J.D. Power 2005 Automotive Performance, Execution, and Layout (APEAL) Study Results

[Infiniti Z350]

J.D. Power and Associates Reports:
New-Vehicle Buyers Increasingly Attracted to Models with Innovative Features Highlighting Comfort and Convenience


Models with High APEAL Ratings Move Faster from Dealership Lots


WESTLAKE VILLAGE, Calif.: 21 September 2005 — New-vehicle buyers are increasingly attracted to models that offer high levels of comfort and convenience, according to the J.D. Power and Associates 2005 Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) Study released today.

The study, now in its 10th year, measures owners’ delight with the design, content, layout and performance of their new vehicles. Overall industry APEAL has increased annually for the past nine years, in part due to the continual introduction of a large number of all-new and redesigned models, which tend to garner higher APEAL scores. The 2005 study includes more than 50 all-new or redesigned models in 2005—up from 43 in 2004. While styling and exterior design continue to be most important to new-vehicle buyers, features dealing with the vehicle’s interior, such as seats and comfort/convenience, have increased in importance over the past five years.

"As more and more new designs hit the market, manufacturers are finding it increasingly difficult to make their new models stand out," said Chance Parker, executive director of product and research analysis at J.D. Power and Associates. "While vehicle styling is still vital in setting a model apart from the pack, consumers are increasingly attracted to vehicles that offer innovative storage options and other features that make the driving experience more comfortable and convenient."

The study finds that models receiving exceptionally high APEAL ratings from buyers generally stay on dealers’ lots for less time before being sold. For example, the all-new Honda Ridgeline, which ranks highest in APEAL in the compact pickup segment, stay on dealers’ lots an average of 24 days, compared to the segment average of 77 days. This is also true of older models. The Nissan Murano, top-ranked among midsize SUVs, stays an average of 47 days on lots, compared to the segment average of 72 days.

"Vehicles with high APEAL scores are less likely to require major incentive programs to attract buyers and to move them from dealer lots, which typically yield higher profits for the manufacturer and dealer," said Parker.

Four Lexus models top segment rankings, while Chevrolet, Kia, Honda and Nissan each receive two segment awards. This marks the first time Kia models have ranked highest in a segment in the study.

Among all-new or redesigned models included in the study for 2005, the Pontiac G6, Toyota Avalon, Lexus GS 300/GS 430, Ford Mustang, Chevrolet Corvette, Honda Ridgeline, Kia Sportage, Lexus RX 400h and Honda Odyssey each rank highest in their respective segments. Also topping segment rankings are the MINI Cooper, Kia Amanti, Lexus IS 300/IS 300 SportCross, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Lexus LS 430, Cadillac Escalade EXT, GMC Sierra HD, Nissan Murano, Nissan Armada, Land Rover Range Rover and Chevrolet Express.





More: http://www.jdpower.com/news/releases...asp?ID=2005174

[GMFreak8]

Somethings wrong with this picture....

The ridgeline ranks first in the midsize truck segment? This just shows people will buy a turd if you advertise and brainwash people enough. "Above all it's a honda" Yeah, that's it, you know you can't sell a truck on it's abilities so just mention it's a honda and people will flock to it. Makes me sick.

Also, the Aztek was mentioned? I thought that was the worst looking vehicle on the market, and never sold well? Or at least that's what I thought from reading the reviews. I guess the press keeps forgetting about the Element, and Scion XB....

I'm surprised and happy to see the Pontiac G6 on the list. Overall GM has a lot of vehicles on the list, if I'm not mistaken more than any other manufacturer, of course they also have many more models than other manufacturers too...

[rodd62]

i own one, but why in gods name is the grand am on there??

[ElmerMCR]

The Grand Am was midsized?

[Black Rabbit]

Of course the Grand Am was on there.. anyone else remember how many great reviews and corresponding sales gains it got in 99' ? I still think it looks better than a G6.

What I'm wondering is who in their right mind considers the 160hp Tc a sports car.. You might as well call my V6 Alero a sports car.

[Infiniti Z350]

Originally Posted by Black Rabbit

What I'm wondering is who in their right mind considers the 160hp Tc a sports car.. You might as well call my V6 Alero a sports car.

Hard to discern, but it actually says "sporty". There's a difference.

IMO, "sporty" just means it has some sporting tendenices (peppy engine, decent handling, etc.) but is not a true performance car.

[plane]

Saturn at the very bottom?
Ouch!

[rob2299usa]

Originally Posted by plane

Saturn at the very bottom?
Ouch!

That will soon change!

[MelvinJ]

Originally Posted by GMFreak8

Somethings wrong with this picture....

The ridgeline ranks first in the midsize truck segment? This just shows people will buy a turd if you advertise and brainwash people enough. "Above all it's a honda" Yeah, that's it, you know you can't sell a truck on it's abilities so just mention it's a honda and people will flock to it. Makes me sick.

Also, the Aztek was mentioned? I thought that was the worst looking vehicle on the market, and never sold well? Or at least that's what I thought from reading the reviews. I guess the press keeps forgetting about the Element, and Scion XB....

I'm surprised and happy to see the Pontiac G6 on the list. Overall GM has a lot of vehicles on the list, if I'm not mistaken more than any other manufacturer, of course they also have many more models than other manufacturers too...

JD Power does surveys of owners. These aren't some press awards. Aztek owners have always been pretty happy with their vehicles. Thank goodness there are people out there that aren't slaves to fashion.

As much as I hate to say it, the Ridgeline is about as capable as other midsize trucks, particularly when you measure it against how most people actually use them. Small trucks (and even a lot of full-size) are often used as either second or primary family vehicles. They aren't out hauling loads of fence posts into the mountains to keep the cattle penned up. The Ridgeline does well at duties its buyers give it, although it's rather pricey. It's not an off-road vehicle like the other trucks in this class can be, but it plays one on Honda's TV ads, and that's enough for a lot of buyers who never go off-road anyway.

[saturnsteve]

Originally Posted by plane

Saturn at the very bottom?
Ouch!

That will change as soon as we get the new product in here!

[Buick61]

Good for the G6 and the 300.

[ronus20]

Since when is the Scion tC a sport car???