ATLANTA — According to a December survey of shoppers on AutoTrader.com, Ford was selected as the most innovative automaker, with 38 percent choosing the domestic brand. BMW came in second with 19 percent and Toyota rounded out the top three at 13 percent.

Innovation is a key factor underlying many of the primary drivers of shopper interest in new cars — from innovation in styling to technological innovation and new ways to deliver fuel efficiency, according to AutoTrader. Ford has made progress in all three areas, according to the website’s experts, and has continually captured significant interest from shoppers on AutoTrader.com.

"Ford has long been the most-searched manufacturer on AutoTrader.com and has increased its share of new-vehicle shopping over the past year," said Rick Wainschel, vice president of automotive insights at AutoTrader.com. "Over the last couple of years, Ford has continued to introduce exciting new vehicles, enhancements and redesigns and has been leading the charge in utilizing unique online methods to reach shoppers, which have combined to bolster their image substantially."

AutoTrader.com experts’ favorite Ford innovations were Sync, hybrid and electric vehicles, MyFordTouch, EcoBoost and MyKey.

For more information, visit www.autotrader.com.