Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com has been ranked for the fourth consecutive year the most frequently visited automotive Web site on the Internet, according to a study recently released by J.D. Power and Associates.

The new 2001 Autoshopper.com Study, which details Internet habits among new vehicle buyers, revealed Kelley Blue Book's independent information Web site, kbb.com, outdistanced all other automotive Web sites, including manufacturer sites.

"The chief reason consumers are coming to kbb.com is because it offers independent information of real value to those in the marketplace for new cars," said Stephen Henson, vice president of marketing and business development, Kelley Blue Book. "This study proves that nearly two-thirds of all new car buyers are turning to the Internet for information before they purchase. When they do, the Web site of choice is kbb.com. They know Kelley Blue Book is the trusted resource for new car information, used car valuations and independent, value-added services," Henson said.

In addition, the J.D. Power and Associates study showed that 62 percent of all new vehicle buyers now use the Internet before buying, up from 54 percent last year.

The primary reason buyers go to the Internet first is to arm themselves with information to better negotiate prices with dealers, according to the report.

About Kelley Blue Book

Based in Irvine, California, Kelley Blue Book (www.kbb.com) is an automotive resource for consumers and the industry. It currently is celebrating its 75th anniversary. kbb.com attracts over 4 million unique visitors to its site and issues nearly 30 million pricing reports each month.