HYUNDAI SAYS: J.D. Power and Associates has selected the Hyundai Genesis as its most appealing midsize premium car in the 2009 Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) StudySM.
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 regard to 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 showed a 16 point improvement on 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, performance and 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 position the previous year. Hyundai’s Genesis sedan sets a new benchmark in the premium car category.