On March 12, Kelley Blue Book announced the winners of the 2009 Brand Image Awards. The Kelley Blue Book Brand Image Awards recognize automakers' outstanding achievements in creating and maintaining brand attributes that capture the attention and enthusiasm of the new-vehicle buying public.

The 2009 Brand Image Awards, presented to the top brands in 10 categories, are based on consumer automotive perception data from Kelley Blue Book Market Research's Brand Watch study. Brand Watch is an online brand perception tracking study tapping into 12,000-plus in-market new-vehicle shoppers annually on Kelley Blue Book's Web site The Brand Watch report provides a detailed look at in-market new-vehicle shoppers' perceptions of brands, and important factors driving their purchase decisions while they are in the midst of the shopping process. 

KELLEY BLUE BOOK'S 2009 BRAND IMAGE AWARD WINNERS

Best Value Brand:  Toyota

Coolest Brand:  BMW

Most Family-Friendly Brand:  Toyota

Most Rugged Truck Brand:  Ford

Best Performance Brand:  BMW

Best Comfort Brand:  Cadillac

Best Exterior Design Brand - Luxury:  BMW

Best Exterior Design Brand - Non-Luxury:  Nissan

Best Interior Design Brand:  Cadillac

Best Prestige Brand:  Mercedes-Benz

For more information about the 2009 Kelley Blue Book Brand Image Awards, please visit www.kbb.com/2009brandimageawards.