Video: Kbb.com Launches KBB(R)Green, Announces Inaugural List of Top 10 Green Cars

Video: Kbb.com Launches KBB(R)Green, Announces Inaugural List of Top 10 Green
Cars
All-New KBB Green Offers Alternative-Fuel Car Guide, Car-Finding Tools,
Forums, Blogs

IRVINE, Calif., July 31 /PRNewswire/ -- Kelley Blue Book's www.kbb.com,
the leading provider of new- and used-vehicle information, today announces the
launch of KBB Green www.kbb.com/green, an all-new section of the company's
top-rated Web site designed to help guide new-vehicle shoppers on
environmental and fuel economy issues.
(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080731/NYTH055 )

To view the Multimedia News Release, go to:
http://www.prnewswire.com/mnr/KBB/33990/

Kelley Blue Book's new Green section allows new-car shoppers to obtain
information about alternative-fuel technologies, such as hydrogen cars, diesel
cars, hybrid cars, natural gas cars, electric cars and flex fuel/ethanol
vehicles, as well as fuel-sipping gasoline cars. Kbb.com's vehicle experts
also will keep consumers up-to-date on the latest Green news and information
from around the automotive world. The video section of KBB Green offers an
in-depth, inside look at the latest eco-friendly vehicles on the market from
both the Kelley Blue Book perspective and the carmakers' themselves. KBB Green
also features helpful tools such as the Perfect Car Finder(R) and the all-new
Fuel Efficiency Challenge.
In conjunction with the launch of KBB Green, the expert editors of Kelley
Blue Book's kbb.com name their inaugural picks for the Top 10 Green Cars. With
skyrocketing gas prices and growing environmental consciousness, it's no
surprise that Americans are seeking more fuel-efficient vehicles. While
automakers work feverishly to increase fuel efficiency across the board, many
economical standouts are already available in many categories to meet the
needs of almost any new-car shopper.
In compiling the 2008 list of the Top 10 Green Cars, the kbb.com editors
looked at more than just fuel economy and price. As would any new-car buyer,
they also considered factors like comfort, performance, utility and
technology. In addition to the three most fuel-friendly cars available
today -- Toyota Prius, Honda Civic Hybrid and smart fortwo -- the list
includes exceptionally efficient vehicles from a variety of categories, all
the way up to a full-size SUV, like the Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid. The Top 10
Green Cars list also includes a sampling of the variety of drivetrains and
Green technologies currently available to American consumers.
"In today's rapidly changing economy and environment, KBB Green is a
one-of-a-kind resource for anyone interested in learning more about hybrid and
alternative-fuel vehicles," said Jack R. Nerad, executive editorial director
and executive market analyst for Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com. "Our list of the
Top 10 Green Cars shows consumers that there are fuel-friendly vehicles
available in almost every segment to accommodate a variety of lifestyles, so
you don't have to sacrifice much, if anything, to go Green."
Listed below, in order of combined EPA-estimated fuel economy, are the
kbb.com editors' choices for the 2008 Top 10 Green Cars:
Top 10 Green Cars
Vehicle City MPG Highway MPG Combined MPG
2008 Toyota Prius 48 45 46
2008 Honda Civic Hybrid 40 45 42
2008 smart fortwo 33 41 36
2008 Nissan Altima Hybrid 35 33 34
2008 MINI Cooper 28 37 32
2008 Ford Escape Hybrid 34 30 32
2008 Honda Fit 28 34 31
2008 Mercedes-Benz E320 BLUETEC 23 32 26
2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid 27 25 26
2008 Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid 21 22 21

Kbb.com Editorial Comments on the Top 10 Green Cars

Toyota Prius
Of all the vehicles sold in the United States by all the major
manufacturers, none is more fuel-efficient than the Toyota Prius. Not
surprisingly, the green-car poster child also is the best-selling hybrid on
the market. With exceptional average fuel economy of 46 mpg, seating for five
and optional goodies like a rearview camera and navigation, the Prius remains
the "it" car for everyone from green-leaning celebrities to commuters just
looking to save some green at the pump.
Honda Civic Hybrid
Although the Civic Hybrid plays second fiddle to the Toyota Prius -- and
only the Toyota Prius -- in terms of fuel economy, many buyers prefer the
Civic's more traditional sedan shape to the Prius' "flashier" ovoid styling.
Whether it pencils out financially compared with a gas-only Civic depends on a
number of factors, but a Civic Hybrid owner will buy and burn around 30
percent less gasoline than his or her voltage-deficient counterpart.
smart fortwo
Instead of horsepower and handling, it might be more useful these days to
measure a vehicle's "bang for the buck" in terms of its fuel economy. On that
scale, the smart fortwo is without equal. The tiny two-seater delivers 41
highway miles per gallon for the low, low starting price of just above $12,000
(add about $2,000 for conveniences like a stereo, air conditioning and power
windows). Starting around $17,000, the convertible version easily qualifies as
the most fuel-efficient, lowest-priced drop top on the road today.
Nissan Altima Hybrid
Using hybrid technology licensed from Toyota, the Nissan Altima Hybrid
combines impressive fuel-economy with much of the same sporty character that
has helped establish the Altima's reputation as one of the most fun-to-drive
mid-size sedans. The advanced technology isn't confined to the engine bay,
either, as the Altima Hybrid offers a slew of electronic comforts and digital
conveniences like push-button start, navigation with traffic info and a
rearview camera.
MINI Cooper
Cars that consume less fuel don't necessarily have to sacrifice style or
driving excitement. Need proof? You won't find a more convincing argument than
the lovable MINI Cooper. On the highway it can travel up to 37 miles on a
single gallon. In the mountains, it demonstrates road-holding acumen on par
with some much thirstier and more expensive performance cars. Offering one of
the most distinctive designs on the road to boot, the MINI Cooper is a smart
choice for cost-cutting, fun-seeking and fashion-conscious buyers alike.
Ford Escape Hybrid
Rising gas prices have been particularly troublesome for drivers who've
grown accustomed to the raised seating position and added interior flexibility
of SUVs. With the Ford Escape Hybrid, those so inclined can have their cake
and haul it, too. The Escape Hybrid sweetens the sensible balance of a compact
crossover SUV with lower fuel costs and the amusement of quiet, all-electric
operation in parking lots.
Honda Fit
The littlest Honda isn't the most fuel-efficient car in its class - a
distinction that belongs to the Toyota Yaris -- but it is the most versatile
and most fun. An exceptionally flexible rear seat maximizes cargo- and
people-hauling abilities, while an available Sport model offers a
performance-tuned suspension and paddle shifters. Combined with a starting
price of less than $15,000, the five-door Fit is a well-rounded economy car
that's good at everything from long commutes to long weekends.
Mercedes-Benz E320 BLUETEC
"Mercedes diesel." Can't you just see, hear and smell it idling so
obtrusively before you at the stoplight? Now, forget that ever happened and
picture a smooth, quiet and clean E-Class diesel that returns 36-percent
better combined fuel economy than its gasoline-swilling counterpart. Like many
new diesels on the way, the E320 BLUETEC combines cleaner diesel fuel with new
engine and emissions technologies to deliver all the punch and efficiency of a
diesel powerplant, but without all the shake and soot.
Toyota Highlander Hybrid
For families that demand the added capacity of three rows, the Highlander
Hybrid is the most fuel-efficient option available. The gas-electric version
of Toyota's mid-size crossover SUV combines available seating for seven,
impressive average fuel economy of 26 mpg and proven reliability. The standard
equipment list even includes four-wheel drive, so you can commune with nature
with the added peace of mind that you're spewing less into the air.
Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid
Owners of full-size SUVs are suffering more than most at the pump, and
many are trading the excess capacity for smaller, more fuel-efficient
vehicles. But what of the large, active families that really do need all the
size and towing ability of a large SUV? Now there's a hybrid for them, too.
The Chevrolet Tahoe Hybrid can be equipped with seating for eight, four-wheel
drive and can tow more than 8,000 pounds - all while seamlessly transitioning
between gasoline and electric power and delivering 50-percent better city
mileage than its gasoline-only counterpart.
For more information on all of the Top 10 Green Cars, visit
www.kbb.com/topgreen08.
About Kelley Blue Book (ww.kbb.com)
Since 1926, Kelley Blue Book, The Trusted Resource(R), 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,
www.kbb.com, provides the most up-to-date pricing and values, including the
New Car Blue Book(R) 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(R) Official
Guide. Kbb.com is rated the No. 1 automotive information site and the most
visited auto site nine years in a row. www.kbb.com is a leading provider of
new-car prices, car reviews and news, used-car blue book values, auto
classifieds and car dealer locations. 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.
SOURCE Kelley Blue Book

Robyn Eckard, +1-949-268-3049, reckard@kbb.com, or Joanna McNally,
+1-949-268-3079, jmcnally@kbb.com, both of Kelley Blue Book