SANTA MONICA, Calif. — Edmunds.com has noted a significant boost in site traffic for Hyundai and Audi since the automakers' advertising ran during the broadcast of the Academy Awards.

Since the broadcast, Hyundai pages have received 27 percent more visitors compared with the comparable period during the previous week, while Audi pages have received 26 percent more visitors.

“This is proof that when you have a powerful message, television advertising still works,”observed Edmunds.com CEO Jeremy Anwyl.

Hyundai chose to advertise its Assurance Plus program on the Oscars, reportedly in order to reach a more upscale audience. Visitor behavior on Edmunds.com suggests that this decision was a success, since it earned Hyundai a greater share of traffic on the automotive Website known for attracting a particularly affluent and well-educated audience. Featured in the ads was the Hyundai Genesis; Edmunds.com site traffic to Genesis pages has since risen a remarkable 86 percent.  

“By tracking consumer behavior on our site, we can see that the company's advertising message is clearly resonating with consumers who hadn't previously been considering a Hyundai,” commented Edmunds.com senior traffic analyst Ray Sibulkin. “The company's Assurance Plus program provides its buyers peace of mind during an uncertain economy, and that is proving to be one of the auto industry's only truly motivating messages right now.”

The 2009 Audi Q5 was the subject of Audi's advertising message, and the striking crossover seems to have captured the interest of many. 

Edmunds' Inside Line executive editor Michael Jordan wrote, “Audi stands alone in its ability to combine adventurous style with lasting beauty.” The all-new vehicle arrived at dealerships earlier this month and is expected to play a significant role in the company's future.