AUTO SALES
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Kelley Blue Book continued...
Following behind these two brands, Volkswagen, Dodge and Irvine-based Kia were respectively the next ranked brands in upward-climbing share of market interest. Volkswagen heavily advertised the CC and Routan. Kia saw increased traffic numbers due to the popularity of its new Soul.
Toyota, Honda, MINI and smart respectively ranked first, second, fourth and fifth on the list of declining brands. These three manufacturers had uncommonly high interest in May 2008.
But the drastic rise in gas prices last year led to decreased popularity of several brands on kbb.com. With fuel prices running high, buyers turned toward more fuel-efficient automobiles, such as Toyota and Honda, among others.
But with gas prices down from their peak last summer, interest has risen again in domestic brands.
“Because gas prices have returned to more normalized levels when compared to last year," says Nerad, "the domestics have benefited even further with their increases in share of market interest as people research fuel-efficient brands like Toyota and Honda less.”
The one exception to the general pattern was Saturn, which ranked third in the top five downward-declining brands. Saturn’s slide is principally explained by General Motors’ decision to sell the brand. Saturn’s market interest – with buyers believing Saturn would cease to exist – greatly decreased. GM later declared Saturn would be acquired by the Penske Automotive Group.
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Following behind these two brands, Volkswagen, Dodge and Irvine-based Kia were respectively the next ranked brands in upward-climbing share of market interest. Volkswagen heavily advertised the CC and Routan. Kia saw increased traffic numbers due to the popularity of its new Soul.
Toyota, Honda, MINI and smart respectively ranked first, second, fourth and fifth on the list of declining brands. These three manufacturers had uncommonly high interest in May 2008.
But the drastic rise in gas prices last year led to decreased popularity of several brands on kbb.com. With fuel prices running high, buyers turned toward more fuel-efficient automobiles, such as Toyota and Honda, among others.
But with gas prices down from their peak last summer, interest has risen again in domestic brands.
“Because gas prices have returned to more normalized levels when compared to last year," says Nerad, "the domestics have benefited even further with their increases in share of market interest as people research fuel-efficient brands like Toyota and Honda less.”
The one exception to the general pattern was Saturn, which ranked third in the top five downward-declining brands. Saturn’s slide is principally explained by General Motors’ decision to sell the brand. Saturn’s market interest – with buyers believing Saturn would cease to exist – greatly decreased. GM later declared Saturn would be acquired by the Penske Automotive Group.
<< PREVIOUS PAGE
Related headlines
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