Porsche has the highest nameplate index ranking in J.D. Power's annual U.S. Automotive Performance Execution and Layout (APEAL) Study. This marks the German automobile giant's ninth successive year at the top position.
The J.D. Power's annual U.S. Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) Study, charts top luxury brands by conducting an annual survey on buyers and lessees of new cars after 90 days of ownership. The APEAL study is now in its eighteenth year and has served as a benchmark for new-vehicle appeal. The new study ratings are based on owner's evaluations of 77 quality checks of the vehicle, which are then placed on a 1,000 point scale. Porsche definitely has the new-vehicle appeal, as it has the highest nameplate index for nine years in a row.
"Appealing vehicles are simply good news for both consumers and automakers," David Sargent, vice president of global automotive at J.D. Power, said in a press statement. "Even within the same vehicle segment, consumers are willing to spend substantially more on vehicles that they find attractive, provide the performance and utility they are looking for and have well-executed interiors. These vehicles also sell more quickly."
The study results are based on surveys conducted from February to May 2013 on more than 83,000 purchasers and lessees of new models of 2013 and light trucks. The participants were interviewed after purchasing their vehicles and also after the first 90-days.
Several luxury brands made it to the list after Porsche, which scored 884 points on the chart. Audi, BMW and Land Rover followed suit with 857, 854 and 853 points respectively. Mercedes-Benz scored 847 points on a 1,000 point scale, same as Lexus. Cadillac continued at the same spot in the list with 841 points, making it the top American brand to feature on the chart. Other non-premium brands that scored above the overall industry average of 795 were Ram with 817, Volkswagen with 809 MINI with 801, Buick with 800 and Kia scoring 797 points. Smart concluded the list by coming in the last position with 739 points.
Chevrolet received the maximum segment awards for its Avalanche, Sonic and Volt models. Combining all models, Volkswagen AG stood on top winning in five of the 23 categories including Volkswagen Passat for midsize car category, Volkswagen GTI for compact sporty car. Porsche Boxster won in the compact premium sporty car category, Audi Allroad bagged the premium CUV crown and Porsche Cayenne reigned in the midsize premium CUV category. Ram also scored the highest-ranked non-premium nameplate on the list.
Land Rover Range Rover scored highest APEAL score of any model in the industry in 2013, making it the first time for a large luxury car to top the survey.
