Web videos received Silver Award recognition: the ‘Cadillac CTS-V Feature Video’ and the ‘Kia Soul and Nissan Cube Go Head to Head’ video.
In addition to Kelley Blue Book’s new-car pricing information and famous Blue Book® Values, kbb.com offers a wide variety of resources, advice and tools for in-market car shoppers, including the Perfect Car Finder® Photo Edition, KBB Green®, an optimized version of kbb.com for mobile devices and most recently, The Trusted Marketplace℠. The site also provides expert vehicle reviews (both video and print), resale value, safety information, rebates and incentive offers, a side-by-side comparison tool, consumer reviews and ratings, 360-degree vehicle views, vehicle specifications, optional feature information and much more.
In addition, Kelley Blue Book’s expert editors regularly produce vehicle reviews and feature videos for kbb.com and the company’s YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/kbb. These videos give consumers insight into upcoming vehicle models and the opportunity to review a car’s features inside and out, helping car shoppers make more educated and informed purchase decisions.
“By creating Web content that is both informational and entertaining, kbb.com aims to provide car shoppers with the facts they need during all stages of the shopping process,” said Justin Yaros, executive vice president of product design and development for Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com. “Winning multiple W3 Awards further solidifies our objective, in providing consumers a well-rounded perspective of the new and used vehicles in the marketplace today.”
The W3 Awards, sanctioned and judged by the International Academy of the Visual Arts, honors creative excellence on the Web, and the creative and marketing professionals behind award-winning Web sites, Web Video and Online Marketing programs.
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KBB.COM REPORTS: NEW-CAR SHOPPERS SHOW INCREASED INTEREST IN AUDI, FORD, HYUNDAI
Latest Market Intelligence Shows Significant Year-over-Year Gains in Brand Consideration, kbb.com Traffic
IRVINE, Calif., NOVEMBER 12, 2009 – According to the latest Kelley Blue Book www.kbb.com Market Intelligence Brand Watch study and Market Watch report, over the past year in-market new-car shoppers have shown increased interest in the Audi, Ford and Hyundai brands. According to the Q3 2009 Brand Watch Study, significant year-over-year brand consideration gains were made by Audi in the luxury SUV/CUV segment, Ford in the non-luxury SUV/CUV and truck segments and Hyundai in the luxury sedan/coupe/hatchback segment. Kelley Blue Book Market Watch report data also reveals significant increased year-over-year traffic to new-car information on kbb.com for all three brands.
According to the latest Kelley Blue Book Market Watch report, all three of the aforementioned brands have seen traffic gains to their new-car pages on Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com when comparing October 2009 to October 2008. Audi saw a very significant year-over-year increase of 39 percent, while Ford climbed 30 percent and Hyundai climbed six percent.
When comparing Q3 2008 to Q3 2009 in the Brand Watch study, Audi consideration has more than doubled in the luxury SUV/CUV segment (from seven percent to 15 percent). Ford has made similar significant year-over-year consideration gains in the non-luxury SUV/CUV segment (from 28 to 40 percent), as well as the truck segment (from 53 percent to 62 percent). Hyundai also has shown a year-over-year brand consideration improvement in the luxury sedan/coupe/hatchback segment (from 13 percent to 18 percent).
“The latest Kelley Blue Book Market Intelligence data shows the tangible results that can be attained when a brand comes to market with products people like and back it up with strong marketing support,” said James Bell, executive market analyst for Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com. “Audi has seen great success in the past year with its Q5 and Q7 utility vehicles. Ford has a strong line-up with its popular utility vehicles like the Edge, Escape, Flex and F-Series trucks, not to mention its new Taurus and Fusion sedans. At the same time, Hyundai has made significant gains in changing consumer perception of its brand, especially with its entry into the luxury market with the Genesis sedan and coupe.”
Ford and Audi also were among the top five upward-moving brands in terms of share of market on Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com for the month of October 2009 when compared to October 2008. Ford’s gains were led by significant interest in the Taurus, Fusion and F-150 SuperCrew Cab, and Audi’s gains were driven by significant interest in the Q5.
The Q3 Kelley Blue Book Market Intelligence Brand Watch Study was fielded to 3,018 in-market new-car shoppers on Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com from July 1 – September 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. Kelley Blue Book’s Market Watch is a comprehensive business intelligence tool that acts as a leading sales indicator by tracking and trending shopping behavior on Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com. For Market Intelligence sales inquiries on any vehicle, segment or brand, please contact Kelly Kim, director of market intelligence services for Kelley Blue Book and kbb.com, at 949-268-2756 or kkim@kbb.com.
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RECESSION AND GAS PRICES IMPACTING USED-CAR VALUE STABILITY
Kelley Blue Book’s November Market Report Now Available
IRVINE, Calif., November 11, 2009 – Kelley Blue Book www.kbb.com, the leading provider of new- and used-vehicle values, announces that its November Monthly Market Report is now available at http://mediaroom.kbb.com/blue-book-market-report. This month’s report takes a look at top movers in vehicle values, brand and segment value changes month-over-month and provides an in-depth analysis on how the recession and gas prices are affecting the stability of the marketplace.
Market Report Excerpt:
With people out of work or not working as much as they’d like, families are trying to reduce spending wherever possible, and this slow in spending has hit the auto industry in various ways. One outcome Kelley Blue Book is seeing is that consumers are holding onto vehicles longer, staying away from short-term leases, and if they absolutely must buy a car, they are looking more and more at used cars. In a recent Kelley Blue Book Market Intelligence study, more than half of car shoppers surveyed said they intend to keep their next vehicle for six years or longer. There also have been reports of consumers foregoing auto repairs and pocketing the insurance money resulting from auto insurance claims, just to keep the lights on and dinner on the table.
“In addition to lack of demand in the new-car market and unexpected demand in the used market, a lack of trade-ins coupled with reduced sales to fleet companies also has had somewhat of a negative impact on used-vehicle supply,” said Juan Flores, director of vehicle valuation, Kelley Blue Book. “The shortage at auction has even led some dealers to scour eBay and Craigslist in order to supplement their used-vehicle inventory via private party listings.”
Values have been relatively stable over the past several months, but the current stability in the marketplace is highly dependent on current supply and demand conditions. Any number of factors could play a significant role in altering this dynamic, which could once again lead to volatility in the marketplace.
About the Kelley Blue Book Monthly Market Report
Each month, the Blue Book Market Report explores the state of the automotive industry by analyzing Kelley Blue Book Wholesale Values, which are produced on a weekly basis from actual transaction data with economical and regional factors applied. The report also delves into developments in residual values every other month, and how the market influences these percentages in a variety of segments. Furthermore, the Market Report includes data from both Eco Watch™ and Market Watch® studies conducted by Kelley Blue Book Marketing Intelligence. Eco Watch tracks in-market new-car shoppers’ opinions on fuel prices, alternative fuel-related technologies, environmental issues and vehicle consideration, while Market Watch measures new car pricing report views on kbb.com, capturing shopper activity and interest in specific vehicles.
The forthcoming December Market Report will have a full commentary and forecast for both used-vehicle values and residual values of 2010 model-year vehicles. For more information, visit www.kbb.com/media.
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Dealers Receive Pre-Owned Inventory Listings in The Trusted Marketplace℠
Irvine, Calif., November 2, 2009 – CDMdata, Inc., a Kelley Blue Book company, today announces the launch of its all-new AutoOffice and AutoOffice Plus offerings in a time when cutting overall costs and increasing turn rate is paramount. AutoOffice is a Web-based inventory management solution designed as a one-stop-shop for pricing, managing, marketing and selling inventory online. The tool simplifies the collection of vehicle information, detailed seller’s notes and multiple photos, and distributing the listings to online advertising Web sites. AutoOffice Plus builds on these features by giving dealers access to the Market Pricing tool and ability to post inventory on Craigslist®.
With access to the Market Pricing tool in AutoOffice Plus, dealerships can understand how their used-car pricing compares to local sellers and the overall market. This information provides a snapshot of other vehicle listings and creates an opportunity to better leverage Kelley Blue Book® Values to help price inventory.
Another leading benefit of the AutoOffice and AutoOffice Plus products is that pre-owned inventory listings on kbb.com’s The Trusted Marketplace are included in both products. The Trusted Marketplace incorporates its online vehicle research with dealer inventory listings, making kbb.com a one-stop-source for new- and used-car shoppers, and offers dealerships exposure to the Web sites’ 14 million monthly visitors. CDMdata’s dealer customers will receive merchandising treatments in The Trusted Marketplace, including Kelley Blue Book® Suggested Retail Values and Kelley Blue Book Digital Window Stickers integrated within their listings. In addition, customers will receive additional callouts, which identify their used vehicles as “newly listed” and “price lowered.”
“Dealers often work with a variety of tools to gather valuation information, gain market pricing insight, post vehicles to the Internet and manage their online inventory marketing. This plethora of online tools ultimately delays the dealer’s marketing efforts and involves a number of unnecessary product subscriptions,” said Mike Romano, chief operating officer for CDMdata, Inc., and senior vice president of dealer strategy for Kelley Blue Book. “With AutoOffice and AutoOffice Plus, these tasks can be accomplished in one affordable, easy-to-use platform, saving dealers’ time and money.”
Through AutoOffice and AutoOffice Plus, the Kelley Blue Book brand and its values can be leveraged for marketing purposes on the dealer’s Web site with CDMdata’s inventory frame-in and on the dealership lot with Kelley Blue Book branded window stickers. Within AutoOffice and AutoOffice Plus, dealers also have access to Kelley Blue Book values to help make pricing decisions.
These new offerings, starting at $159 per month, are now available to dealers alongside CDMdata’s existing DigitalLot® Solution and Dealer Services products. For more information about Kelley Blue Book and CDMdata dealer products, services and solutions, please call 866-927-5744, or visit www.800bluebook.com. For reseller opportunities, please call 480-305-6710, or e-mail sean.seltzer@cdmdata.com.
About CDM Dealer Services and CDMdata, Inc. (www.cdmdata.com)
CDMdata, Inc. provides unparalleled technology and industry-leading service to the automotive industry. CDMdata Inc. solutions increase client revenues by increasing productivity and data accuracy. CDM provides proprietary hardware and software solutions that streamline inspection, valuation, distribution, marketing and Internet sales processes. CDM’s flagship product is the DigitalLot Solution, which provides automotive dealers with the hardware and software they need to manage the collection and distribution of automotive information over the Internet. CDMdata, Inc. is a Kelley Blue Book company. CDM Dealer Services is a wholly-owned subsidiary of CDMdata, Inc.
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KELLEY BLUE BOOK PUBLIC RELATIONS CONTACTS:
Robyn Eckard
Director of Public Relations
949-268-3049
Joanna McNally
Senior Public Relations Manager
949-268-3079
Brenna Robinson
Public Relations Manager
949-267-4781
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, car reviews and news, used car Blue Book Values, auto classifieds and car dealer locations. No other medium reaches more in-market vehicle shoppers than kbb.com.
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