Used-truck values were initially expected to climb 6 percent in the upcoming quarter, but that surge may end up being even higher, according to NADA Used Car Guide automotive analyst Jonathan Banks.

How?

The current gas-price dynamic, he indicated.

“Looking ahead, we anticipate that light truck values will do well during the upcoming quarter primarily due to the stability in gas prices and very low used supply,” Banks explained.

“We were already anticipating a 6-percent increase in truck and SUV prices from used supply alone. If the current gas price situation continues, there may be room for prices to increase even more,” he continued.

Most Popular New Vehicles

Banks’ assessment was just part of a report issued Wednesday by NADAguides, much of which delved into consumer interest trends for new vehicles on NADAguides.com.

Japanese and Korean vehicles led the way in consumer interest during the second quarter, as these brands represented four of the top five most-researched vehicles on NADAguides.com.

What’s more, one of those models — the 2011 Hyundai Sonata — saw consumer interest jump 49 percent as it knocked off the 2011 Ford F-150 for the No. 1 spot. The F-150 moved down to second.

“Sonata continues to be a huge hit with consumers thanks to its innovative design, advanced technology and all-four cylinder engine lineup delivering best-in-class fuel economy. Beating out the Ford F-150 as the most researched car on NADAguides.com is a testament to Sonata’s appeal to all types of car buyers,” said Scott Margason, director of product planning for Hyundai Motor America.

The Sonata was joined on the list by a fellow Korean model, the 2011 Kia Sorento, which placed fifth.

Traffic for Toyota Camry, which was third, was up 47 percent. The Nissan Altima ranked fourth and enjoyed a 161-percent consumer interest spike.

“Although domestics, the Ford F-150 specifically, have been leading in consumer interest on NADAguides.com for quite some time, the Japanese, Korean and European manufactures have been knocking on their door,” explained Troy Snyder, director of product development for NADAguides.

“Our analysts predict it will only be a matter of time before the domestic brands lose their top ranking as the most researched on NADAguides.com,” he continued. “With vehicles like the Hyundai Sonata overtaking the Ford F-150 and the Toyota Camry and Nissan Altima increasing in consumer interest by such large spreads, we think this might even be realized within the 2011 calendar year.”

In the previous quarter, it was Ford vehicles joining the Korean models atop the consumer interest list. Along with the F-150 in first, the 2011 Explorer was fourth, and the 2011 Mustang was fifth.

But traffic fell almost 30 percent for the Explorer, and the Mustang dipped 1.7 percent.