Following months of troubling news regarding Toyota vehicles and millions of cars recalled over safety concerns, the Japanese carmaker has lost the number one spot in Kelley Blue Book's (KBB) brand loyalty ranking to South Korean Hyundai.
According to KBB, Hyundai is up from the third place in the last quarter of 2009, registering the highest increase in loyalty in February 2010: 10.4 percent more owners looking for new brands would pick a Hyundai.
"2009 marked an unprecedented year for the Hyundai brand and we are well poised to keep the momentum going in 2010," John Krafcik, Hyundai Motor America CEO said.
"With impressive new vehicles like the all-new Sonata and our dedication to deliver stylish, fuel efficient and affordable vehicles, more customers are adding Hyundai models to their shopping lists."
In addition, the 2011 Sonata was included by KBB in the Top 10 Most-Researched New Vehicles list. It ranked fifth among most researched vehicles, following the Accord, Civic, Camry and CR-V.
"A large part of Hyundai's momentum is a result of introducing passionate new products like the 2011 Sonata and 2010 Tucson," James Bell, executive market analyst for Kelley Blue Book added.
"To sustain this momentum, Hyundai should continue to promote its attractive new-vehicle lineup, solid warranty offer and strong price-points to new-car shoppers."
According to KBB, Hyundai is up from the third place in the last quarter of 2009, registering the highest increase in loyalty in February 2010: 10.4 percent more owners looking for new brands would pick a Hyundai.
"2009 marked an unprecedented year for the Hyundai brand and we are well poised to keep the momentum going in 2010," John Krafcik, Hyundai Motor America CEO said.
"With impressive new vehicles like the all-new Sonata and our dedication to deliver stylish, fuel efficient and affordable vehicles, more customers are adding Hyundai models to their shopping lists."
In addition, the 2011 Sonata was included by KBB in the Top 10 Most-Researched New Vehicles list. It ranked fifth among most researched vehicles, following the Accord, Civic, Camry and CR-V.
"A large part of Hyundai's momentum is a result of introducing passionate new products like the 2011 Sonata and 2010 Tucson," James Bell, executive market analyst for Kelley Blue Book added.
"To sustain this momentum, Hyundai should continue to promote its attractive new-vehicle lineup, solid warranty offer and strong price-points to new-car shoppers."