Hyundai Ranks Highest Non-Premium in J.D. Power APEAL Study

• Korean manufacturer’s Accent Ranks Highest in Small Car Segment

August 04, 2014 –Hyundai, the world’s fastest-growing automaker by brand, has been named as highest-ranked non-premium brand in the J.D. Power 2014 Initial Quality Study (IQS), with the 2014 Hyundai Accent named as the most appealing small car in its 2014 Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) Study.

The joint awards represent the first time a nameplate has ranked highest among non-premium brands in both APEAL and IQS in the same year.

In its 19th year, the APEAL study examines owners’ assessments of the design, content, layout and performance of their new vehicle. Vehicles and their brands are scored on a 1,000 point scale.

The acclaimed J.D. Power IQS study placed Hyundai and the highest ranked non-premium brand and the Genesis, Elantra and Accent models all received awards in their respective segments. In this year’s APEAL study, Hyundai again claimed top spot among non-premium brands while improving five spots among all brands to rank 13th overall.
 
Additionally, the 2014 Hyundai Sonata claimed third place in the midsize car segment, and the Hyundai Veloster finished second in the Compact Sporty Car segment.

Tom Lee, Head of Hyundai Africa and Middle East Regional Headquarters, said: “Hyundai’s success in the 2014 J.D. Power IQS and APEAL studies once again demonstrates the high quality of the vehicles, as we continue to pursue our ‘Modern Premium’ brand direction. Global awards of this calibre are extremely important when it comes to boosting customer confidence in the Middle East and Africa region, and on a global scale, and we are proud to receive these honours.”