Honda captures four model segment awards-more than any other vehicle nameplate this year-according to the J.D. Power and Associates 2007 Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) StudySM released today.
The study, now in its 12th year, measures owner delight with the design, content, layout and performance of their new vehicles. APEAL is designed to complement the J.D. Power and Associates Initial Quality StudySM (IQS), which focuses on problems experienced by owners during the first 90 days of ownership. APEAL measures how gratifying a new vehicle is to own and drive.
Honda's four segment-leading models are the Fit (in a tie), CR-V, Ridgeline and Odyssey. BMW and Mercedes-Benz receive three segment awards, while Ford, Nissan and Volkswagen each garner two awards. BMW models receiving awards include the 3 Series, 6 Series and X5, while Mercedes-Benz earns awards for the E-Class, S-Class and GL-Class. Ford models earning awards are the Mustang and Edge. Volkswagen receives awards for the Jetta and GTI, while Nissan earns awards for the Altima Sedan and Armada.
The study also finds that, for models with higher APEAL scores, vehicle manufacturers and dealers can offer lower incentives to new-vehicle buyers. On average, owners of vehicles with APEAL scores lower than 800, based on a 1,000-point scale, report receiving dealer incentives of approximately $2,000. For purchasers of models with average APEAL scores higher than 800, the incentive amount can decline by up to 10 percent.
"Vehicle models with strong customer appeal tend to be in higher demand, which diminishes the need for dealers to incentivize to boost sales," said Neal Oddes, director of product research and analysis at J.D. Power and Associates. "Offering larger incentives decreases the profitability of vehicles, so it's important for manufacturers to incorporate those 'must-have' features and design elements that will entice buyers, which also reduces the need for large customer cash rebates."
A number of all-new and redesigned models lead the model rankings for 2007. Ten of the top-ranking models in the APEAL study-the BMW X5, Cadillac Escalade EXT (in a tie), Ford Edge, GMC Sierra LD, Honda Fit, Honda CR-V, Mercedes-Benz GL-Class (in a tie), Mercedes-Benz S-Class, Nissan Altima Sedan and Toyota Yaris (in a tie)-were all-new or redesigned this year. Also receiving awards are the Hyundai Azera and Porsche Cayman.
"Whether due to fresh designs or innovative features, APEAL scores tend to be highest for models when they are first introduced," said Oddes. "It's essential for manufacturers to get new-vehicle launches right, since vehicles with high appeal scores generally command a higher gross profit and sell more quickly. Two of the redesigned models-the Mercedes-Benz S-Class (in a tie) and Honda CR-V-also earned awards in the 2007 Initial Quality Study, and are examples of how manufacturers can learn from preceding models to improve in both initial quality and appeal."
The Nissan Armada ranks highest in its segment for a fourth consecutive year. Several models, including the Ford Mustang, Honda Ridgeline and Honda Odyssey rank highest in their respective segments for a third consecutive year, while the Hyundai Azera and Porsche Cayman earn awards for a second consecutive year. The Mustang and Mercedes-Benz E-Class also rank highest in their segments in both the APEAL study and IQS.
Porsche is the highest-ranking nameplate in APEAL for a third consecutive year. The most improved nameplate in the 2007 study is Scion.
The 2007 APEAL Study is based on responses gathered between February and May 2007 from more than 91,000 purchasers and lessees of new 2007 model-year cars and trucks who were surveyed after the first 90 days of ownership.
Find more detailed findings on new-vehicle APEAL performance as well as model photos and specs by watching a video, reading an article and reviewing appeal ratings at JDPower.com.
Wednesday, November 7, 2007
What Happened? Lexus and Toyota Both Fall From Grace in Latest JD Power Study
Toyota reveals the Golf R32 killer: The Blade Master G
Toyota unleashed today the 3.5 liter V6 version of its Blade hatchback in Tokyo. The Blade represents the upspec version of the Auris. It comes in the standard version with a 2.4 liter engine delivering 165 bhp but the 3.5 liter V6 delivers 276 bhp and 254 pound feet of torque. The engine represents a detuned version of the 2GR-FE 3456 cc from the luxurious Lexus IS 350.
Toyota Blade Master G comes with 17″ wheels,a more muscular look than the Auris with a bigger grille and a 6-speed sequential automatic gearbox with paddle shifters.
This Toyota aims to be a Golf R32 killer and at a price $27,725 it has very big chances to become one…
Sport version of the Toyota Auris?
Some photos of a tuned Toyota Auris appeared. We don't know for sure if this is a TS version or a stock version tuned by someone.
Toyota calls it: Will sell 200,000 Tundras in 2007
During the 1932 World Series at Wrigley Field, New York Yankee Babe Ruth pointed to the center field bleachers while at bat during the fifth inning. He then knocked one out of the park directly where his finger was pointing. The Babe's famous called shot reminds us of recent comments made by Jim Lentz, executive vice president of Toyota's U.S. sales, about the Toyota Tundra. Last Thursday Lentz said, "We're spending the incentives necessary, given the economics, given a down market, to sell that 200,000 vehicles."
While not as glamorous or direct as Babe Ruth's pointed index finger, in our eyes Lentz effectively pointed to the center field bleachers and called it: Toyota will reach its goal of selling 200,000 Tundra's in 2007, the new full-size pickup's first year of sales. About 97,290 2007 MY Tundras were sold in the first six months of 2007, so 200,000 certainly seems reachable, but by no means in the bag. Just like the Big 3, Toyota has been laying both dealer and customer incentives on the hood of 2007 Tundras to encourage sales, and marketing for the truck has been omnipresent on TV and the web. Toyota disputes, however, the Edmunds.com estimate that incentives for the Tundra amounted to $6,861 per truck last month when 23,150 units were sold.
Toyota Aygo ckIN2U Edition revealed
The Japanese automaker, Toyota, and the clothes and perfumes designer, Calvin Klein, arrived at an agreement to launch on the German market a special edition of the small Aygo called ckIN2U ( c-k-into-you ).
The Toyota Aygo ckIN2U Edition is equipped with exclusive 14″ alloy wheels, a portable Mp3 with the CK logo, metalized beige paint, leather seats, air conditioning etc. The car is powered by a 1.0 liter gasoline engine delivering 68 bhp. The Toyota Aygo ckIN2U edition is priced at 12,450 Euro.
Frankfurt Auto Show 2007: Toyota iQ Concept Spy and Pics
Toyota'snew mini-car concept, the IQ, was unveiled at the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Showand we have some more details about it.
The IQ is only 2.98 m long which makes it about a foot longer than the Smart ForTwo. While the Smart is strictly a two seater, the Japanese mini is advertised as a 3+1 seater. That means there are two seats that can be inhabited by adults in the front.
The asymetrical dashboard design allows the front passenger seat to be pulled forward, allowing another adult and potentially a child to sit in the back hence the + 1.
No information is available about what kind of drivetrain the car might include other than it's location at the front of the car. The IQ may go on sale in Europe as early as 2009 and would likely have an engine in the 1.0L range.
[Source: Toyota]
2007 Tokyo Motor Show Cars: Toyota Crown Hybrid Concept
Toyotais going to make nine concepts' world debuts for 2007 Tokyo Motor Show, including, 1/X (pictured), RiN 'well being' concept, i-REAL personal mobility vehicle, Hi-CT urban vehicle, FT-MV minivan and the Crown luxury sedan hybrid concept. Cars we've already seen before include the iQ minicar from Frankfurt Motor Show 2007and the FT-HS sports hybrid concept.
The Toyota 1/X concept, it can be taken to the preview of the next-generation Prius hybrid. The concept features a very familiar profile and an advanced hybrid drivetrain.
The Toyota i-REAL concept, meanwhile, is being touted as a step toward commercialization of personal mobility and is the fourth concept from Toyota in personal mobility vehicle development after the PM, i-unit and i-swing.
The other major new model is the Toyota Crown luxury sedan concept, which will showcase Toyota's latest VDIM (Vehicle Dynamics Integrated Management) hybrid drive system. It has a two-stage motor speed reduction device that helps achieve smooth acceleration, high fuel efficiency, low CO2 and other exhaust emissions and quietness. It also has a LCD "Finegraphic Meter" interface system as well as ten airbags and generous seating for five occupants.
