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Dodge Charger Most Popular Among '06 New Car Introductions on Cars.com


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CHICAGO, Jan. 9, 2007 -- The launch of the newly designed Dodge Charger was the most popular in terms of consumer searches for new car introductions in 2006, according to the most recent Cars.com Consumer Search Index.

The Dodge Charger not only generated the most searches among new car introductions for the '06 model year, it also generated the most email inquiries sent by consumers to dealers. Other new car introductions for the 2006 model year that were popular among consumers included the 2006 Pontiac Solstice, Volkswagen Rabbit, Ford Fusion and the Hummer H3.

"Daimler Chrysler has had a lot of success with their distinctive sedan designs over the last several years, starting with the Chrysler 300," said Cars.com Managing Editor Patrick Olsen. "The Dodge Charger continues that trend of combining a sporty look with the convenience of four doors."

  Top New Car Introductions for the 2006 Model Year*
  New Car Models with the most searches performed on Cars.com in 2006

         Top '06 New-Car                          Top '06 New-Car
     Introduction Searches                   Introduction Email Inquiries
  1   Dodge Charger                       1   Dodge Charger
  2   Pontiac Solstice                    2   Honda Ridgeline
  3   Volkswagen Rabbit                   3   Pontiac Solstice
  4   Ford Fusion                         4   Chevrolet HHR
  5   Hummer H3                           5   Ford Fusion
  6   Audi A3                             6   Hummer H3
  7   Jeep Commander                      7   Volkswagen Rabbit
  8   Hyundai Azera                       8   Jeep Commander
  9   Honda Ridgeline                     9   Hyundai Azera
  10  Land Rover Range Rover Sport        10  Land Rover Ranger Rover Sport

  * The top ten list is comprised of new model introductions for the 2006
    model year.  Most of the 2006 new vehicle introductions are actually
    introduced in mid to late 2005.  Popular new vehicle introductions like
    the new sub-compact Toyota Yaris and Honda Fit were not included since
    they are 2007 model year introductions.

  About the Cars.com Consumer Search Index

The Cars.com Consumer Search Index offers a comprehensive look at the internet search behavior of Cars.com visitors. The statistical information is compiled by tracking the more than 8.3 million unique visitors that log on to Cars.com each month and the vehicles that are most popular. The lists are based off a minimum of 10,000 searches for new cars and 15,000 searches for used cars. Dealer inquiries measure the volume of emails consumers send to dealers seeking information about a particular vehicle. The information is supported by expert analysis from the Cars.com editorial staff.

More statistical information to support automotive-related stories is available upon request. Please contact Steve Nolan directly at 312-601-5163.

About Cars.com

Partnered with more than 200 leading metro newspapers, television stations and their websites, Cars.com is the most comprehensive destination for those looking to buy or sell a new or used car. The site lists more than 2 million vehicles from 13,000 dealer customers, classified advertisers and private parties to offer consumers the best selection of new and used cars online, as well as the content, tools and advice to support their shopping experience. Recently selected by Forbes.com as a Best of the Web site for car shopping, Cars.com combines powerful inventory search tools and new-car configuration with pricing information, photo galleries, buying guides, side-by-side comparison tools, original editorial content and reviews to help millions of car shoppers connect with sellers each month.

Launched in June 1998, Cars.com is a division of Classified Ventures, LLC, ( http://classifiedventures.com/ ), which is owned by leading media companies, including Belo , Gannett Co., Inc. , The McClatchy Company , Tribune Company and The Washington Post Company .