Kelley Blue Book, www.kbb.com, recently announced the results of the latest analysis by Kelley Blue Book Market Intelligence of the top 20 most-researched new vehicles for the first half of 2009. The website, kbb.com, is one of the most trafficked automotive research sites and can be used as an indicator of sales patterns for manufacturers.
Kbb.com's Most-Researched New Vehicles for First-Half of 2009
1. Honda Accord
2. Honda Civic
3. Toyota Camry
4. Honda CR-V
5. Toyota Corolla
6. Toyota Highlander
7. Nissan Altima
8. Toyota RAV4
9. Toyota Prius
10. Ford Mustang
11. Honda Pilot
12. MAZDA3
13. Honda Odyssey
14. Ford Fusion
15. Ford Escape
16. Chevrolet Camaro
17. Volkswagen Jetta
18. Toyota Sienna
19. Chevrolet Malibu
20. Lexus RX350
Import manufacturers Honda and Toyota secured 11 of the top 20 spots on the list, while a few newly redesigned models have captured the attention of consumers.
When compared year-over-year to the most-researched new-vehicles for the first half of 2008, four models are all-new to this year's top 20 list: Chevrolet Camaro, Ford Fusion, Volkswagen Jetta and Lexus RX350.
The Chevrolet Camaro made the most impressive jump onto this year's list, from number 427 in June 2008 to number 16 in June 2009. Primary drivers of increased Camaro research include movie promotions with the "Transformers" films and significant advertising executed in the past year.
“The final year of production for the previous Camaro was 2002, so there is a lot of built-up anticipation and demand for the latest model from enthusiasts and the aftermarket industry,” said Bill Wolf, SEMA senior director of OEM relations.
At the end of 2008, the Ford Mustang stood at number 16 on kbb.com’s list of the most-researched new cars of 2008. For the first half of this year, the Mustang climbed to number 10. While the list is heavy with vehicles from Toyota and Honda, models that are typically noted for their fuel efficiency, there is still significant consumer interest in the musclecars of today.
“In the past six months, SEMA has conducted measuring sessions for both the Camaro and Mustang,” added Wolf. “The sessions are important for manufacturers to not only get measurements and hands-on specs, but they can build quality new parts and accessories and adapt older product styles to match the new releases.”
In addition, the SEMA Tech Transfer program currently has CAD data for both the Camaro and Mustang available to SEMA manufacturing members free of charge. The intent of the program is to improve reverse engineering efforts by minimizing time investment while attaining the most accurate data possible. The files and drawings are provided directly from the participating OEMs. In addition to the Camaro and Mustang, the program currently includes drawings for the Chevrolet Malibu and the Ford Escape and Fusion.
For more information on the Most-Researched New Vehicles for First-Half of 2009, visit www.kbb.com.