Category Archives: Awards

Hyundai Sonata Wins Award For Interior Design

DETROIT, 06/04/2008 The 2009 Hyundai Sonata was named an “Interior of the Year” award winner in the category of “Best Redesign” at the annual “Automotive Interior of the Year Awards” conducted by Ward’s Auto World magazine.

“This award is particularly gratifying for our team, who started with a world-class car, listened to customer feedback telling us they wanted an improved interior, and went to work to make the 2009 Hyundai Sonata stand up and stand out against every other car in its class,” said Dan Vivian, Hyundai Motor America’s director of Design Engineering.

The 2009 Hyundai Sonata redesign was led by the team at Hyundai’s America Technical Center Inc. (HATCI) in Superior Township, Mich. HATCI’s role is to design, develop and test Hyundai products sold in North America. The 2009 Sonata was the first Hyundai product program led by the team in North America. The Sonata is built at Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama, near Montgomery.

NEW, WELL-CRAFTED INTERIOR STILL A “CLASS ABOVE”

The focus of the redesign of the 2009 Sonata was on the interior where Hyundai’s designers re-crafted the cabin area to create an upscale ambiance for the driver and passengers. Eyes are drawn to clean and sophisticated flow-through center console and instrument panel design, which borrows design cues and rich materials from the premium Hyundai Veracruz.

“We were inspired by the beautiful forms of the interior in the Veracruz and challenged to deliver comparable design execution in the mainstream Sonata,” said Chris Zarlenga, who heads Hyundai’s design studio in Michigan. “Great design does not have to cost a great deal of money to the company or the customer. This new Sonata proves that point.”

Sonata is classified by the Environmental Protection Agency as a Large Car, truly a “class above” its competitors, including Toyota Camry, Nissan Altima, Ford Fusion and Chevrolet Malibu (all are categorized as mid-size cars). Even in trunk room, Sonata shines. Sonata’s 16.3 cubic feet of trunk space give it an 8 percent advantage over the Toyota Camry, and a 16 percent advantage over Honda Accord.

Music lovers will welcome the 2009 Sonata’s inclusion of standard auxiliary input jacks (3.5 mm mini-jack and USB input) to accommodate and charge audio devices such as iPods®. When an iPod or flash drive is connected through the USB port, which is located in the center storage compartment, not only does it play music through the vehicle’s six-speaker audio system, but it charges the device and allows the driver to access tracks with the steering wheel audio controls. This system also allows both driver and passengers to easily view song/artist/title information and control the music from the audio head unit rather than only the iPod itself.

Among the other refinements are the addition of dual-zone climate controls for the driver and front-seat passenger, and two-stage front seat warmers. A new factory-installed touch screen navigation system with a state-of-the-art voice recognition interface is now available as well. This interface allows the driver to select a destination, and change audio selections, by voice command without taking hands off the wheel or eyes off the road.

Hyundai engineers also listened to customer feedback on seat comfort and were able to redesign the front seat angles and cushion length to improve comfort.

More contrast has been added to the Camel and Gray interiors, and for the first time ever, Cocoa Brown is available. The front cupholders are also upgraded for more capacity and holding power. Hyundai’s signature blue backlighting for interior gauges, switches and buttons highlights the vehicle’s modern interior design.

HYUNDAI MOTOR AMERICA

Hyundai Motor America, headquartered in Fountain Valley, Calif., is a subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Co. of Korea. Hyundai vehicles are distributed throughout the United States by Hyundai Motor America and are sold and serviced through more than 750 dealerships nationwide.

Hyundai Elantra SE Gets Top Marks in Consumer Reports’ Small-Sedan Face-off

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YONKERS, New York — The Hyundai Elantra SE outscored the Toyota Corolla in a new test of small sedans by Consumer Reports, providing a major boost to the Korean automaker at a time when consumers have made a seismic shift back to fuel-efficient cars.

Even though the Corolla achieved a whopping 32 mpg overall in what Consumer Reports calls its “real-world fuel economy tests,” the Elantra SE still took home the top prize. The consumer watchdog said the Elantra SE delivered a “respectable” fuel economy rating of 27 mpg overall in its testing.

The Corolla was knocked because its “interior fit and finish isn’t quite as good,” said Consumer Reports in a statement. “The Elantra SE is a well-rounded package with a quiet, roomy cabin, a comfortable ride and nice fit,” said Consumer Reports. “It provides excellent braking and very secure emergency handling, aided by the SE’s standard electronic stability control.” The Corolla LE in the test had optional electronic stability control and was $424 more expensive than the Hyundai.

Consumer Reports used the release of the small-car face-off results to give its glowing big-picture impressions of the progress of the Korean automaker versus Toyota. “The Elantra’s top rating in the small sedan class shows how far Hyundai has come in the last decade,” it said. “Its cars used to be unreliable and unrefined, with low scores in CR’s tests. Now, some compete with the best in their classes.”

In a further blow to Toyota, Consumer Reports said it is only recommending the Elantra, the Subaru Impreza and the Ford Focus — not the Corolla — among the group of six small sedans it tested. “CR doesn’t have reliability data yet on the redesigned Corolla,” it noted.

Consumer Reports leveled criticism at the Chevrolet Cobalt and Aveo in this latest round of testing. “Both ranked near the bottom of the pack,” it noted. The Cobalt was castigated for being “a lackluster car that falls short in several areas, including powertrain refinement, fit and finish, seat comfort and driving position,” said Consumer Reports. It added: “Recent tweaks have improved fuel economy and reduced engine noise a bit, but those changes also compromised acceleration, braking and cornering grip.”

The Chevrolet Aveo also came under fire from Consumer Reports for its “stiff ride, uncomfortable seats, a noisy cabin, clumsy handling and slow acceleration.” “Recent upgrades to the Aveo haven’t made it competitive in its class of subcompacts, which include Honda’s Fit and the Toyota Yaris,” it said.

It’s clear that Consumer Reports thinks the Focus is overdue for an overhaul. “Ford’s freshening of the Focus doesn’t hide the fact that the underpinnings for this car’s design are nine years old,” it said. “The Focus was once CR’s top-rated small car, but now it rates only midpack. It retains some of its strengths — agile handling, a composed ride and a roomy interior. But interior fit and finish and noise remain weak points.”

What this means to you: Here’s some useful information from Consumer Reports if you plan to shop for a small sedan this summer. — Anita Lienert, Correspondent

Source: Edmunds.com

Hyundai Azera Named A Consumers’ Top Rated Sedan by Edmunds.com

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FOUNTAIN VALLEY, CALIF., 05/29/2008 The 2008 Hyundai Azera was awarded the “Consumers’ Top Rated Vehicle Award” in the $15,000 – $25,000 sedan category by Edmunds.com’s visitors. The 2008 Azera received the average highest rating from the site’s audience as of April 30, 2008.

“This recognition further reinforces our brand philosophy on how smart consumers think about premium sedans,” said Scott Margason, national manager, Product Development at Hyundai Motor America. “Clearly, the Azera raises the bar by combining safety, luxury and value like no other vehicle in its segment. Consumers who want full-size sedan features, a smooth and powerful engine and a comfortable ride will be pleased with the Azera.”

Edmunds.com tabulated the results for 21 award categories by evaluating the feedback of thousands of site visitors. Awards were given for coupes, convertibles, sedans, wagons, SUVs, trucks, minivan/vans and hybrids. Edmunds.com’s editors agree that Azera is a great choice for consumers looking for a family sedan with luxurious touches at an affordable price.

More and more customers are discovering the Hyundai Azera’s advantages. Enhanced design and convenience features, together with a comprehensive standard active and passive safety technology package, render the 2008 Azera a solid alternative to vehicles like the Lexus ES350, Toyota Avalon and Nissan Maxima. Spacious and luxurious, the Azera features more interior volume than more expensive luxury sedans, such as the Mercedes Benz E-Class and BMW 7-Series. Couple this with its continued accolades from independent automotive studies across the board and there’s no question that Azera is one of the smartest premium large sedan choices available in the American marketplace today.

Hyundai Motor America, headquartered in Fountain Valley, Calif., is a subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Company of Korea. Hyundai vehicles are distributed throughout the United States by Hyundai Motor America and are sold and serviced by more than 790 Hyundai dealerships nationwide.

Hyundai Santa Fe and Entourage Named Best Cars for Retirees by Forbes.com

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Vehicles Help Mature Drivers Be Independent and Stay Behind the Wheel Longer

FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., 05/06/2008 — Hyundai Santa Fe and the Entourage were recognized by Forbes.com (www.Forbes.com) as two of the “Best Cars for Retirees” based on features that help mature drivers stay behind the wheel longer.

In order to determine the list of “Best Cars for Retirees” Forbes.com factored in NHTSA and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) crash-test ratings, AAA’s suggestions from “Smart Features for Mature Drivers” guide and additional features that appeal to mature drivers.

According to Forbes.com, “The Hyundai Santa Fe was chosen specifically for its driver lumbar support to help ease back discomfort, and Hyundai Entourage was chosen based on its power-adjustable foot pedals that help drivers remain a safe distance from steering wheel-mounted airbags.”

“Santa Fe and Entourage are great examples of Hyundai’s continued commitment to providing affordable vehicles with standard life-saving technologies and convenience features,” said Mike Nino, manager, Product Development, Hyundai Motor America. “These vehicles combine the safety and comfort drivers are looking for with sophistication and style.”

The Entourage and Santa Fe come standard with Electronic Stability Control (ESC), one of the industry’s most effective life-saving technologies, six standard airbags, including side air curtains for all three rows of available seating and four-channel Anti-lock Braking Systems (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD), which automatically equalizes the braking force to the front and rear axles, based on the vehicle loading conditions. Both vehicles come standard with active front-seat head restraints which help prevent whiplash in the case of an accident.

HYUNDAI MOTOR AMERICA

Veracruz Earns Winter Vehicle Award From NEMPA

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Veracruz Earns Winter Vehicle Award From NEMPA

HYUNDAI VERACRUZ SHARES NEMPA’S ALL WEATHER SUV– $25,000-$35,000 AWARD WITH THE BUICK ENCLAVE

Boston, Mass, 03/17/2008 In one of the most hotly-contested categories of the New England Motor Press Association’s (NEMPA) 2008 Winter Vehicle Awards, the Hyundai Veracruz registered a tie with the Buick Enclave for best All Weather SUV– $25,000-$35,000.

The award was presented at a NEMPA ceremony at the Boston Globe on the evening of March 11, 2008 hosted by NEMPA president Ezra Dyer.

Bill Griffith of the Boston Globe noted a NEMPA member’s praise for the Veracruz in a recent article: “Hyundai keeps surprising with quality and good looks.”

NEMPA members voted their choices for top winter vehicle during the annual Winter Vehicle Voting Day on February 2, 2008. All of the eligible vehicles were brought to one designated area, and the assembled NEMPA members had the opportunity to evaluate their merits in winter driving conditions. Vehicles ranging from pickup trucks to high-powered sports cars were included in the test—four-wheel drive was the only common element in all.

In addition to the Buick Enclave, other vehicles tested in the All Weather SUV– $25,000-$35,000 segment included the Acura RDX, Chevrolet Equinox, Chevrolet Trailblazer, Ford Edge, Ford Escape, Ford Explorer, GMC Acadia, Honda CR-V, Honda Pilot, Infiniti EX35, Land Rover LR2, Mazda CX-7, Mazda CX-9, Mazda Tribute, Mercury Mariner, Mercury Mountaineer, Mitsubishi Endeavor, Mitsubishi Outlander, Nissan Murano, Pontiac Torrent, Saturn Outlook, Saturn Vue, Subaru Tribeca, Suzuki XL7 and Toyota Highlander.

The Hyundai Veracruz impressed the journalists with its refined and powerful performance and a long-list of standard features including six air bags, which include two-roof mounted side curtain air bags for all rows of seating, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), active head restraints and 18-inch 5-spoke alloy wheels. This combination of performance and value put the Hyundai Veracruz at the top of the “All Weather SUV” list.

Judges felt it’s a solid effort, saying that the Veracruz is “a Hyundai built like a Lexus.”

HYUNDAI MOTOR AMERICA

NEW ENGLAND MOTOR PRESS ASSOCIATION

The New England Motor Press Association is unique among regional motor press groups. Its members represent all six New England states, reaching one of the densest populations in all of America. Many also have national followings. These automotive writers and talk show hosts influence multi-vehicle owners looking to buy a wide range of cars and trucks to cope with the varied weather conditions of the region.

The Car Book 2008 Honors Five Hyundai Models With "Best Bet" Selections

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The Car Book 2008 Honors Five Hyundai Models With “Best Bet” Selections

Hyundai’s Accent, Elantra, Sonata, Tucson And Entourage Recognized For Meeting The Safety And Performance Needs Of The American Buyer

FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., 03/13/2008 Hyundai continues to collect awards for its revamped model lineup adding “Best Bet” distinction for five of its vehicles in The Car Book 2008. Accent, Elantra, Sonata, Tucson and Entourage all earned the title “Best Bet” from author Jack Gillis and the Center for Auto Safety. For 28 years, The Car Book has selected vehicles for this distinction based on how well they respond to the safety and performance needs of today’s consumer.

The Car Book analyzes new vehicles each year to identify vehicles that make a significant contribution to bettering the market. “Best Bet” ratings designate The Car Book’s highest-rated cars in each of the size categories. Ratings are based on expected performance in ten important categories: crash tests, safety features, fuel economy, rollover, repair costs, preventative maintenance, warranties, insurance costs and complaints, with the heaviest emphasis on safety.

The following are the “Best Bet” categories for each winning Hyundai model:
Accent: Subcompact
Elantra: Compact
Sonata: Intermediate
Tucson: Small SUV
Entourage: Minivan

Consumer Reports New Top Picks For 2008

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Consumer Reports New Top Picks For 2008: Hyundai Elantra SE, Hyundai Santa Fe…

First time a South Korean automaker represented in Top Picks

YONKERS, NY – Consumer Reports has named four new models to its Top Picks list for 2008-the Hyundai Elantra SE and Hyundai Santa Fe as top choices for small sedans and midsized SUVs, respectively; the redesigned Chevrolet Silverado as the top choice for pickup truck; and the Lexus LS 460L as the best luxury sedan.

The announcement was made today during a Washington Automotive Press Association (WAPA) press conference. Details can be found in CR’s Annual April Auto Issue, on sale Tuesday, March 4.

This marks the first time that a South Korean automaker – Hyundai – is represented, and the first time since 2005 that a U.S. model – the Chevrolet Silverado – has made the list. Historically, Consumer Reports Top Picks have been a blend of Japanese, European, and domestic models, but for the last two years the Top Picks have all been from Japanese manufacturers.

The Toyota Prius remains the Top Pick in the “green” car category for the fifth year in a row. The Prius demonstrated an excellent 44 mpg overall in Consumer Reports’ real-world fuel economy tests, the best of any five-passenger vehicles tested by CR.

Consumer Reports’ Top Picks are the most well-rounded models in their categories and must meet stringent road test, reliability, and safety requirements. Each Top Pick scores at or near the top of its category among more than 260 vehicles CR recently tested at its Auto Test Center; has average or better predicted reliability (based on the problems subscribers reported on in CR’s Annual Car Reliability Survey of almost 1.3 million vehicles), and performed adequately in overall safety if tested by the government or insurance industry.

Starting this year, they also must provide a critical safety feature, electronic stability control (ESC), either as standard equipment or as a readily available option. That’s why the Honda Accord, for example, is the Top Pick in family sedans over the Nissan Altima. The Altima scored slightly higher in CR’s testing, but offers ESC only as a pricey option on the V6 and standard on the hybrid model.

“All the vehicles in Consumer Reports’ Top Picks list are standouts for performance, versatility, reliability, and safety,” said David Champion, senior director of automotive testing, Consumer Reports. “CR’s Top Picks list is a great place for consumers to start when they’re looking for a new car.”

Consumer Reports’ testing procedures are the most comprehensive of any U.S. publication or Web site. More than 50 individual tests are performed on every vehicle, including evaluations of braking, handling, Comfort, convenience, safety, and fuel economy. Around 6,000 miles of general driving and evaluations are racked up on each test car during the testing process.

Here, by category, are the issue’s best performers. Changes from last year’s Top Picks list are noted:

* SMALL SEDAN: Hyundai Elantra SE. The Hyundai Elantra SE ($18,000) is a well-rounded small car thatprovides good fuel economy, a comfortable ride, and an interior that’s quiet, roomy, and well-equipped. TheSE also has standard electronic stability control, a proven safety feature that’s absent on many other smallcars. The Honda Civic EX and Mazda3 scored almost as well and are more fun to drive, but lack ESC onmore affordable versions. (Last year’s Top Pick for Small Sedan was the Honda Civic.)

* MIDSIZED SUV: Hyundai Santa Fe. Redesigned for 2007, the much-improved Santa Fe ($22,000 to $31,000) edged out the Honda Pilot in CR’s tests. It provides a quiet and roomy interior, excellent fit and finish, a refined powertrain, a relatively good ride, and an optional third-row seat. Standard ESC helps provide secure handling. (Last year’s Top Pick for Midsized SUV was the Toyota Highlander Hybrid.)

CR’s Annual April Auto Issue is on sale from March 4 through June 4. The Consumer Reports Auto Issue is available wherever magazines are sold. Free highlights from the April Auto Issue will be available atwww.ConsumerReports.org.

Consumer Reports is one of the most trusted sources for information and advice on consumer products and services. It conducts the most comprehensive auto-test program of any U.S. publication or Web site; the magazine’s auto experts have decades of experience in driving, testing, and reporting on cars. To subscribe to Consumer Reports, call 1-800-234-1645.

Information and articles from the magazine can be accessed online at www.ConsumerReports.org.

Hyundai Sonata Earns "Greener Choices of 2008" Honors

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Hyundai Sonata Earns “Greener Choices Of 2008” Honors

2008 Hyundai Sonata Receives Environmental Honors From The American Council For An Energy-EFFICIENT ECONOMY (ACEEE)

FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., 02/22/2008 The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) recognized the 2008 Hyundai Sonata on its “Greener Choices 2008” list that features widely available gasoline-powered cars and light trucks with automatic transmissions. The Sonata will be listed in the ACEEE’s Green Book® Online, an annual consumers’ guide to environmentally-friendly cars and trucks.

“The award for our clean, fuel-efficient Sonata recognizes Hyundai’s commitment to the environment,” said John Krafcik, vice president of Strategic Planning and Product Development, Hyundai Motor America. “Like industry leading quality and safety, environmental sensitivity is another element of the value equation that makes Hyundai such a smart choice for consumers.”

The “Greener Choices 2008” list is based on automakers’ test results for fuel economy and emissions as reported to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, California Air Resources Board, and other specifications reported by automakers.

The 2008 Hyundai Sonata four cylinder model achieved a green score of 39 out of 100 and is certified as an Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (ULEV), delivering up to 30 mpg (automatic transmission/highway). The fuel-efficient 2.4-liter DOHC inline-four cylinder engine features four valves per cylinder with Continuously Variable Valve Timing (CVVT), giving the engine a very broad powerband, coupled with high fuel efficiency and low emissions.

HYUNDAI MOTOR AMERICA

ACEEE’s GREEN BOOK® ONLINE

The ACEEE’s Green Book site (www.greenercars.org) is made possible in part by generous support from the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority. The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy is a nonprofit, 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to advancing energy efficiency as a means of promoting both economic prosperity and environmental protection.

Hyundai Veracruz Wins MotherProof.com Award as a Top New Vehicle Choice for Families

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Hyundai Veracruz Wins MotherProof.com Award as a Top New Vehicle Choice for Families

FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., 02/13/2008 Motherproof.com, a site dedicated to providing women and mothers with useful and entertaining new car reviews, recognized the 2008 Hyundai Veracruz as a top new vehicle choice for families at the 2008 Mother Proof Awards.

The annual Mother Proof Awards selects the year’s best new vehicles for families across a broad range of categories. The Veracruz was awarded the “Top 3-Row SUV or Crossover” vehicle in a special presentation by Kristen Varela, Mother Proof’s editor and “chief mother,” during Women’s Day at the 2008 Chicago Auto Show.

“The Hyundai Veracruz has proven itself as a great family vehicle,” said Scott Margason, national manager of product planning, Hyundai Motor America. “It combines everything families are looking for in a Crossover Utility Vehicle – safety, quality, luxury and affordability — in a sophisticated, stylish package.”

The Veracruz was selected by Motherproof.com’s team of mom-reviewers based upon criteria recognized in Mother Proof reviews – ease of entrance and exit for all passengers, LATCH connector usability, ease of seatbelt use for kids in boosters, as well as other relevant family friendly features.

HYUNDAI MOTOR AMERICA

Hyundai Veracruz Earns ‘Best New Family Vehicle’ Honors

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Hyundai Veracruz Earns ‘Best New Family Vehicle’ Honors

2008 Hyundai Veracruz Recognized by Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com for Being Safe, Roomy and Affordable

Fountain Valley, CA, 02/12/2008 — Kelley Blue Book (www.kbb.com), the leading provider of new- and used-vehicle information, named the 2008 Hyundai Veracruz to its first list of “Best New Family Vehicles.”

From a long list of vehicles, the expert editors of Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com selected this year’s 10 Best New Family Vehicles by evaluating each on factors such as safety, interior space, price, resale value, fuel efficiency, capability and, importantly, kid-friendliness.

“If you’re intrigued by the idea of treating your family to premium accommodations at mass-market prices, you’ll want to check out the seven-passenger Veracruz mid-size crossover,” said Jack R. Nerad, executive editorial director and executive market analyst, Kelley Blue Book’s kbb.com. “The quiet, comfortable, well-appointed Veracruz starts just under $28,000, offers a long list of desirable options and is backed by a reassuringly comprehensive warranty that includes 100,000-mile powertrain coverage and five-year, 24-hour roadside assistance.”

When introduced in 2007, the all-new seven-passenger Veracruz, took the auto industry by storm, raising the bar on what consumers could expect in the premium, midsize crossover segment. Building on that momentum, the Veracruz got even better in 2008, adding an all-new navigation system, designed for Hyundai by LG, one of the world’s leading electronics manufacturers. The Veracruz comes with a standard 3.8-liter V6 engine, a third row seat, an AM/FM/XM Satellite Radio®/CD/MP3 audio system that includes six speakers, as well as plenty of advanced safety equipment. The Veracruz utilizes the latest in active and passive safety technologies, including standard Electronic Stability Control (ESC), and Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) for impressive stopping distance for a vehicle of its size, anti-whiplash active front head restraints and six airbags with side air curtains that protect all three rows during side impacts. The vehicle also received the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) five-star frontal and side crash ratings in the sport utility vehicle segment.

HYUNDAI MOTOR AMERICA

Hyundai Motor America, headquartered in Fountain Valley, Calif. is a subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Company of Korea. Hyundai vehicles are distributed throughout the United States by Hyundai Motor America and are sold and serviced by more than 780 Hyundai dealerships nationwide.

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, 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. Kbb.com is rated the No. 1 automotive information site by Nielsen//NetRatings and the most visited auto site by J.D. Power and Associates eight years in a row. No other medium reaches more in-market vehicle shoppers than kbb.com; nearly one in every three American car buyers performs their research on kbb.com.