Dubai: Carmaker Porsche AG, based in Stuttgart, announced yesterday it was chosen as the most attractive car brand in the US for the sixth time in a row.
The study titled ‘Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout Study (Apeal)' by the US opinion polling research institute JD Power ranked Porsche first in their overall ratings.
The Gran Turismo Panamera was rated second-best and the Porsche 911 the third-best vehicle. In addition, first in the segment ‘Premium Sporty Car' was, once again, the 911, which was a repeat of last year's result.
The Apeal study determines the attractiveness of vehicles in the American market. Around 82,000 new vehicle owners, whose vehicles were registered between November and February, are surveyed annually.
A total of 95 features in 10 categories are examined. Along with driving dynamics and design, aspects such as every-day efficiency and comfort of the vehicle are taken into consideration.
Porsche scored 877 points out of 1,000 for its overall brand ranking, beating second-place Jaguar by 23 points and third-place BMW by 31. Mercedes-Benz, Land Rover, Audi, Lexus Acura, Lincoln, and Cadillac round out the top 10.
Despite being the overall winner, Porsche didn't manage to win the top rating in any category. The Panamera came in second to the Mercedes-Benz S-Class in the Large Premium Car segment and the Cayenne also placed second, behind Audi's Q7, in the Midize Premium Crossover/SUV segment.
"The key to our consistent top performance are the continual advancements and quality improvements to our vehicles. Porsche's outstanding ranking in the JD Power is a clear indication that our work is honoured by customers.
"The excellent overall results, including the very good cut for the Panamera, which made it to second place on its first go around, are the result of our persistent customer-orientation," says Michael Macht, Chairman of the Board of Porsche AG.
Ford received five segment awards in the Apeal survey. Owners of the 2010 Ford Fusion, Taurus, Flex, Expedition and Explorer Sport Trac rated these vehicles highest in their respective segments for vehicle appeal, which is comprised of style, comfort, performance and other vehicle attributes.
"It's a significant accomplishment to do so well in Apeal" said Bennie Fowler, group vice president, Global Quality and New Model Launches at Ford.
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