Fuel Price Concerns Lead to Decrease in Vehicle Appeal

[neshapop]

J.D. Power and Associates Reports:
Fuel Price Concerns Lead to Decrease in Vehicle Appeal

American Honda and Toyota Motor Sales Each Receive Three Model-Level Awards

WESTLAKE VILLAGE, Calif.: 26 June 2008 —In a reversal of a steady upward trend from previous years, overall new-vehicle owner delight has declined slightly in 2008, primarily due to owner concerns about fuel prices, according to the J.D. Power and Associates 2008 Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) StudySM released today.

The overall APEAL score in 2008 averages 770 on a 1,000-point scale—a 2-point decrease since 2007. A significant decrease in owner delight with fuel economy accounts for more than one-half of the overall decline.

“Average prices at the fuel pump have increased by 27 percent in the period between the 2007 and 2008 APEAL studies, creating heightened sensitivity to fuel economy among new-vehicle owners,” said David Sargent, vice president of automotive research at J.D. Power and Associates. “Even though more consumers are now achieving the gas mileage they expect compared with previous years, the increased cost of filling their vehicles still leads to a greater level of dissatisfaction with fuel economy than in the past. Manufacturers that deliver more fuel-efficient vehicles and integrate alternative fuel technology into their designs stand a better chance of delighting their customers and being successful in this rapidly changing marketplace.”

APEAL Model-Level and Nameplate Rankings
Honda captures three model segment awards—more than any other vehicle nameplate this year—for the Fit (for a second consecutive year), Odyssey (for a fourth consecutive year) and Ridgeline (for a fourth consecutive year). Porsche, Toyota and Volkswagen each garner two awards. Porsche models receiving awards are the Cayenne and Cayman (for a third consecutive year), while Toyota earns awards for the FJ Cruiser and Sequoia. Volkswagen receives awards for the GTI/R32 (for a second consecutive year) and the Passat. The Honda Fit and Toyota Sequoia are the only two models to rank highest in their segments in both the APEAL and IQS studies.

Also receiving awards are the BMW 5 Series, Buick Enclave, Chevrolet Avalanche, Dodge Magnum, Land Rover Range Rover, Lexus IS, Mercedes-Benz S-Class, and MINI Cooper.

http://www.jdpower.com/corporate/new...spx?ID=2008078

My comment: Toyota and Honda below industry average?!?

[neshapop]

I guess nobody is interested to comment latest JD Power announcement...

I found it quite controversial, Toyota and Honda topped in number of awards and 2nd and 3rd places but yet still below industry average. Something does not make sense.

[prototype66]

Gas prices don't make sense.Thank you for the post though, good read .

[ronald mcretard]

How the eff has the Ridgeline won 4 years in a row? I want some of what they're smoking.

[skylark68]

Originally Posted by ronald mcretard

How the eff has the Ridgeline won 4 years in a row? I want some of what they're smoking.

Not me, I don't ever want to know how Ridgeline won. That's a terrible vehicle that makes little sense. You trade off size and towing capacity versus an Avalanche and get the same gas mileage.

[Greg Burr]

The FJ Cruiser? WTF?

[LAMRONH]

Originally Posted by skylark68

Not me, I don't ever want to know how Ridgeline won. That's a terrible vehicle that makes little sense. You trade off size and towing capacity versus an Avalanche and get the same gas mileage.

You don't get it? NEW MATH!

Originally Posted by Greg Burr

The FJ Cruiser? WTF?

You don't get it? FJ is KEWL!

[WishIhadatruck]

Maybe the people buying them just don't know what their missing.

[tholland]

A visual representation...

http://money.cnn.com/galleries/2008/...eal/index.html

1st place: Chevrolet Avalanche

Fuel economy is a favorite bragging point for Avalanche owners. With its 5.3-liter V8 engine, the Avalanche gets just 1 mile per gallon less than a much smaller, V6-powered Honda Ridgeline.

The truck's comfortable seats and driving dynamics also earned high points among owners.

I would have to agree with that.