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Blue Book Briefing

May 2009 - Blue Book Briefing

In this issue – MAY 2009:

 INDUSTRY INSIGHTS:

How to Defeat the Carbon Culprit

-   Jack R. Nerad, executive editorial director & executive market analyst, Kelley Blue Book and kbb.com

Climate change may or may not be caused by the emissions of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. In fact, some of the most recent scientific thought on climate change indicates we might be in for a period of cooling rather than warming due to decreased activity from the sun, no matter what happens with carbon dioxide emissions. This matters little to auto manufacturers who must toe the line to government regulations. Whether the regulations will actually cure an ill or not, the issue of limiting carbon dioxide emissions from cars and trucks is one of vital concern. 

As recently as a month ago, the federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) labeled carbon dioxide, a natural byproduct of combustion, a public health danger, and because of that it has begun to assert its obligation to regulate emissions. The Obama Administration has made it clear that it would like the United States to adopt standards that would lower overall emissions of carbon dioxide and other “greenhouse gases” by 80 percent by 2050. While the efficacy of such a proposal can and will be debated at length, the signals are clear that the auto industry must be ready to respond to the regulations that will possibly arise from this mindset. And in the context of the hundred-plus-year-old history of the auto industry, the EPA ruling isn’t just a game-changer or even a season-changer, but an epoch-changer. It implies remarkable consequences for every company that engages in the U.S. automotive market, and it has the potential to turn weak players into big winners and send front-runners toppling from power.

The key issue is this: how does a company engaged in the business of building and selling motorcars – personal transportation devices – reach the targets that are the inevitable consequence of such a plan? This is an issue that in many ways dwarfs the 50-year transition cars and trucks have made from gross emitters of what has been commonly referred to as “pollution” to producers of so little “pollution” that the emissions are hard even to measure, because throughout that long path internal-combustion engines remained the powerplant of choice. The pending regulations suggest that internal-combustion engines will be unable to reach the targets that will be specified as we move forward.  Vehicles with hybrid powerplants also will need to meet these targets, since the current hybrids are, in essence, gasoline-powered cars that derive a small portion of assistance from electric power.

The gravity of the potential industry shifts was brought home in a recent presentation by Mark Perry, Nissan’s director of product planning. In figures that have been reinforced by other industry estimates, he suggested that future improvements in gasoline engines were likely to gain just 30 percent better performance in limiting CO2 emissions, and that “clean diesel” technology advances might have a similar benefit. Even advanced hybrids, including plug-ins, might only move the needle another 50 percent. Why? They all burn fuel, meaning, like you and me, they will always emit some carbon dioxide. This is why, Perry told us, Renault Nissan has launched an ambitious battery-electric vehicle initiative that will begin to bear fruit with the introduction of a “pure” EV using lithium-ion batteries in 2010.

Is a battery-electric the right bet? Is pursuing hydrogen fuel cell technology the smart path to bringing carbon dioxide emissions down by 80 percent? Or will changing “realities” make both mute as we better understand climate and our effects on it? The answers to these questions will determine the fate of the personal transportation industry for the next 40 years and beyond.

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 April 2009.

LATEST NEWS & AUTO SHOW 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, including 2009 New York International Auto Show coverage, went live on the site or were updated during April 2009. 

Video:

Written:

NEW-VEHICLE REVIEWS ON KBB.COM - VIDEO:

The following new-vehicle video reviews by kbb.com’s editorial staff went live on the site or were updated during April 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. 

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 April 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. 

2010 Ford Mustang

An icon of Ford's lineup since the mid-'60s, the rakish Mustang gets a comprehensive makeover that elevates its sporty character, chassis dynamics and interior design. Both Coupe and Convertible offer the choice of base and premium trims, V6 or V8 (GT) engines backed by manual or automatic transmissions and match a formidable roster of standards with some slick new options that should help the original pony car gallop on at an even faster pace as it vies for buyers who might also be considering the likes of the Dodge Challenger, new Hyundai Genesis Coupe and its most storied foe of all, the resurrected and all-new 2010 Chevrolet Camaro that also arrives at dealerships in the spring. Completing the Mustang range is the equally new, 540-horsepower supercharged Shelby GT500, reviewed separately…

2010 MAZDA3

Mazda's best-selling model, the MAZDA3, receives a major makeover for 2010, starting with the high-volume four-door sedan and five-door hatchback. Based on an enhanced version of the previous platform, the entire 2010 MAZDA3 family maintains its same wheelbase and track dimensions but boasts a stronger unit body, revised chassis setup, all-new exterior and interior designs and an even nicer selection of standard and optional equipment. Trim designations carry forward, with the sedan available in 2.0-liter "i" models in SV, Sport and Touring configurations, and the 2.5-liter "s" in Sport and Grand Touring versions. The wagon is available only in the latter two "s" models. This comprehensive revitalization program has made a solid package even stronger and should ensure the 2010 MAZDA3 remains a strong rival to the Ford Focus, Honda Civic, Nissan Sentra, Toyota Corolla and Matrix and Volkswagen Jetta and Rabbit…

2009 Audi A6

The midsize 2009 Audi A6 is the ideal vehicle for the socially mobile family in need of generous interior space and all-wheel-drive capability, but not at all interested in an SUV. Offered in both sedan and wagon (known as the Avant) forms, the A6 combines traditional Audi styling, luxury and performance with the sure-footedness of quattro all-wheel drive. Larger than the A4, but not as bulky (or expensive) as the A8, the A6 offers a range of models and features with broad appeal to the premium midsize luxury sedan buyer…

2009 Audi S6

Audi knows how to bring the pain to the competition by producing a line of high-performance sedans and coupes to rival the best from BMW, Mercedes and Infiniti. The 2009 Audi S6 is a prime example. Not as smooth on the highway as the more mainstream A6 on which it's based, and not as quick through a canyon as a similarly-priced Porsche 911 Carrera, Audi's factory-tuned S6 – like most of Germany's factory-tuned super sedans – is nonetheless a brilliant way to enjoy varying degrees of each with only a single monthly payment. Now if we could just convince Audi to build a wagon model like the S4 Avant…

2009 Audi A8

The 2009 Audi A8 is a full-size premium luxury sedan loaded to the brim with the company's latest technological advances. More than just a showcase for Audi design and engineering, the A8 serves two masters: The driver and the chauffeured. Every bit the equal of such makes as the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, BMW 7 Series and Lexus LS, the A8 appeals to those who have the cash, but might prefer not to flaunt it quite so much. The A8's subtle styling is alluring without being flashy, a traditional design that stands the test of time long after other cars have become dated. Offered in regular or extended wheelbase versions, and with a choice of a V8 or the proven W12 engine, the A8 is all about style, sophistication and success…

2009 Audi TT Roadster

When it first hit the streets for the 2000 model year, the radically styled Audi TT –- sleek and bulbous and minimalist at once –- left not a single head unturned in its wake. Eight years and a truckload of design awards later, that car has earned for itself a place in automotive history. While it would be unrealistic to expect the same kind of visual impact from its follow-up, with its second-generation TT, Audi has delivered a car that's even more exciting than the first. The front- or all-wheel-drive TT competes on varying levels with the BMW Z4, Mercedes-Benz SLK and the Porsche Boxster and Cayman, all of which are rear-wheel-drive cars…

2009 Chevrolet HHR

While some dismiss the 2009 Chevrolet HHR as little more than a PT Cruiser clone, in truth the two vehicles appeal to very different audiences. Where the PT seems to pull in Baby Boomers and Gen X males, the HHR speaks to today's young drivers who like to customize their cars with extreme paint jobs and near-deafening sound systems. By itself, this slick piece of work serves as a practical wagon version of the Cobalt sedan disguised as a retro mini Suburban. There's even a cool Panel version with windowless side panels and side cargo doors. Though smaller than it appears in pictures, the HHR is nevertheless a versatile and fun-to-drive vehicle as equally suited to small families as it is to hip singles…

2009 Chrysler Aspen

Chrysler's introduction last year of yet another large SUV to an already crowded market might have seemed a little like arriving at a party just as was breaking up. But before the idea of four dollar a gallon gasoline and an economy on the fritz, the rationale seemed logical. While Chrysler felt it was necessary to have a player in this segment the future of the Aspen and other SUV's like it now hangs precariously in the balance. If your budget allows it, 2009 may be the best time to go shopping because there are deals to be made on full-size trucks and SUVS. Despite its less than stellar operating costs, the 2009 Chrysler Aspen is an elegant addition to the large SUV landscape, one that features a hybrid version to help ease fuel economy worries and give buyers a way to remain in the Chrysler family when their own families outgrow the Town & Country minivan…

2009 Dodge Durango

Despite the growing popularity of crossover utility vehicles, or CUVs, for those with serious towing and hauling needs there are few substitutes for a full-blown, body-on-frame SUV. Among the more notable is the 2009 Dodge Durango, a seven-passenger muscle machine with a rugged and distinctive style, a fairly plush interior and the option of a HEMI V8 under the hood. Although not as large as a Chevrolet Suburban, the Durango has grown large enough to compete head-on with such competitors as the Chevrolet Tahoe and Ford Expedition. Dodge's MDS (Multiple-Displacement System) technology helps save some gas, and a new hybrid-model goes even further. Alternative fuel fans will be sad to learn the 4.7-liter Flex-Fuel V8 has been dropped…

2009 Ford Super Duty

Despite Toyota and Nissan's incursion into the half-ton pickup market, those who need serious towing and hauling capabilities still rely on the domestic manufacturers to supply them heavy-duty power, and no truck does it better than the 2009 Ford Super Duty. Constituting some 40 percent of Ford's F-Series sales, the Super Duty is intended to secure the most profitable segment of the pickup market. Ford stakes its claim to "best in class" with improved platforms, upgraded drivetrains and dramatically enhanced capability, particularly with the F-450…

2009 Land Rover LR2

Land Rover's smallest SUV, the LR2, is also the first corporate offering designed primarily for U.S consumers. This premium compact four-door SUV is based on Ford's versatile C1 unit-body architecture, but displays a bold character that's uniquely Land Rover, includes seating for five and is powered by a strong six-cylinder engine. Although it lacks a dual-range transfer case and air suspension, the LR2's slick full-time all-wheel-drive (AWD) package and Land Rover's sophisticated Terrain Response System make it an extremely capable, all-season on/off-roader. Available only in well-appointed HSE trim, the LR2's most direct competition will come from other upscale active-lifestyle vehicles like the Acura RDX and BMW X3. However, its mid-$30,000 price point means buyers will have plenty of other (and newer) "crossovers" to cross-shop…

2009 Land Rover LR3

Although very few sport utility vehicle owners ever take their prized machines off-road, for those who do venture far from pavement it's tough to beat the 2009 Land Rover LR3. Even with its upscale status, the LR3 is known world-wide as one of the most capable off-road vehicles money can buy, although those that slog through the Amazon and across the Sahara typically don't have heated leather seats and high-end audio systems. Priced in the low $50,000 range, the LR3 borrows a host of technological advances from the larger Range Rover and packs them into a plush SUV that is both competent and affordable. A vastly improved quality and service record and improving resale values combine to make the LR3 a very competitive luxury SUV…

2009 Mazda B-Series

Although the 2009 Mazda B-Series pickup bears the Mazda nameplate, it is actually a thinly disguised Ford Ranger. As Mazda does not build trucks for the U.S. market and Ford is its parent company, the economic advantage of this arrangement should be obvious to all. Available in Regular Cab and Extended Cab Plus configurations, the compact B-Series trucks compete well with the Chevrolet Colorado and GMC Canyon, but are no match for the larger and more powerful trucks from Nissan, Dodge and Toyota…

2009 MAZDASPEED3

In the MAZDASPEED3, Mazda finally has a compact sports model to do battle with the Volkswagen GTI, Subaru Impreza WRX and Dodge Caliber SRT4. Billed as one of the fastest front-wheel-drive compact cars on the planet, the turbocharged 2009 MAZDASPEED3 puts some real muscle behind Mazda's sporty design language. Sharing most of its body with the hot-selling MAZDA3 five-door has insured the MAZDASPEED3's slam-dunk success, while dynamic changes to the suspension, gearbox and interior are sure to satisfy the most demanding compact car enthusiasts. With a starting price below $24,000 and another limited production run, customers are likely to find that the greatest obstacle to owning a MAZDASPEED3 won't be cost, but finding one on an authorized dealer's lot…

2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata

The 2009 MX-5 Miata roadster continues to capture the hearts of driving enthusiasts and open-air aficionados everywhere. The lightweight roadster may not be big on horsepower, but its 50/50 front-to-rear weight distribution, dynamic suspension and lightning-quick steering make it a blast to drive, while its excellent fuel economy makes it the perfect commuter car. Despite its small proportions, the 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata is easy to live with. The top, for example, can be operated from inside the car with just one arm and, when retracted, collapses into a small well behind the seats, as does the new available power-operated hardtop. As a result, the MX-5 Miata's small trunk is unaffected by the top's position, a claim the Pontiac Solstice, for example, can't make…

2009 Mazda Tribute

Designed for people who prefer more car-like styling in their compact SUV, the 2009 Mazda Tribute attempts to place as much emphasis on "sport" as it does on utility. As in the past, the Tribute continues to share its unit-body design, powertrains and fully-independent suspension with its corporate cousins the Ford Escape and Mercury Mariner. To help ensure broad appeal, the Tribute offers seating for five, both four-cylinder and six-cylinder engines, front or all-wheel drive and three different trim levels. The Tribute HEV Hybrid model is available in limited numbers and only in the state of California…

2009 MINI Cooper

After a successful makeover in 2007, the MINI Cooper and Cooper S continue to surf a wave of strong sales, selling in numbers far exceeding parent company BMW's expectations. Hallmarks of the two-door four-seat hatchback's design include sporty handling, distinctive styling and more interior space than its small exterior dimensions might imply. The popularity of MINI has helped to expand America's acceptance of small cars and in many ways defined the premium small car market. Competitors to the MINI are varied and include the Volkswagen GTI, Chrysler PT Cruiser, Mazda Miata MX-5 and Audi A3…

2009 MINI Cooper Clubman

For the 2002 model year, BMW relaunched the MINI brand with the Cooper and Cooper S in the American market. It was redesigned for 2007, and both generations have earned rave reviews for go-kart-like driving dynamics, an efficient hatchback package and exemplary fuel economy. While the MINI Cooper strengthened America's acceptance of small cars, it was simply too small for many buyers, prompting the introduction last year of the 2008 MINI Cooper Clubman. As with other MINIs, the Clubman is offered in base and turbocharged S models, but an additional nine and a half inches adds much-needed rear-seat room and cargo space. The Clubman's competitors include the Chrysler PT Cruiser, Volkswagen Rabbit, Mazda MAZDA3 and Audi A3…

2009 Suzuki SX4 Crossover

The 2009 Suzuki SX4 Crossover offers active-lifestylers a practical, comfortable and affordable front or all-wheel-drive utility vehicle with impressive looks and loads of features. Its unit-body design shares key engineering elements with the Swift – a popular Suzuki model currently sold only in Europe and Asia – and therefore endows this versatile five-door hatchback with some car-like characteristics. The well-appointed SX4 Crossover has a terrific warranty and merits serious consideration from anyone shopping for either a space-efficient front-drive hatchback, such as the Honda Fit, Nissan Versa or Scion xB, or a true all-wheel-drive crossover utility vehicle, such as the Jeep Compass or Nissan Rogue…

2009 Volkswagen Eos

While the cloth-top convertible won't be going away anytime soon (the New Beetle being a perfect example), the recent proliferation of retractable hardtops shows no sign of slowing. Volkswagen has taken the trend a step further by integrating a glass sunroof into the top of its latest four-seat convertible, the 2009 Volkswagen Eos. Hardtop advantages include a more finished, more coupe-like look and feel inside and out, while the downside is generally limited to a reduction in cargo volume when the top is stowed. Named after the Greek goddess of dawn, the Eos is helping to usher in a new era of versatile and practical convertibles…

2009 Volkswagen GTI

Costing well under $25,000, the 2009 Volkswagen GTI returns to its roots by infusing razor-sharp handling with spirited acceleration. Thanks to the GTI's clever hatchback design, drivers can enjoy true German-engineered performance without having to sacrifice comfort for four people or a roomy cargo hold. Although now larger and heavier than the original car, the GTI remains a manageable size and features its most powerful engine to date: A turbocharged 2.0-liter unit pumping out 200 horsepower. Drivers can choose between a slick-shifting six-speed manual or Volkswagen's marvelous Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG) automatic, which is without question the best auto-manual transmission money can buy…

2009 Volkswagen New Beetle

The 2009 Volkswagen New Beetle remains a popular choice among those seeking a less conventional mode of transportation. Touting a shape based on the original Beetle (popularly known as the "Bug"), the New Beetle's easily recognizable shape results in the most lop-sided interior dimensions of any car in its class. While the sloping hatch creates a nearly unusable rear seat, the arching dome roof provides an unbeatable 38 inches of front headroom, making the New Beetle the friend of the tall and very tall. Unfortunately, the roof design also creates some massive blind spots around the windshield pillars. Once plentiful engine choices have dwindled to a single source: a 150-horsepower 2.5-liter gasoline engine…

2009 Volkswagen New Beetle Convertible

Iconic convertibles seem to be making a comeback, and there is no ragtop more iconic than the VW Beetle. The 2009 Volkswagen New Beetle Convertible makes a great looking drop-top and offers the power, safety and comfort that was, obviously, not part of the first-generation Bug. The engine is up front, as are the drive wheels, but with the top retracted the feel from behind the wheel is very much just like old times. Stereotypes aside, the New Beetle convertible is one of the few practical drop tops that can be enjoyed by anyone with a modest budget and a love of fresh air…

2009 Volkswagen Touareg 2

In a world dominated by SUVs that might look tough, but cower when led over challenging terrain, the 2009 Volkswagen Touareg 2 is a rarity. It offers highly competent on-road driving dynamics, but when the pavement ends the Touareg 2 also proves to be an extremely capable off-roader. Part of the VW Touareg 2's appeal lies in the fact that its underpinnings are shared with the much more expensive Porsche Cayenne. For those willing to forgo the exclusivity of the Porsche nameplate, the Touareg 2 represents an opportunity to enjoy a similar driving experience at a lower price point. Despite its luxuriously-appointed cabin, however, many buyers will find the Touareg 2's five-passenger design flawed in light of the current trend among SUVs to offer seating for seven or more…

WHAT’S NEW:

KELLEY BLUE BOOK AND DIGITAS WIN INTERNET ADVERTISING COMPETITION AWARDS FOR PONTIAC G8 – “TOMMY KENDALL AVATAR”

Online Ad Recognized as ‘Best of Show Rich Media Online Ad’, ‘Best Automobile Rich Media Online Ad’

IRVINE, Calif., April 23, 2009 – Kelley Blue Book, www.kbb.com, the leading provider of new and used car information, today announces its win with Digitas in the 2009 Internet Advertising Competition (IAC) for Best of Show Rich Media Online Ad and Best Automobile Rich Media Online Ad. The Internet Advertising Competition is produced by the Web Marketing Association to honor excellence in online advertising, recognize the individuals and organizations responsible, and showcase award winning Internet advertising.

“Digitas is thrilled the Pontiac G8 ‘Tommy Kendall Avatar’ has been recognized in the Internet Advertising Competition,” said David Katzman, associate director of creative for Digitas. “It is an honor to be recognized not only for our work with General Motors, but also among our peers in creative marketing. We continually strive to produce results for our clients, but would not be as successful without the enthusiasm and commitment they bring to the table.”

Digitas used DoubleClick Rich Media to develop a unique, rich media experience, using an avatar, to walk kbb.com visitors through the new-vehicle research process, ultimately pushing them lower and lower into the purchase funnel and closer to buying a new car. This created visibility and interest in General Motors’ new Pontiac G8, and was the first time this type of treatment had been applied to an online ad unit in this space. The avatar was personified by race car driver Tommy Kendall and specifically promoted the Pontiac G8. 

“Kelley Blue Book strives to provide manufacturers and dealers with advertising opportunities that expand their reach to more online in-market new-car shoppers,” said Susan Brown, director of advertising and business development, East, for Kelley Blue Book. “By working with Digitas, we were able to create an interactive ad experience and provide the consumer with additional product information to aid the manufacturer in reaching car buyers in new and engaging ways.”

The IAC judges evaluated each submission based on creativity, innovation, impact, design, copywriting, and use of the medium. For more information about the award winning advertisement, please visit www.iacaward.org/iac/. For more information about advertising on Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com, please visit www.kbb.com/kbb/advertising/. 

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KELLEY BLUE BOOK’S KBB.COM ANNOUNCES TOP 10 GREEN CARS FOR 2009

KBB Green Offers Alternative-Fuel Car Guide, Car-Finding Tools, Forums, Blogs

IRVINE, Calif., April 20, 2009 – Kelley Blue Book, www.kbb.com, the leading provider of new car and used car information, today announces the expert editors of Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com name their 2009 picks for the Top 10 Green Cars. In an all-new story posted to KBB® Green, the kbb.com editors list a variety of fuel-efficient vehicles worthy of buyers’ consideration. The coverage includes detailed EPA-estimated fuel economy numbers and editorial commentary on why each particular model made this year’s list. 

On last year’s inaugural Top 10 Green Cars list, the kbb.com editors cited skyrocketing gas prices, a weak economy and growing environmental consciousness as the major reasons more car buyers were focusing on fuel economy. As we approach Earth Day 2009, gas prices have come back to Earth but the shaky economy is trumping most other concerns and causes, resulting in far fewer car buyers.

The current sales slump is unfortunate for many reasons, one of which is that 2009 is shaping up to be a banner year for fuel efficiency. The year’s arrivals include an all-new Toyota Prius that is even more fuel-efficient than its world-beating predecessor, a new Prius alternative in the Honda Insight, and a range of new 50-state clean-diesel cars, among others. In addition to these newcomers, this year’s Top 10 Green Cars list highlights some familiar faces, and the kbb.com editors again included a variety of vehicle shapes and sizes, because they recognize that not everyone who wants to get greener can go smaller. Just as buyers would, the editors considered characteristics like comfort, performance, utility and technology – not just fuel economy and price – in picking the winners.

“Despite the decline in auto sales and the stabilization of gas prices in recent months, we still think many new-car shoppers are interested in buying vehicles that are more fuel-efficient and better for the environment,” said Jack R. Nerad, executive editorial director and executive market analyst for Kelley Blue Book and kbb.com. “More than ever, we’re seeing variety environmentally friendly vehicles for the 2009 and 2010 model-years that offer intriguing technology. No matter what you or your family’s vehicle needs may be, we’re confident there is a ‘Green’ option available to suit your preferences and lifestyle.”

Kbb.com’s 2009 Top 10 Green Cars

(In order of combined EPA-estimated fuel economy)

Kbb.com’s Editorial Commentary on the 2009 Top 10 Green Cars

 (In order of combined EPA-estimated fuel economy)

2010 Toyota Prius

The third-generation Prius has arrived with sleeker looks, added creature comforts, upgraded performance and even-better fuel economy. Despite a larger engine, 24 additional horsepower and quicker acceleration, the new Prius manages to deliver four more miles per gallon than its predecessor. The coolest new option is a glass moonroof with a solar-powered ventilation system, but the list also includes voice-activated navigation and Dynamic Radar Cruise Control with Lane Keep Assist.

2010 Honda Insight

With a starting sticker price of $20,470, the all-new Honda Insight is the least expensive full-production hybrid available in the United States. Even the top-level Insight EX with Navigation that includes features like a voice-activated navigation system, Bluetooth phone connectivity, upgraded audio system and electronic stability control is just $23,770. These figures should give the Insight a clear price advantage compared to the newest Prius, for which pricing has yet to be announced. But why does Honda’s fuel-miser look so much like Toyota’s? Is it because the consumer thinks that’s what a hybrid looks like or for the same reason an Airbus looks so much like a Boeing?

2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid

The Ford Fusion is getting better with age, and perhaps the best addition is the hybrid version. For the 2010 model year, the lineup benefits from new exterior styling and an interior redesign, which grace the new hybrid version that handily out-economizes both the Toyota Camry Hybrid (33 city/34 hwy mpg) and the Chevy Malibu (26 city/34 hwy mpg). We were fans of the Fusion before, but even bigger believers after seeing and driving the latest iterations.

2009 Volkswagen Jetta Sportwagen TDI

In some circles, TDI is the sexiest acronym in all the automotosphere. Some months ago, Volkswagen’s familiar diesel moniker disappeared from the automaker’s top-selling Jetta, but it has made a triumphant return for the 2009 model year. This time, the Jetta TDI and Jetta Sportwagen TDI (and soon, Golf TDI) will be available in all 50 states, a development that surely helped the Jetta TDI take home the 2009 Green Car of the Year award.   Returning fuel economy that’s roughly 40 percent better than its gas-powered counterpart, the Jetta Sportwagen TDI combines utility on par with a small SUV, world-class fuel economy and European driving dynamics in one well-rounded green machine.

2009 MINI Cooper

The MINI Cooper balances fun and efficiency like nothing else on the road. Responsive steering, a sport-tuned suspension and diminutive dimensions combine to deliver a driving experience that instantly evokes allusions to the proverbial go kart. Combine that kind of athleticism with highway fuel economy up to 37 miles per gallon – and a personality bigger than the car itself – and you’ve got a unique brand of feel-good fun.

2009 Ford Escape Hybrid

We like compact crossovers for their smart mix of utility and efficiency, and the 2009 Ford Escape Hybrid is the most fuel-efficient SUV in the country. After undergoing a major overhaul for the 2008 model year, the Ford Escape Hybrid is improved again for 2009 with smoother braking and electric-to-gas transitions, plus a one-mile-per-gallon improvement in highway fuel economy.

2009 Honda Fit

The Toyota Yaris remains the category’s mileage champ, but the Honda Fit so handily outshines its competitors in our eyes that it’s making the list again this year. We’re especially fond of the Sport model and its performance-tuned suspension and paddle shifters, but even base models are fun. If you’re more interested in pure practicality than driving pleasure, be sure to check out the Fit’s flexible back seat and impressive cargo-carrying abilities. The Honda Fit may be a little car, but it’s a lot of car.

2009 BMW 335d

BMW’s new diesel-powered 3 Series is one of those cars you really do have to drive to believe. First off, its zero-to-60 mph time of 6.0 seconds is only four tenths slower than that of the category’s gas-powered gold standard, BMW’s own 335i. For most buyers, that’s a small performance price to pay for an increase in fuel economy of about 35 percent (the 335i is rated at 17 city/26 highway mpg). Throw in all the driving feel and cornering ability that have made the 3 Series a living legend, and you’ve got the greatest diesel car America’s ever seen.

2009 Toyota Highlander Hybrid

The Highlander Hybrid remains the most fuel-efficient three-row vehicle available today, earning it an automatic bid at the top of many families’ shopping lists. On top of room for seven and exceptional fuel economy, the Highlander Hybrid offers proven reliability and the added all-weather confidence of standard all-wheel drive.

2009 Chevrolet Silverado Hybrid

If maximum fuel economy is your primary concern, then buying a pickup truck doesn’t make much sense. But what if you need the utility of a pickup truck? Shouldn’t you, too, be able to enjoy the benefits of modern hybrid technology? General Motors thinks so. That’s why GM’s Two-Mode hybrid system is now available in the Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra. Despite delivering up to a 50-percent improvement in city fuel economy, GM’s hybrid pickup retains its essential truckness by offering nearly 1,500 pounds of payload capacity, a 6,100-pound tow rating and a big full size bed. For those with more people to haul than cargo, the same gas-electric powertrain is available in the Chevy Tahoe Hybrid SUV.

For more information on all of the 2009 Top 10 Green Cars, visit www.kbb.com/greencars09.

About KBB Green

Kelley Blue Book’s Green section allows new-car shoppers to obtain information about alternative-fuel technologies, such as hydrogen cars, diesel cars, hybrid cars, natural gas cars, electric cars and flex fuel/ethanol vehicles, as well as fuel-sipping gasoline cars. Kbb.com’s vehicle experts also keep consumers up-to-date on the latest Green news and information from around the automotive world. The video section of KBB Green offers an in-depth, inside look at the latest eco-friendly vehicles on the market from both the Kelley Blue Book perspective and the carmakers’ themselves. KBB Green also features helpful tools such as the Perfect Car Finder® and the Fuel Efficiency Challenge. 

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KBB.COM EDITORS’ TOP 10 TAX REFUND CARS; HOT NEW COUPES, CONVERTIBLES

73 Percent of Shoppers Consider Buying New Car with Help from Tax Refunds, Deductions, Stimulus Checks

IRVINE, Calif., April 15, 2009 – While turning an entire tax refund into a down payment on something sleek and sporty is rarely a prudent financial decision, the editors of Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com know that some big bonus checks are just meant to be spent. So, if you’re tired of your boring practical car, you’re expecting a nice chunk of change from the government and all seems secure on the job front, check out this year’s list of Top 10 Tax Refund Cars from the kbb.com editors and pick out something nice for yourself (full list below). 

In addition, Kelley Blue Book, www.kbb.com, the leading provider of new car and used car information, today announces the results of the latest Kelley Blue Book Marketing Research survey of in-market new-car shoppers on kbb.com, detailing that 73 percent of consumers say they would consider buying a new car with help from items like their 2008 tax refund, a stimulus check or new-car-related 2009 tax deductions. 

“Many people have left the new-car market in the last six months, but our research shows that they seem to be looking for a little jolt of financial help to get back into the new-car showrooms,” said Rick Wainschel, senior vice president of marketing and analytics for Kelley Blue Book and kbb.com.  “With tax refunds starting to come in, and the parts of the stimulus package that encourage 2009 new-car purchases with sales and excise tax deductions further resonating in the minds of new-car shoppers, consumers may see themselves in more of a position to jump back into the marketplace.”

Kbb.com’s Top 10 Tax Refund Cars: The Hottest New Coupes and Convertibles – Editors’ List and Comments

(In alphabetical order, including kbb.com editorial commentary)

2010 Audi S5 Cabrio

The voluptuous Audi A5 is a classic beauty. And with a 420-horsepower V8 up front, its S5 evil twin is even prettier. The recent addition of complementary convertibles to the lineup makes for a more complicated love affair.

2009 BMW Z4

In case you’ve already clicked through our list of 10 reasons we love the new Z4, we’ll contain ourselves here. Suffice it to say, we’d trade valuable, non-monetary assets for a Z4 to call our own.

2010 Chevrolet Camaro SS

“Power and torque are effortless and ever-present, making it an easy car to drive fast,” wrote one of our editors after a recent drive in the range-topping, 426-horsepower SS version of the long-awaited 2010 Chevy Camaro.

2010 Ford Shelby GT500

On top of the same sheetmetal and interior changes that Ford bestowed upon its legendary Mustang for the 2010 model year, the newest Shelby GT500 gets 40 extra horsepower, bringing the total to 540. Whether you’re looking to relive your youth or just scorch some pavement, the Shelby GT500 is a great way to do it.

2010 Hyundai Genesis Coupe

Hyundai’s roll continues. Only a few months after the Hyundai Genesis Sedan took home the 2009 North American Car of the Year trophy, Hyundai has rolled out the similarly impressive – and really fun – Genesis Coupe.

2009 Infiniti G37 Convertible

With plenty of curves in all the right places and a world-renowned V6 under the hood, the Infiniti G Coupe was a prime candidate for a top chop. The result? A car capable of besting the significant desirability rating of its sensuous coupe sibling. Expect the Infiniti G37 Convertible to arrive in time for summer.

2010 Lexus IS Convertible

With recent lineup additions like the high-performance IS F and now IS C hardtop convertible, it’s clear Lexus is focused on upping the fun factor. We haven’t yet driven the IS C, but we like the idea of a carefree convertible backed by a track record of worry-free reliability. Look for the Lexus IS 250C and IS 350C by summer.

2009 MINI Cooper Convertible

The Cooper Convertible is the most fuel-efficient car and most affordable convertible in the group. Combined with room for two backseat drivers or a surprising amount of cargo, it was barely frivolous enough to make the list.

2010 Nissan 370Z Roadster

More powerful, better looking and lighter than its predecessor, the new Z’s starting sticker price of $30,650 qualifies it as one of today’s great performance values – even when you pay extra for the convertible (expect a starting price in the mid-$30,000 range). Its impressive list of performance credentials includes the world’s first manual transmission with automatic rev-matching downshifts.

2009 Porsche Cayman

Sun worshippers might prefer the Cayman convertible – the Boxster – and that’s just fine with us. For the 2009 model year, the Porsche Boxster and Cayman lineups receive new front and rear styling, more powerful engines, a brilliant seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and a host of other performance and convenience upgrades. The company might have given up on the slogan long ago, but it still comes to mind every time we find ourselves behind a Porsche-emblazoned steering wheel: There is no substitute.

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CAR SHOPPERS RANK MOST MOTIVATING AUTOMOTIVE FINANCIAL GUARANTEES

No-Fault Return, Assisted/Deferred Payments Rank as Tops for Motivating New-Car Shoppers to Purchase

IRVINE, Calif., April 1, 2009 – Kelley Blue Book, www.kbb.com, the leading provider of new car and used car information, today announces the results of the latest Kelley Blue Book Market Research survey of in-market new-car shoppers on kbb.com, detailing which types of auto manufacturer financial assurance/guarantee programs they find most motivating. Hyundai announced a program earlier this year (Hyundai Assurance Program), which successfully increased consumer confidence and spurred new-car sales. Additionally, Hyundai traffic on kbb.com spiked 35 percent the week the program was announced.   Taking into consideration consumer opinions, similar programs were announced this week by Ford (Ford Advantage Plan) and General Motors (GM Total Confidence). In light of the current economic crisis and auto industry turmoil, consumers recently shared their opinions in a survey on kbb.com regarding which programs would make them most likely to buy a new car.

When new-car shoppers were asked how motivated they would be to purchase a vehicle if a manufacturer offered one of the following guarantee options in the event they were facing a job loss or other serious financial challenges, new-car shoppers say they are most motivated by a no-fault return option (76 percent). The second most popular plans include payment assistance (where a manufacturer covers payments on the car-buyers’ behalf for a specified period of time) at 75 percent, and deferred payments up to six months without penalties (also at 75 percent). Less popular options include a trade-down plan (ability to trade-down to a cheaper/smaller vehicle to reduce payments) at 63 percent, and a gradual payment ladder (lowered payments for the first few months, working up to full payment amount over time) at 49 percent. 

“Taking the risk out of car-buying right now is the key to getting consumers back into dealerships,” said Paul Johnson, president and chief executive officer of Kelley Blue Book and kbb.com.  “These new assurances offered by the domestic auto manufacturers, new tax incentives and government-backed warranties, as well as our President’s promise that he will ‘not let our auto industry simply vanish,’ should allay fears, diminish the risk and hopefully get shoppers to once again reconsider domestic vehicles.”

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2009 HONDA CIVIC TAKES TOP SPOT IN KBB.COM COMPACT SEDAN COMPARISON TEST

Editors Test, Compare Seven New Vehicles in Popular Compact Sedan Segment, Declare Civic Winner

IRVINE, Calif., March 30, 2009 – Kelley Blue Book www.kbb.com, the leading provider of new car and used car information, today announces the results of the kbb.com expert editorial staff’s highly comprehensive compact sedan comparison test between seven of the top new cars in the class, and declares the 2009 Honda Civic the winner. The editors recently tested the newest versions of the top-selling compact sedans – Honda Civic, MAZDA3, Toyota Corolla, Hyundai Elantra, Nissan Sentra, Ford Focus and Chevy Cobalt - and detailed their observations and opinions on each vehicle, ultimately declaring the Civic the overall winner in the segment. In the spirit of the times, each of the cars tested in the kbb.com 2009 compact sedan comparison test featured an automatic transmission (the way consumers purchase them most often) matched with a four-cylinder engine, and highway fuel economy of at least 30 miles per gallon as estimated by the EPA. The results of the 2009 kbb.com compact sedan comparison test can be viewed in an all-new video recently posted to the Latest News section of kbb.com, as well as the company’s Facebook page and YouTube channel.

The comprehensive compact sedan comparison tests conducted by the kbb.com editorial staff included scoring multiple points of consideration, both subjective and instrumented, for each vehicle in each of the following categories: exterior, interior, driving dynamics, safety (both active and passive safety), crash test ratings, value (examining both New Car Blue Book® Values, which are the actual transaction values of what each vehicle is currently selling for, as well as projected future resale values), on-ramp acceleration, passing acceleration, braking from 60 mph, evasive lane change, cornering limits, and interior noise at idle, 30 mph and 60 mph. In the end, six drivers had subjected seven cars to more than 1,500 miles worth of poking and prodding to determine the results of the 2009 kbb.com compact sedan comparison test. 

In May 2008, the Honda Civic became the best-selling vehicle in the country. In June, the Toyota Corolla took top honors. These facts are significant because for every single month for more than 16 years prior to that, the most popular vehicle was a pickup truck. The economy might have broken down in 2008, but small cars experienced a relative boom. The beauty of the 21st-century small car is that the benefits often outweigh the compromises. Affordability always has been the main reason people buy small cars, but now more people are thinking small for the fuel economy and emissions advantages. Buyers that might otherwise choose something larger and pricier are discovering that today's small cars are comfortable, refined and amenity-laden enough that actual tradeoffs are few. Because every category has its standouts, the kbb.com editors tested a selection of the most popular compact sedans to see which would rise to the top.

“Compact sedans appeal to a wide variety of consumers, and given the economic downturn and fluctuating fuel costs over the past months, the already mammoth segment has seen a growth in interest,” said Jack R. Nerad, executive editorial director and executive market analyst for Kelley Blue Book and kbb.com. “Those looking to downsize might be surprised by the amenities the new compact sedans offer. We were impressed with all of the cars we tested, but our team found that the 2009 Honda Civic, despite the improvements of its competitors, is simply the best all-around in its class.”

2009 Kbb.com Compact Sedan Comparison Test Rankings & Editorial Comments

First Place: 2009 Honda Civic

Strengths:  Well built. Well rounded. World class.
Shortcomings: Few
Synopsis: If all the drivers of the world had to decide on one car...

We interrupt this comparison test to re-confirm some old news: The Honda Civic is a great car. Its reputation as reliable and economical transportation is so strong that it's easy to overlook just how well it does everything else, as we realized during our most recent time behind the wheel of the freshened, fourth-year Civic. Its shape is interesting but not particularly polarizing. Its interior manages to be innovative, attractive and simple at once. The engine combines adequate power with exceptional fuel economy. The backseat and trunk both qualify as accommodating. Everything the Civic does, it does well. If you're looking for performance, you can do better. If you want the softest ride, the Civic can be beat. If you're like most shoppers in the segment, however, you're looking for balance. If you're like us, you'll have a hard time finding fault with the 2009 Honda Civic.

Second Place: 2009 Mazda MAZDA3

Strengths: Fun. Attractive. Fun.
Shortcomings: A small car on the small side
Synopsis: Did we mention it's fun?

The MAZDA3 might have come up number two on our score sheets, but it's the small sedan most of the kbb.com editors would buy for themselves. Compared with the rest of the cars in this test -- and the entire segment -- the MAZDA3's fun factor is off the charts. That it looks so good inside and out is, by comparison, just icing on the cake. Our lesser-powered 'i' model was only fourth-fastest in our zero-to-60 mph tests, but it finished a decisive first in cornering and braking. Where were the weak spots? The trunk and rear seating area were among the tightest in the test, and its crash test ratings weren't at the top of the chart. So maybe the MAZDA3 isn't the first choice for families. For fun-seekers, though, it's the obvious choice.

Third Place: 2009 Toyota Corolla

Strengths:  Roomy and refined
Shortcomings: Nothing to get excited about
Synopsis: Feels like a small Camry

Behold the electroluminescent gauge cluster and attractive faux wood trim from the Corolla's comfortable driver's seat and it'd be easy to believe you were sitting in a pricier, larger mid-size sedan. By foregoing look-at-me styling or progressive interior design, the latest Corolla maintains its reputation as the confidently conservative grown-up of the group. As such, it did prove a more willing and capable driving partner than most of us expected. So how did one of the category's gold standards finish third? By playing it safe. The Corolla finished tops in value, but middle-of-the-pack in categories like performance, styling and even safety. Playing it safe, however, is exactly how the Corolla became -- and continues to be -- one of the best-selling vehicles in the country.

Fourth Place: 2008 Hyundai Elantra

Strengths: Attractive interior, high feature-per-dollar ratio
Shortcomings:  Driving dynamics, resale value
Synopsis: Better than its resale values would indicate

Anyone who thinks Hyundai still competes on price alone would be enlightened by a drive in the Elantra. Highlights include an attractive, roomy interior, excellent crash test scores and a long list of standard safety features. In our instrumented testing the Elantra excelled in braking and highway noise levels, but proved slowest to 60 miles per hour and demonstrated the least cornering grip. Sticker price is another Elantra strong suit, although lagging resale values mostly offset that advantage. As marketplace perception slowly (but surely) catches up with product reality, the Elantra will continue to become increasingly attractive.

Fifth Place: 2009 Nissan Sentra

Strengths: Responsive transmission, eager handling
Shortcomings: Uninspired interior, so-so value
Synopsis: Needs stronger strong points

The Nissan Sentra is supposed to be one of the sportiest small cars out there. And while its instrumented test numbers weren't great -- aside from the second-fastest run to 60 miles per hour -- several editors did indeed praise the Sentra's overall handling and the smoothness of its continuously variable transmission. Inside, front and rear seat roominess and comfort were highlights of an interior that was otherwise regarded as middling overall. The Sentra's crash test ratings are strong, but it lost points for not offering, at any price, electronic stability or traction control (we like the idea of avoiding the accident in the first place). Overall value was another weak point, relegating the Sentra to a more disappointing finish than some testers expected going into it.

Sixth Place: 2009 Ford Focus

Strengths: Euro driving feel, comfortable front seats, SYNC
Shortcomings: Exterior styling
Synopsis: There's beauty beneath that skin

If we had a category for the most surprising vehicle in the test, the 2009 Ford Focus would have won it going away. None of the testers wrote home about the car's exterior styling, but the SYNC infotainment system is the best bit of high-tech in the category, its front seats are comfortable, and the controls and instruments are straightforward. Similarly, the Focus was among the slowest in our acceleration tests, but its handling characteristics and overall feel were refreshingly European-like. The Focus also finished above average in the value category. The fact that a car we found so pleasantly surprising finished sixth of seven demonstrates just how strong the category has become. Shoppers in the category now have the luxury of choosing the right small car amongst many good small cars.

Seventh Place: 2009 Chevy Cobalt

Strengths: Eager engine, good fuel economy
Shortcomings: Second-rate accommodations
Synopsis: A solid car hidden beneath outmoded styling and appointments

The Chevy Cobalt is the most competitive small car General Motors has ever built. In a sign of just how far GM's four-cylinder engines have come, some testers felt the Cobalt's engine was the best of the bunch. Indeed, the Cobalt was the fastest in both our on-ramp and highway passing acceleration tests. Most found the sheetmetal inoffensive but unexciting, but the interior was generally regarded as having been surpassed by the competition (the Cobalt is one of the oldest vehicles in the comparison). Rear-seat and cargo accommodations were unremarkable, and the Cobalt's lone safety highlight is its exclusive availability of OnStar. On the value front, the Cobalt's low purchase price is mitigated by its below-par resale value.

For complete test scores for each vehicle and more information, visit the Fuel-Sipper Faceoff: 2009 Compact Sedan Comparison Test story in the KBB® Green section on Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com.

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KELLEY BLUE BOOK PUBLIC RELATIONS CONTACTS:

Robyn Eckard 
Director of Public Relations
949-268-3049
reckard@kbb.com         

Joanna McNally
Senior Public Relations Manager
949-268-3079
jmcnally@kbb.com

Brenna Robinson
Public Relations Manager
949-267-4781
berobinson@kbb.com

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. – 2008 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.  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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