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. 

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. 

Make sure to check out these hot new product launches at the 2009 SEMA Show: 

BedRyder Inc. will introduce its new truck bed seating product at the 2009 SEMA Show. Useful for getting everyone to the lake, campsite, desert, hunting or fishing spot in one vehicle, and tailgating before the game. According to the company, BedRyder is:

• the only removable truck bed seating device that meets federal safety standards for passenger seating.
• works with or without truck bed shells or toppers
• is completely removable in seconds
• fits both compact and fullsize trucks
• legal in all 50 states

Some states do have stipulations for use. Get more information and see your state requirements at www.bedryder.com.

Dynocom Industries will feature its heavy-duty OEM dynamometer that it supplied to OEMs. The Dynocom DC-1250 has several product changes, including an increase in the shaft sizes, from 1.25” to 1.5”; the addition of a larger eddy brake rated at 700 hp (instead of 600 hp); X-Cut knurling; and integrated tie down electronic anchoring indication. These features allow the dyno to support higher speeds, higher torque/power and increased repeatability. The best news to end users is the price: $14,995 for 2WD and $34,995 for AWD. The DC-1250 is a compact, quad roller dynamometer suitable for a wide variety of applications, including RWD, FWD cars, trucks and motorcycles. Visit www.dynocom.net for more details.

Royal Purple will introduce its new high-tech oil filters at the 2009 SEMA Show. Commercial fleets use advanced micro-glass oil filters to extend the life of heavy-duty trucks and equipment. The high-tech oil filters use special synthetic glass microfibers about 10 times smaller than conventional cellulose filter fibers to provide superior filtration. High-performance lubricant manufacturer Royal Purple is now bringing this technology to the consumer market.
 
Royal Purple’s new high-performance oil filters combine advanced micro-glass technology and high capacity with optimized flow characteristics for maximum performance and filter life. Each Filter features:

• 100% synthetic micro-glass media for superior particle removal with 99% filtration efficiency    
• A high-performance silicone anti-drain back valve that prevents dry starts even in extreme conditions
• A heavy gauge steel back-plate for maximum burst strength
• An extra heavy-duty nitrile-rubber base gasket with special lubricity compounds to reduce torque during installation and ensure a leak-free seal 
• Ultra-strength filter housing that provides extra protection against puncture from road debris 

Royal Purple oil filters allow change intervals to be extended up to 12,000 miles. Vehicles still under warranty should follow the vehicle manufacturer’s recommended filter change intervals. 

While Royal Purple filters are fully compatible with all synthetic and conventional oils, Royal Purple recommends using its high-performance motor oil, which also has a 12,000-mile life. Royal Purple high performance filters are currently available exclusively at Pep Boys. The filters will be available at other auto parts retailers this November, 2009. For more information, visit www.royalpurple.com.