Hyundai Elantra earns highest initial quality ranking in its segment

J.D. Power and Associates announced today that Hyundai is the highest ranked non-premium nameplate in the 2009 Initial Quality Study(SM) (IQS) and is ranked fourth among all nameplates. Hyundai owners had fewer problems with their vehicles than any other non-premium car or truck brand.

In addition to Hyundai’s strong overall showing, the Hyundai Elantra earned the award for the highest initial quality in the compact car segment. The all-new Hyundai Genesis significantly outperforms the average midsize premium car.

This year’s ranking marks the second time Hyundai has been the highest-ranked non-premium nameplate in the last four years, and the second time it finished among the top four overall nameplates, having also achieved these levels in 2006. Highlights this year include a top ranking for the Hyundai Elantra in the compact segment, and a top three segment performance for the Hyundai Accent, which ranked second in the highly competitive sub-compact car segment.

The IQS study measures 228 attributes, including the overall driving experience, engine and transmission, and a broad range of defect and design problems reported by vehicle owners.

“Outperforming all of our competitors once again is a reflection of the dedication of all Hyundai team members,” said John Krafcik, Hyundai’s President and CEO. “We’re particularly delighted with the strong launch of Genesis, the North American Car of the Year, which surpassed several luxury competitors. We are also thrilled with how well the fuel-efficient Elantra and Accent scored.”