The Korean carmaker for the first time ousted traditional holders Honda (NYSE:HMC - News) and Toyota (NYSE:TM - News) for the No.1 spot, Kelley Blue Book said. Auto shoppers' loyalty has waned due to the weak economy. Aggressive marketing and innovative product designs lifted Hyundai. Hyundai's Q2 brand loyalty was 52.3%, with Honda at 49.7% and Toyota at 47.7%. Ford (NYSE:F - News)was No. 4 at 45.4% and Subaru 5th at 44.8%.
