A slew of hot new models from both domestic and import auto manufacturers has resulted in a significant up-tick in overall owner satisfaction with vehicle performance and design, according to the latest J.D. Power and Associates Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) Study. Not only is this good news for consumers but it is a welcome development for struggling auto manufacturers, as throughout the years, vehicle models achieving high APEAL scores have been shown to benefit from faster sales, fewer cash incentives and higher profit margins.

Indeed, the 2009 APEAL study reveals that all-new and redesigned models achieve a three-year high in vehicle appeal, with seven of these models receiving awards in their respective segments:

• Dodge Challenger
• Ford F-150 (in a tie)
• Ford Flex
• Hyundai Genesis
• Nissan Maxima
• Volkswagen CC
• Volkswagen Tiguan

In fact, in 2009, the APEAL score for all-new and redesigned models averages 790 on a 1,000-point scale-11 points higher than in 2008 and 15 points higher than the 2009 score for carryover models.

"Most automakers are on track in terms of designing new models that are highly appealing," said David Sargent, vice president of automotive research at J.D. Power and Associates. "The greater challenge for manufacturers lies in creating models that launch with both strong appeal and high quality, which ultimately lead to improved sales through greater customer loyalty and advocacy." The 2009 Ford F-150, which also ranked highest in the large pickup segment in the recently released J.D. Power and Associates 2009 Initial Quality Study (IQS)^SM, is one example of an all-new or redesigned model that not only launched with high levels of initial quality but also has been successful in satisfying its owners in terms of the vehicle's performance and design characteristics.

Also contributing to the auto industry's improvement in APEAL scores are gas prices that are much lower than at the same time last year. "Although lower fuel prices and the switch to smaller vehicles have undoubtedly helped, there are also many individual vehicles that have made strong improvements in fuel economy ratings," said Sargent. "For example, the Ford F-150, Cadillac Escalade, Volkswagen Jetta and redesigned Dodge Ram have all made major strides in owner satisfaction with fuel economy through the introduction of more efficient powertrains."

The 2009 APEAL Study provides information gathered from over 80,000 purchasers and lessees of 2009 model-year vehicles. Overall model performance is measured on a 1,000-point scale. A higher score indicates better performance and a lower score indicates worse performance. The 2009 study covers a total of 90 vehicle attributes, and organizes them into the following 10 categories:

• Exterior
• Driving Dynamics
• Interior
• Visibility/Driving Safety
• Engine/Transmission
• HVAC, or Climate Controls
• Storage and Space
• Audio/Entertainment/Navigation
• Seats
• Fuel Economy

For More Information:

• View the Most Appealing Cars and Trucks Photo Gallery
• View the Most Appealing Small Cars and SUVs Photo Gallery
• View the Most Appealing Family Cars, SUVs and Vans Photo Gallery
• View the Most Appealing Luxury Cars and SUVs Photo Gallery
• View the Most Appealing Sporty Cars Photo Gallery
• View the Most Appealing Pickups Photo Gallery
• View the 10 Most Improved Cars & Trucks Photo Gallery
• View Performance and Design Ratings by Brand
• View Performance and Design Ratings by Category
• 2009 APEAL: Subcompact and Compact Cars
• 2009 APEAL: Midsize and Large Cars
• 2009 APEAL: Premium Cars
• 2009 APEAL: Sporty Cars
• 2009 APEAL: Multi Activity Vehicles
• 2009 APEAL: Pickups and Vans
• Read the APEAL Press Release
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