J.D. Power and Associates designates Hyundai Genesis as its most appealing midsize premium car in the 2009 Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) Study(SM).
The J.D. Power and Associates APEAL award measures what consumers like and dislike about their new vehicles during the first 90 days of ownership, particularly with the vehicle's design, content, layout and performance. Genesis received high marks for its exterior design, engine and transmission, interior comfort, and technology and entertainment features totaling 864 points - 26 points above the midsize premium car segment average. In addition, the Hyundai brand made a 16 point improvement from 2008.
"We are thrilled to accept this J.D. Power and Associates award as it truly signifies the satisfaction and pride Genesis owners have for their cars," said Dave Zuchowski, Hyundai's vice-president of National Sales. "Genesis offers luxurious features and performance quality at a value unmatched by any other vehicle in its segment. And with awards like APEAL, it is clear Genesis is more than meeting expectations for consumers in the market for a premium car."
"Throughout the years, vehicle models achieving high APEAL scores have been shown to benefit from faster sales, less need for cash incentives and higher profit margins on each vehicle sold," said J.D. Power and Associates.
The J.D. Power and Associates APEAL award will join the growing number of Genesis honors and accolades including North American Car of the Year (a first for a Korean auto manufacturer,) Kiplinger's Best New Model for 2009, AutoPacific's Vehicle Satisfaction Award, and more. Genesis also contributed to Hyundai's ranking last month in the J.D. Power and Associates Initial Quality Study, as Hyundai ranked the highest non-premium nameplate and fourth overall - up from thirteenth the previous year. Hyundai's Genesis sedan sets a new benchmark in the premium car category. With a starting price of just $33,000, Genesis includes performance and luxury features typically found on vehicles costing thousands of dollars more.
J.D. POWER AND ASSOCIATES
Headquartered in Westlake Village, Calif., J.D. Power and Associates is an ISO 9001-registered global marketing information services firm operating in key business sectors including market research, forecasting, consulting, training and customer satisfaction. The firm's quality and satisfaction measurements are based on responses from millions of consumers annually. Find more detailed findings on new-vehicle quality performance as well as model photos and specs by watching a video, reading an article and reviewing quality ratings at JDPower.com. J.D. Power and Associates is a business unit of The McGraw-Hill Companies.
HYUNDAI MOTOR AMERICA
Hyundai Motor America, headquartered in Fountain Valley, Calif., is a subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Co. of Korea. Hyundai vehicles are distributed throughout the United States by Hyundai Motor America and are sold and serviced through more than 790 dealerships nationwide. All Hyundai vehicles sold in the U.S. are covered by The Hyundai Advantage, America's Best Warranty. In addition, Hyundai Assurance is now offered on all new vehicles leased or purchased from a certified Hyundai dealer. The program is available to any consumer, regardless of age, health, employment record or financed amount of the vehicle. The program is complimentary for the first 12 months.
