Porsche Ranks Highest in APEAL for 12th Consecutive Year;
General Motors Receives Six Segment-Level Awards, Hyundai Motor Company Receives Five

DETROIT: 27 July 2016 — Popular driver-assist technologies help make vehicles considerably more appealing to their owners, according to the J.D. Power 2016 U.S. Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) Study,^SM released today.

The study finds that new vehicles equipped with safety features such as blind spot monitoring and low speed collision avoidance have overall APEAL scores substantially higher than similar vehicles without the technologies. Overall APEAL scores are higher among the 41% of owners whose vehicles have blind spot monitoring than among those whose vehicles do not have this technology (821 vs. 787, respectively). Similarly, APEAL scores are higher among the 30% of owners whose vehicles have collision avoidance technology than among those whose vehicles do not have this technology (828 vs. 790, respectively).

“Technology-enabled safety features help drivers feel more comfortable and confident while driving their vehicles,” said Renee Stephens, vice president of U.S. automotive quality at J.D. Power. “These features are also ‘gateway technologies’ to autonomous driving capabilities, so the continued level of consumer interest in them will be a critical metric to watch as the industry evolves toward including more automation in new vehicles.”

Launches Critical to Vehicle Appeal

The overall industry APEAL score improves by 3 points to 801, helped by the launch of many new vehicles. In 2016, 22 of the 30 all-new or major redesigned models included in the study score higher than their respective segment average. Over the past 10 years, newly launched vehicles have scored an average of 29 index points higher than their segment average.

“The key to successful models is to launch with very high appeal and limit the decline that often comes in subsequent years,” said Stephens. “As automakers continue to add more content, including advanced technologies, to their vehicles, one key way to maintain appeal is to design technology that is easily upgradable and intuitive. Intuitive designs never go out of style. For example, for infotainment systems, intuitive design may mean simplification: bigger buttons, bigger screens and menus that are laid out in a manner that is easy for the driver to understand.”

More key findings of the study include:

APEAL Affects Advocacy: Among owners whose vehicles have average or above-average APEAL scores (801 or higher) and who report no problems with their vehicle in the first 90 days of ownership, 90% say they “definitely will” recommend their vehicle to others. In contrast, among owners whose vehicle has low APEAL scores (800 or lower), even when their vehicle is problem-free, advocacy drops to 64%. Among those who report one or more problems with their vehicle, advocacy plummets to 49%.¹
Navigation Nightmares: Factory-installed navigation systems remain a challenge for vehicle owners. Two of the lowest-rated vehicle attributes are related to the navigation system: usefulness of the navigation features and ease of using the vehicle’s navigation system.
Saving Gas: Nine of the 10 categories improve in 2016, with fuel economy posting the largest gain (+14 points) year over year. Audio/communication/entertainment/navigation (ACEN) and visibility and safety also make notable gains of 6 points and 4 points, respectively.
Transmissions Not So Smooth: Engine/transmission is the only category to decline (-1 point) this year, with the largest attribute decline in transmission smoothness when shifting, as penetration of 8- and 9-speed automatic transmissions increases.

Highest-Ranked Nameplates and Models

Porsche ranks highest overall in APEAL for a 12th consecutive year, with a score of 877 index points. BMWranks second with 859, Jaguar and Mercedes-Benz rank third in a tie at 852, and Land Rover, Lexus andLincoln rank fifth in a tie at 843. Volkswagen (809)ranks highest among non-premium brands, followed byMINI (808), Kia (807), Ford (803), Ram (803) and GMC (802).

General Motors receives six segment-level awards, followed by Hyundai Motor Company with five and BMW AG and Volkswagen AG with four each. Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., and Toyota Motor Corporation each have two models that rank highest in their respective segments.

The segment-level APEAL awards by corporation are:

General Motors: Buick Cascada; Chevrolet Camaro; Chevrolet Colorado; Chevrolet Sonic; Chevrolet Tahoe; and GMC Sierra HD
Hyundai Motor Company: Hyundai Tucson; Kia Optima; Kia Sedona; Kia Sorento; and Kia Soul
BMW AG: BMW 2 Series; BMW X1; BMW X6; and MINI Clubman
Volkswagen AG: Audi A6; Porsche 911; Porsche Boxster; and Porsche Macan
Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.: Nissan Maxima and Nissan Titan
Toyota Motor Corporation: Lexus RC and Toyota RAV4

Other models receiving awards are Land Rover Range Rover and smart fortwo. The BMW 7 Series is the highest-scoring model in the study in 2016, although no award is presented in the large premium car segment as there are insufficient models represented.

About the Study

The industry benchmark study, now in its 21st year, measures owners’ emotional attachment and level of excitement across 77 attributes, ranging from the power they feel when they step on the gas to the sense of comfort and luxury they feel when climbing into the driver’s seat. These attributes combine into an overall APEAL Index score that is measured on a 1,000-point scale. The importance of these results cannot be overstated. Year after year, the study has shown that higher APEAL leads to significantly higher advocacy and customer loyalty.

The APEAL Study is used extensively by manufacturers worldwide to help them design and develop more appealing vehicles and by consumers to help them in their purchase decisions. It complements the J.D. Power Initial Quality Study^SM (IQS), which focuses on problems experienced by owners during the first 90 days of ownership. The 2016 U.S. APEAL Study is based on responses gathered from February through May 2016 from more than 80,000 purchasers and lessees of new 2016 model-year cars and light trucks who were surveyed after 90 days of ownership.

For more information about the 2016 U.S. APEAL Study,visit

¹ All problem-related data in the paragraph are from the J.D. Power U.S. Initial Quality Study^SM (IQS)

J.D. POWER STUDY CONFIRMS PORSCHE HAS THE MOST SATISFIED CUSTOMERS

Stuttgart. The Porsche brand has again won the overall classification of the prestigious J.D. Power APEAL Study by the US market research institute J.D. Power. In addition, the models Porsche 911 Boxster and Macan secured the first places in their categories. Taking part in the survey were more than 80,000 owners of new cars, who evaluated more than 245 models by 33 manufacturers in 10 categories.

“The results of the customer survey confirm our strategy,” said Oliver Blume, Chairman of the Executive Board of Porsche AG. “At the centre of attention in all business units is the enthusiasm of our customers. It is not only the products but also the service and communication with our customers around the world that are so important for us.”

The renewed top placing for the Porsche brand means that the sports car manufacturer has achieved the highest ranking in the overall classification for the twelfth time in succession. Since 2004, US customers have thus been demonstrating that the sports car from Zuffenhausen has the most satisfied customers. With 877 from a total of 1,000 possible points, Porsche is in first place this year once again.

Apart from the overall rankings, three models from Porsche were also able to achieve a clear decision in their categories. The 911 came top in the category “Midsize Premium Sporty Car” with 893 points. The Porsche Boxster was able to achieve victory in the category “Compact Premium Sporty Car” with 892 points. And the Macan, as youngest member of the model family, scored 876 points to lead in the category “Compact Premium SUV”.

In the APEAL Study, which takes place once a year, J.D. Power surveys new car customers 90 days after they have taken delivery of their vehicle. This year’s 21st edition of the Study questioned US new car drivers on 77 characteristics in 10 categories between November 2015 and February 2016. Among the attributes evaluated by the owners were “interior” and “driving dynamics”.

GM LEADS INDUSTRY IN J.D. POWER APEAL STUDY AWARDS

DETROIT – Demonstrating its commitment to designing quality vehicles that meet consumer needs, General Motors received six segment-level awards — the most of any automaker — in the 2016 J.D. Power U.S. Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) study released today.

This follows GM’s leadership in the J.D. Power 2016 Vehicle Dependability Study and the J.D. Power 2016 Initial Quality Study, where it had the most models ranked highest in segment.

Through customer surveys, the APEAL Study examines how gratifying a new vehicle is to own and drive. Owners evaluate their vehicle across 77 attributes that make up an overall brand score measured on a 1,000-point scale.

“These awards are a great recognition of the progress we are making in the design and development of our vehicles,” said Tony Francavilla, General Motors vice president of quality. “We realize that every touch point, whether it is the vehicle’s appeal, initial quality or long-term durability, impacts our ability to earn customers for life.”

In addition to earning the most segment-level awards, GM also earned the most top-three places.

Model Highlights by Brand

Chevrolet

Sonic – Segment Award, Small Car (2^nd Year in a Row)
Camaro – Segment Award, Midsize Sporty Car
Colorado – Midsize Pickup (2^nd Year in a Row)
Tahoe – Large SUV
Silverado – Ranks Third, Large Light Duty Pickup
Silverado HD – Ranks Second, Large Heavy Duty Pickup

Buick

Cascada – Compact Sport Car
Enclave – Ranked Third (tie), Midsize SUV

GMC

Sierra HD – Segment Award, Large Heavy Duty Pickup (2^nd Year in a Row)
Sierra – Ranks Second, Large Light Duty Pickup
Canyon – Ranks Second, Midsize Pickup

Cadillac

Escalade – Ranks Second, Large Premium SUV

TUCSON RECIEVES J.D. POWER 2016 APEAL AWARD

FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., July 27, 2016 – J.D. Power designated the 2016 Hyundai Tucson as its most appealing small SUV in the 2016 Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) StudySM. In its 21st year, the APEAL study examines owners’ emotional attachment and level of excitement across 77 attributes, ranging from the power they feel when they step on the gas to the sense of comfort and luxury they feel when climbing into the driver’s seat. Vehicles and their brands are measured on a 1,000-point scale.

Tucson outscored all other small SUVs and performed particularly well in the categories of vehicle fuel economy, seats, HVAC, storage, exterior, visibility, driving, interior and audio/comm./entertainment/navigation.

“We are thrilled with the recognition of Tucson in this year’s J.D. Power APEAL study,” said Scott Margason, director, product planning, Hyundai Motor America. “The new Tucson looks great, has two fuel efficient engines and a roomy interior that satisfies a wide range of SUV buyers. The team did a great job launching the all-new Tucson this year.”

VOLKSWAGEN IS RANKED HIGHEST NON-PREMIUM NAMEPLATE IN J.D. POWER 2016 APEAL STUDY

Volkswagen leads the non-premium sector for the first time since 2001, beating the non-premium average by 15 points

Herndon, VA — Volkswagen of America, Inc., today announced that the brand has been ranked the highest non-premium nameplate in the J.D. Power 2016 Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) Study. This is the first time that Volkswagen has led the non-premium sector since 2001: the brand ranked 12^th overall in the study, out of a total of 33 nameplates. Volkswagen performs better than the industry average score of 801 points (out of 1000), with a total of 809 points. This was also 15 points better than the non-premium nameplate average.

“The J.D. Power APEAL Study is a great proof point of a brand’s appeal to new car buyers,” said Hinrich J. Woebcken, President and CEO, Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. “It’s very encouraging for everyone in the company that Volkswagen heads up the non-premium nameplates for the first time since 2001.”

The APEAL study examines how rewarding a new vehicle is to own and drive, based on owner evaluations of 77 vehicle attributes. The 2016 APEAL study is based on responses gathered between February and May of 2016 from more than 80,000 purchasers and lessees of new 2016 model-year cars and trucks who were surveyed after the first 90 days of ownership.

NISSAN TITAN XD, MAXIMA AND ALTIMA EXCEL IN 2016 J.D. POWER AUTOMOTIVE PERFORMANCE, EXECUTION AND LAYOUT (APEAL)℠ STUDY

All-new Nissan Titan XD named most appealing Large Light Duty pickup
Redesigned Maxima takes top spot in Large Car segment
Refreshed Nissan Altima finishes in top 3 among Midsize Car competitors
Nissan safety, convenience and connectivity technologies rate well with customers

NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Three Nissan models have scored favorably in their respective segments in the just released J.D. Power 2015 U.S. Automotive, Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) ^SM Study – with the all-new 2016 Nissan Titan XD taking honors in the Large Light Duty Pickup segment, the new Maxima topping the Large Car segment and the refreshed Altima ranked number two among Midsize Car competitors.

The Titan scored 867 points to dominate its class, while the Maxima tallied 857 points. The 2016 Altima, Nissan’s best-selling vehicle, with 824 points, was up seven points from last year. Overall, the industry average score was up three points to 801 in 2016. Murano and Sentra scored well at 831 and 814 points, respectively, but lacked sample size in this year’s survey to qualify in their segments from J.D. Power.

“It is gratifying to see three vehicles that are either all-new or redesigned receive such high marks from customers,” said Christian Meunier, senior vice president, Sales & Marketing and Operations, U.S.A., Nissan North America, Inc. “And along with our best-selling sedans and crossovers, Nissan is providing more options as we launch the ‘Year of the Truck’ with our all-new TITAN and TITAN XD trucks.”

The annual APEAL Study, now in its 21^st year, surveys purchasers and lessees of new vehicles, giving owners a platform to evaluate their cars, trucks and SUVs across 77 specific attributes. The results are combined into an overall APEAL score measured on a 1,000-point scale. The study found that some features, such as blind spot warning and parking assist systems, substantially improved owners’ sense of security – and satisfaction – with their vehicles. Nissan continues to offer a range of ‘Safety Shield’ technologies, as well as convenience and connectivity system technologies across a wide application of vehicles and trim levels including:

Predictive Forward Collision Warning
Forward Emergency Braking
Blind Spot Warning
Driver Attention Alert*
Around View® Monitor with Moving Object Detection
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
NissanConnect
Advanced Drive-Assist™ Display

*It is the driver’s responsibility to remain alert at all times. DAA is only a warning to inform the driver of a potential lack of driver attention or drowsiness. It does not detect and provide an alert in every situation. See Owner’s Manual for details.

LAND ROVER RANGE ROVER NAMED HIGHEST RANKED LARGE PREMIUM SUV IN 2016 J.D. POWERS APEAL STUDY

Jaguar brand ranks 3^rd among nameplates; while Land Rover ranks 5^th in a tie
Study measures customers’ delight with the design, features and layout of their vehicles

(MAHWAH, N.J.) – July 27, 2016 – The Land Rover Range Rover has been named highest ranked Large Premium SUV in the J.D. Power 2016 Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) Study^SMreleased today. This marks the fifth* award for the brand’s flagship model in this category. Jaguar ranks 3^rdamong nameplates with a score of 852, while Land Rover ranks 5^th among nameplates in a tie, with an overall score of 843.

The APEAL study examines the design and performance characteristics across 33 brand nameplates, which make a new vehicle a delight to own and drive, and is based on owner evaluations of 77 vehicle attributes.

“We are thrilled that both the Jaguar and Land Rover brands continue to rank high in the esteemed J.D. Power APEAL study,” says Joe Eberhardt, President & CEO, Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC. “To have our Range Rover flagship vehicle win Large Premium SUV for the fifth* time is especially pleasing and exemplifies our continued commitment to manufacturing desirable cars that meet customers’ needs.”

With an overall score of 852, Jaguar earns a 3^rd place ranking among brand nameplates. The Jaguar F-TYPE ranked 3^rd in the Midsize Premium Sporty Car segment scoring 854 and the Jaguar XF ranked 5^th among vehicles in the Midsize Premium Car segment with a score of 849.

This year, Land Rover ranks 5^th place among brand nameplates with an overall score of 843. In addition to Range Rover receiving the Large Premium SUV award with a score of 872 and scores highest in the exterior, interior, driving dynamics and visibility safety factors, the Range Rover Evoque ranked 2^nd in the Small Premium SUV segment scoring 826.

Developed from the ground up with characteristic levels of Range Rover refinement and all-terrain versatility, the fourth generation Range Rover captures the innovative spirit and iconic design of the original model which changed the world of motoring when it was launched over 40 years ago.

New for 2016, the Range Rover HSE receives an enhanced V6 gasoline engine tuned to produce 380hp (a 40hp increase over previous models), while both SE and HSE models are now available with an efficient diesel powertrain option for the first time in North America. Producing 254hp and 440 lb-ft of low-end torque, the Td6 engine provides excellent performance, reduced fuel costs and an exceptional cruising range of up to 658 miles on the highway. Towing capability remains unchanged at 7,716lbs.

The APEAL Study serves as the industry benchmark for new-vehicle appeal. The Study, now in its 21st year, measures owners’ emotional attachment and level of excitement across 77 attributes, ranging from the power they feel when they step on the gas to the sense of comfort and luxury they feel when climbing into the driver’s seat. These attributes combine into an overall APEAL Index score that is measured on a 1,000-point scale.

*The Land Rover Range Rover was named Highest Ranked Large Premium SUV in 2010, 2011, 2013, 2014, 2016.