Hyundai Nameplate Improves in J.D. Power Initial Quality Study;
Finishes in the Top 10 Overall
COSTA MESA, Calif., June 19, 2013 – J.D. Power announced today that the Hyundai Genesis received the trophy for the highest initial quality in the midsize premium car segment. The award comes from the J.D. Power 2013 U.S. Initial Quality StudySM (IQS). The Initial Quality Study, now in its 27th year, serves as the industry benchmark for new-vehicle quality measured at 90 days of ownership. According to the study Hyundai Genesis owners reported fewer problems with their vehicles than any premium midsize car.
“Outperforming all of our competitors in the premium midsize car segment is a reflection of the dedication of all Hyundai team members,” said Erwin Raphael, director of engineering and quality, Hyundai Motor America. “Awards like this demonstrate we’re succeeding in connecting with our customers through an unprecedented combination of premium performance, technology, safety and quality.”
In addition to Genesis’s victory, the Hyundai brand substantially reduced problems per 100 vehicles and finished tenth overall, gaining eight rank positions. The Hyundai overall score was 106 problems per 100 vehicles, seven problems fewer than the industry average. Accent, Sonata and Azera ranked second in their respective segments. The all-new Santa Fe ranked third in its segment.
ABOUT THE J.D. POWER AND ASSOCIATES 2013 U.S. INITIAL QUALITY STUDY
The 2013 U.S. Initial Quality Study is based on responses from more than 83,000 purchasers and lessees of new 2013 model-year cars, trucks and multi-activity vehicles surveyed after 90 days of ownership. The study is based on a 233-question battery designed to provide manufacturers with information to facilitate identification of problems and drive product improvement. The study was fielded between February and May 2013. The study is used by manufacturers worldwide to improve quality and by consumers to help them make more informed purchasing decisions. Throughout the years, initial quality has been shown to be a leading indicator of long-term durability, which directly impacts customer loyalty and purchase decisions.
HYUNDAI MOTOR AMERICA
Hyundai Motor America, headquartered in Costa Mesa, Calif., is a subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Co. of Korea. Hyundai vehicles are distributed throughout the United States by Hyundai Motor America and are sold and serviced through more than 820 dealerships nationwide. All Hyundai vehicles sold in the U.S. are covered by the Hyundai Assurance program, which includes the 5-year/60,000-mile fully transferable new vehicle limited warranty, Hyundai’s 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain limited warranty, and five years of complimentary Roadside Assistance. Hyundai Assurance includes Assurance Connected Care that provides Hyundai owners with proactive safety and car care services made possible by the Hyundai Blue Link telematics platform, complimentary for three years. These services include Automatic Collision Notification, Enhanced Roadside Assistance, Vehicle Diagnostic Alert, Monthly Vehicle Health Report and in-vehicle service scheduling.