Category: India

Honda, Maruti Suzuki and MRF Receive Special Recognition Awards For Continued Outstanding Performance in Meeting Customer Expectations

1970-01-01

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SINGAPORE: 12 March 2014 — JD Power Asia Pacific presented Honda, Maruti Suzuki and MRF with special recognition awards for their continued outstanding performance in meeting customer expectations at a ceremony Tuesday, March 11 in Delhi. 

More than 65 senior executives from nine companies and 27 leading media outlets attended the annual India Awards Presentation at the Shangri-La Eros hotel. Gerrit Kuyntjes, vice president at JD Power Asia Pacific, presented the awards to the companies honored at the event. 

Each of the three companies receiving special recognition at the ceremony has ranked highest in JD Power studies at least 10 times. 

Recipients of Special Recognition Awards

• Maruti Suzuki received a special recognition award for Continued Outstanding Performance in Customer Satisfaction with Dealer Service. Maruti Suzuki has ranked highest in the India Customer Service Index Study (CSI) each year since 2000—14 consecutive years.
• The Honda City received a special recognition award for Continued Outstanding Performance in Initial Quality. The City has ranked highest in the Midsize Car segment in the Initial Quality Study (IQS) for 11 consecutive years (2003 through 2013).
• MRF received a special recognition award for Continued Outstanding Performance in Original Equipment Tire Satisfaction. MRF has ranked highest 10 times since the inception of the Original Equipment Tire Customer Satisfaction Index (TCSI) Study in 2001.

“Sustaining outstanding performance calls for embedded processes, an aligned workforce and, most importantly, possessing an unrelenting spirit in the pursuit of excellence,” said Kuyntjes. “What is really being recognized by these awards is hard work over time, as consistency in delivering outstanding performance goes a long way in establishing a brand in any market and also raises industry performance levels as a whole.”

During the event, JD Power Asia Pacific’s top executives also recognized the highest-performing auto manufacturers in JD Power’s 2013 syndicated studies. These study results are based solely on the evaluations provided by verified vehicle owners in India.

2013 Syndicated Study Awards

2013 India Original Equipment Tire Customer Satisfaction Index (TCSI) Study

• Highest Customer Satisfaction with Original Tires—MRF  (four consecutive years)

2013 India Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS)

• Most Dependable Compact Car—Maruti Suzuki A-Star
• Most Dependable Premium Compact Car—Ford Figo
• Most Dependable Entry Midsize Car—Maruti Suzuki Swift Dzire (three consecutive years)
• Most Dependable Midsize Car—Honda City
• Most Dependable Premium Midsize Car—Chevrolet Cruze
• Most Dependable MUV/ MPV—Toyota Innova (six consecutive years)
• Most Dependable SUV—Toyota Fortuner

2013 India Sales Satisfaction Index (SSI) Study

• Highest in Sales Satisfaction among Mass Market Brands–Maruti Suzuki and Honda (in a tie) 
• Highest in Sales Satisfaction among Luxury Brands—BMW

2013 India Customer Service Index (CSI)

• Highest in Customer Satisfaction with After-Sales Service among Mass Market Brands–Maruti Suzuki (14 consecutive years)
• Highest in Customer Satisfaction with After-Sales Service among Luxury Brands—BMW

2013 India Initial Quality Study (IQS)

• Best Entry Compact Car in Initial Quality—Maruti Suzuki Alto 800 
• Best Compact Car in Initial Quality—Hyundai Santro (two consecutive years)
• Best Upper Compact Car in Initial Quality—Honda Brio (two consecutive years)
• Best Premium Compact Car in Initial Quality—Maruti Suzuki Swift
• Best Entry Midsize Car in Initial Quality—Honda Amaze
• Best Midsize Car in Initial Quality—Honda City (11 consecutive years)
• Best Premium Midsize Car in Initial Quality—Toyota Corolla Altis
• Best MUV/ MPV in Initial Quality—Toyota Innova (seven consecutive years)
• Best SUV in Initial Quality—Toyota Fortuner (two consecutive years)

2013 India Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) Study

• Most Appealing Entry Compact Car—Maruti Suzuki Alto 800
• Most Appealing Compact Car—Maruti Suzuki Estilo (three consecutive years)
• Most Appealing Upper Compact Car—Maruti Suzuki Ritz
• Most Appealing Premium Compact Car—Maruti Suzuki Swift
• Most Appealing Entry Midsize Car—Honda Amaze
• Most Appealing Midsize Car (in a tie)—Hyundai Verna and Volkswagen Vento 
• Most Appealing Premium Midsize Car—Chevrolet Cruze
• Most Appealing MUV/ MPV—Toyota Innova (seven consecutive years)
• Most Appealing SUV—Toyota Fortuner (two consecutive years)

Media Relations Contacts

XingTi Liu; JD Power Asia Pacific; 08-Shenton Way, #44-02/03/04; Singapore, 068811;
Phone +65-67338980; [email protected]

John Tews; Director, Media Relations; JD Power; Troy, Michigan 48083 USA;
Phone 001-248-680-6218; [email protected]

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Owners Increasingly Have Tires Serviced at Authorized Retail Outlets Rather than Local Garages

1970-01-01

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SINGAPORE: 9 April 2012 — While roadside mechanics remain the most frequently visited location for servicing tires in India, original equipment tire owners are increasingly having their tires serviced at authorized retail outlets, such as independent tire dealers or purchase dealers, according to the JD Power Asia Pacific 2012 India Original Equipment Tire Customer Satisfaction Index (TCSI) Study^SM released today.

More than one-half (53%) of original equipment tire owners in India who experience a tire-related problem have the repair made by a roadside mechanic. However, 38 percent of owners take their vehicle to a retail outlet for tire repairs, compared with 7 percent in 2011.

“The shift in preference for organized retail outlets reflects customer demands for better service, facilities and processes,” said Mohit Arora, executive director, JD Power Asia Pacific, Singapore. “Therefore, it might be prudent on the part of tire manufacturers to fine-tune their retail strategy to ensure a superior customer experience at these outlets.”

The study, now in its 12th year, measures satisfaction among original equipment tire owners during the first 12 to 24 months of ownership. The study measures overall satisfaction across four factors (listed in order of importance): appearance, durability, traction/handling and ride.

Satisfaction with original equipment tires averages 827 points (on a 1,000-point scale), a five-point improvement from 2011. At the factor level, appearance satisfaction is highest (829), while durability satisfaction (825) improves 9 points year over year.  

MRF ranks highest in satisfaction with original equipment tires for a third consecutive year, achieving a score of 841. MRF improves eight points from 2011 and performs well across all factors. JK Tyre ranks second with a score of 831, while Apollo ranks third at 827.

The study also finds that the occurrence of problems with original tires negatively impacts overall satisfaction.

“One of the key drivers of satisfaction with MRF tires is that owners report fewer problems, compared with the industry average,” said Arora.  “This has been one of the cornerstones of MRF’s successful performance during the past three years.”  

Further, the 2012 study finds an increase in the importance of such features as run-flat tires and self-sealing tires, compared with the 2011 study. Innovative technological advancements in tires may help mitigate dissatisfaction due to commonly cited problems, such as damage due to punctures.

The 2012 India Original Equipment Tire Customer Satisfaction Index Study is based on responses from new-vehicle owners who purchased their vehicle between May 2009 and August 2010. The study was fielded between May and August 2011.

About JD Power Asia Pacific

JD Power Asia Pacific has offices in Tokyo, Singapore, Beijing, Shanghai and Bangkok that conduct customer satisfaction research and provide performance analytics services in the automotive, information technology and finance industries. Together, the five offices bring the language of customer satisfaction to consumers and businesses in Australia, China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Philippines, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam. Information regarding JD Power Asia Pacific and its products can be accessed through the Internet at www.jdpower.com. Media e-mail contact: [email protected].

About JD Power and Associates

Headquartered in Westlake Village, Calif., JD Power and Associates is a global marketing information services company operating in key business sectors including market research, forecasting, performance improvement, Web intelligence and customer satisfaction.  The company’s quality and satisfaction measurements are based on responses from millions of consumers annually.  For more information on car reviews and ratings, car insurance, health insurance, cell phone ratings, and more, please visit JDPower.com. JD Power and Associates is a business unit of The McGraw-Hill Companies.

About The McGraw-Hill Companies

McGraw-Hill announced on September 12, 2011, its intention to separate into two public companies: McGraw-Hill Financial, a leading provider of content and analytics to global financial markets, and McGraw-Hill Education, a leading education company focused on digital learning and education services worldwide. McGraw-Hill Financial’s leading brands include Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services, S&P Capital IQ, S&P Indices, Platts energy information services and JD Power and Associates. With sales of $6.2 billion in 2011, the Corporation has approximately 23,000 employees across more than 280 offices in 40 countries. Additional information is available at http://www.mcgraw-hill.com/.

Follow us on Twitter: @JDPower

No advertising or other promotional use can be made of the information in this release without the express prior written consent of JD Power and Associates. www.jdpower.com/corporate

 

Amidst a Slowing Passenger-Car Market, Facilitating Dealers in Generating Revenue from Diversified Sources Strengthens OEM-Dealer Working Relationship

1970-01-01

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SINGAPORE: 16 May 2012 — Vehicle dealers in India are managing the risks of a slowdown in the automotive market by increasingly diversifying their sources of revenue, according to the JD Power Asia Pacific 2012 India Dealer Satisfaction with Automotive Manufacturers Index Study^SM released today.

The study finds that dealers in India are expecting to generate 34 percent of their revenue through sales activities such as parts and accessories as well as automobile insurance and commissions on loans, which represents an increase from approximately 22 percent in 2011. Moreover, dealer satisfaction with the working relationship with auto manufacturers is higher among those who expect a greater proportion of income from diversified sources.

“The growth rate of passenger-car sales in India this year has been the slowest since the 2008-09 fiscal year, when sales were impacted due to the global financial crisis,” said Mohit Arora, executive director at JD Power Asia Pacific, Singapore. “With fewer retail sales and subsequently lower revenue from service within warranty, dealerships are looking at additional sources of income to diversify their business risks.”

Arora added that dealers rely on automakers’ support in generating additional revenue through these sources, which is important in maintaining their viability and further strengthens the dealer-manufacturer working relationship.

Now in its second year, the study measures dealer satisfaction with vehicle manufacturers or importers and identifies dealer attitudes regarding the automotive sales business. Overall dealer satisfaction is determined by examining nine factors: marketing and sales activities; product; vehicle ordering and delivery; sales team; parts; warranty claims; after-sales team; training; and support from the manufacturer. The study is designed to provide manufacturers with insights about dealer opinions and attitudes to help them improve dealer relations. In addition, the study identifies key network-related opportunities and challenges to assist automakers in achieving their overall business objectives.

The study finds that overall dealer satisfaction with automotive manufacturers averages 820 points on a 1,000-point scale in 2012, up from 749 points in 2011. Overall satisfaction improves across all nine factors, with the largest improvement occurring in support from the manufacturer, which is also the most influential factor.

Dealers who indicate their experience in vehicle ordering was “better than expected” are notably more satisfied with their respective manufacturers than are dealers who have a less satisfying ordering experience. Dealers’ satisfaction with the timeliness of vehicle delivery improved the most among all attributes in the study in 2012, as the proportion of dealers who indicate they are “delighted” (providing a score of 10 on a 10-point scale) with this attribute has doubled from 2011. Additionally, more than one-half of the dealers surveyed for the 2012 study indicate automakers invoice vehicles on the same day of order placement, compared with approximately one-third of dealers in 2011. Nearly 80 percent of dealers say they are able to track the real-time delivery status of vehicles, which also allows them to track delays and changes in the delivery status.

“Automobile manufacturers in India strive to minimize dealer dissatisfaction due to delay in vehicle delivery by reducing supply constraints and improving communication about any eventual delays,” said Arora. “Not only are the dealers more satisfied with the order and delivery of vehicles, but also they seem to appreciate being better informed about any eventual delays or changes in the delivery status. Having a more informed and satisfied dealer network in turn aids manufacturers in enhancing customer relations and boosting sales.”

Among the manufacturers included in the 2012 study, Toyota ranks highest in overall satisfaction for a second consecutive year with a score of 913. Hyundai ranks second with a score of 878, followed by Maruti Suzuki (858 points).

The 2012 India Dealer Satisfaction with Automotive Manufacturers Study is based on responses from 583 dealer principals or dealership general managers located in more than 208 cities throughout India. The study was conducted in association with the Federation of Automobile Dealers Associations (FADA), and was fielded between February and March 2012.

About JD Power Asia Pacific JD Power Asia Pacific has offices in Tokyo, Singapore, Beijing, Shanghai and Bangkok that conduct customer satisfaction research and provide consulting services in the automotive, information technology and finance industries. Together, the five offices bring the language of customer satisfaction to consumers and businesses in China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Philippines, Taiwan and Thailand. Information regarding JD Power Asia Pacific and its products can be accessed through the Internet at www.jdpower.com. Media e-mail contact: [email protected]

About JD Power and Associates

Headquartered in Westlake Village, Calif., JD Power and Associates is a global marketing information services company operating in key business sectors including market research, forecasting, performance improvement, Web intelligence and customer satisfaction.  The company’s quality and satisfaction measurements are based on responses from millions of consumers annually.  For more information on car reviews and ratings, car insurance, health insurance, cell phone ratings, and more, please visit JDPower.com. JD Power and Associates is a business unit of The McGraw-Hill Companies.

About The McGraw-Hill Companies

McGraw-Hill announced on September 12, 2011, its intention to separate into two public companies: McGraw-Hill Financial, a leading provider of content and analytics to global financial markets, and McGraw-Hill Education, a leading education company focused on digital learning and education services worldwide. McGraw-Hill Financial’s leading brands include Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services, S&P Capital IQ, S&P Indices, Platts energy information services and JD Power and Associates. With sales of $6.2 billion in 2011, the Corporation has approximately 23,000 employees across more than 280 offices in 40 countries. Additional information is available at http://www.mcgraw-hill.com/.

Follow us on Twitter: @JDPower

No advertising or other promotional use can be made of the information in this release without the express prior written consent of JD Power and Associates. www.jdpower.com/corporate

 

Greater Number of Problems Reported on Long-Term Vehicle Dependability in India, As Problems Related to Engine and Overall Driving Experience Mount

1970-01-01

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SINGAPORE: 28 June 2012 — Customers report a greater number of problems on long-term vehicle dependability this year, primarily due to increase in the number of problems related to the engine and driving experience, according to the JD Power Asia Pacific 2012 India Vehicle Dependability Study^SM (VDS) released today.

The study measures problems experienced by original owners of 30- to 42-month-old vehicles in 169 different problem symptoms across nine vehicle categories: vehicle exterior; driving experience; features, controls and displays; audio and entertainment; seats; heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC); vehicle interior; engine; and transmission.

Overall vehicle dependability averages 225 problems per 100 vehicles (PP100) in 2012, an increase from 195 PP100 in 2011. Overall dependability is determined by the level of problems experienced per 100 vehicles, with a lower score reflecting higher quality.

The increase in problem counts is predominantly driven by an increase in problems related to the engine and driving experience. Together, these categories account for more than 40 percent of the problems reported by vehicle owners. Six of the top 10 problems that have deteriorated year-over-year relate to component and supplier parts.

“To build a positive and reliable perception in the minds of consumers, manufacturers in India need to provide a problem-free experience over a longer period of vehicle ownership,” said Mohit Arora, executive director at JD Power Asia Pacific, Singapore. “An increase in problems experienced by car owners, alongside an increase in the ownership period, acutely undermines consumer confidence and needs to be tackled expeditiously by automakers and their component suppliers.”

The study finds that the proportion of vehicles powered by smaller diesel engines (1.3 L to 1.4 L) has increased by 11 percentage points from 2011. However, with the increase in the proportion of smaller diesel engines, there is a parallel increase in the number of engine-related problems. The largest year-over-year increases in the number of engine-related problems experienced by owners of vehicles with smaller diesel engines are excessive fuel consumption and a lack of engine power.

“Minimizing the cost of operations has always been a high priority for value-oriented consumers in India,” said Arora. “Hence, vehicle buyers have opted for a smaller diesel engine in anticipation of better fuel efficiency and savings on overall fuel costs. However, when the actual fuel efficiency falls short of expectations over the longer term, it often leads to a higher problem count being reported and a decrease in overall vehicle owner satisfaction.”

The study, now in its fifth year, includes models in 11 vehicle segments: entry compact; compact; premium compact; entry mid; mid; premium mid; entry luxury; luxury; multi-utility/ multi-purpose vehicle (MUV/ MPV); sport-utility vehicle (SUV); and van.

Hyundai is the only improved make in 2012. Fewer reported problems in the HVAC, driving experience and vehicle exterior categories contribute to Hyundai’s 14-point improvement from 2011. Three Hyundai models garner awards in their respective segments: the Santro in the compact segment; the i20 in the premium compact segment; and the Verna in the mid segment.

“Hyundai’s performance in the 2012 study underscores the sustained improvements it has made in consistently improving longer-term product quality over the past three years,” said Arora. “Experiencing fewer problems than its key competition over a longer term is likely to aid Hyundai in further strengthening its image of dependability and reliability among its owners, helping to spread positive word-of-mouth advertising.”

Honda receives model awards for the Honda Civic (premium mid) and Honda CR-V (SUV). The Maruti Suzuki Swift Dzire receives the award in the entry mid segment, while the Toyota Innova receives the award in the MUV/ MPV segment.

The study also finds that there are a higher number of problems experienced among vehicle owners who employ a driver, compared with those who do not employ a driver. The proportion of problems experienced by these owners is relatively higher in the HVAC; seats; audio and entertainment; and vehicle interior categories.

“Vehicle owners who employ a driver seem to be more observant of various aspects of their vehicle, in comparison to owners who drive their own vehicle,” said Arora. “They have more opportunities to observe and interact with the vehicle and, thus, are more sensitive to the problems that may crop up.”

Furthermore, among owners who indicate that they did not experience problems with their vehicle, 66 percent say they “definitely would” recommend their current model. This figure declines to 48 percent among owners who say that they experienced one or more problems with their vehicle.

The 2012 India Vehicle Dependability Study is based on evaluations from 7,866 original owners who purchased a new vehicle between July 2008 and September 2009. The study includes 62 vehicle models covering 16 nameplates and was fielded from January to April 2012 in 25 cities across India. The Vehicle Dependability Study is one of two JD Power Asia Pacific automotive quality studies for the India market. The Initial Quality Study (IQS) measures problems of new vehicles at two to six months of ownership. The India IQS will be published in November.

About JD Power Asia Pacific

JD Power Asia Pacific has offices in Tokyo, Singapore, Beijing, Shanghai and Bangkok that conduct customer satisfaction research and provide performance analytics services in the automotive, information technology and finance industries. Together, the five offices bring the language of customer satisfaction to consumers and businesses in Australia, China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Philippines, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam. Information regarding JD Power Asia Pacific and its products can be accessed through the Internet at www.jdpower.com. Media email contact: [email protected].

About JD Power and Associates

Headquartered in Westlake Village, Calif., JD Power and Associates is a global marketing information services company providing forecasting, performance improvement, social media and customer satisfaction insights and solutions.  The company’s quality and satisfaction measurements are based on responses from millions of consumers annually. For more information on car reviews and ratings, car insurance, health insurance, cell phone ratings, and more, please visit JDPower.com. JD Power and Associates is a business unit of The McGraw-Hill Companies.

About The McGraw-Hill Companies

McGraw-Hill announced on September 12, 2011, its intention to separate into two public companies: McGraw-Hill Financial, a leading provider of content and analytics to global financial markets, and McGraw-Hill Education, a leading education company focused on digital learning and education services worldwide. McGraw-Hill Financial’s leading brands include Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services, S&P Capital IQ, S&P Indices, Platts energy information services and JD Power and Associates. With sales of $6.2 billion in 2011, the Corporation has approximately 23,000 employees across more than 280 offices in 40 countries. Additional information is available at http://www.mcgraw-hill.com/.

Media Relations Contacts:

XingTi Liu; JD Power Asia Pacific; 08-Shenton Way, #44-02/03/04; Singapore, 068811;
Phone +65-67338980; [email protected]

John Tews; JD Power and Associates; 320 E. Big Beaver; Troy, MI, 48083 U.S.A.; 001 248-680-6218; [email protected]

No advertising or other promotional use can be made of the information in this release without the express prior written consent of JD Power and Associates. https://www.jdpower.com/corporate

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Number of Months of Income Required to Own a Small Car in India Remains Unchanged during the Past Five Years

1970-01-01

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SINGAPORE: 31 AUGUST 2012 — The average number of months of income required to purchase a small car in India, 10 months, has remained unchanged during the past five years, according to the JD Power Asia Pacific 2012 India Sales Satisfaction Index (SSI) Study^SM released today.

Although the average income level and transaction price of vehicles have increased in India, the financial stretch made by the customers to own a small car remains unchanged. This is driven primarily by customer aspirations to own higher-priced small cars.

“Over the past several years, automakers in India have continuously strived to offer higher value to their customers, especially for highly competitive small cars,” said Mohit Arora, executive director at JD Power Asia Pacific, Singapore. “This has resulted in far greater choices for customers, who have thus shown a propensity to migrate toward the greatest value offering.”

According to Arora, an increase in average household income and consumer preferences for better styling and feature contenting have driven vehicle shoppers to buy higher-spec small cars, resulting in owners’ income stretch remaining unchanged.

The study also finds that high petrol prices are driving consumer interest in diesel vehicles, as 43 percent of consumers are purchasing a diesel in 2012, up 11 percent from 2011. With increased demand come longer wait times for vehicle delivery, as customers indicate waiting 17 days, on average, for a diesel vehicle, nearly double the wait time in 2011.

“Communicating delivery time of the vehicle accurately and promptly is an important element of managing customer expectations,” said Arora. “Although delivery times have increased for several diesel models in 2012 due to external constraints, dealerships are able to more effectively manage expectations through proactive communication. This, in turn, helps automakers largely keep their customers satisfied with the overall sales experience, even though several disruptions happened in supply chain last year.”

Now in its 13th year, the India SSI Study examines seven factors that contribute to new-vehicle buyers’ overall satisfaction with the sales experience (listed in order of importance): delivery process, delivery timing, salesperson, sales initiation, dealer facility, paperwork and deal.

Overall sales satisfaction is 820 index points on a 1,000-point scale, which is a decline of two points from 2011. Satisfaction in each factor declines year over year, most notably in salesperson (down by 6 points).

Among the 12 brands ranked in the study, Honda ranks highest with an overall score of 835 and performs well across all seven factors. Hyundai ranks second with a score of 829, followed by Maruti Suzuki at 824.  Mahindra is the most improved make, achieving a 17-point increase from 2011.

Seven of the 12 ranked brands improve year over year, with Mahindra achieving the largest improvement in the study, compared with 2011 (up 17 points).

“Mahindra customers indicate greater sensitivity toward the convenience of delivery time by the network, which in turn positively impacts satisfaction” said Arora. “Improved performance on explanations during delivery also contributes to Mahindra’s ability to provide a satisfying customer buying experience.”

Owners who are highly satisfied with the overall purchase experience report higher levels of advocacy and loyalty toward the dealership and the vehicle brand, compared with highly satisfied owners. Among owners who are highly satisfied with their purchase experience at the dealership (satisfaction scores of 882 or higher), 81 percent say they “definitely will” recommend their purchase dealer to a friend or relative. These owners are also far more likely to repurchase or recommend the same brand in the future. In contrast, only 53 percent of highly dissatisfied owners (satisfaction scores of 768 or below) say they “definitely will” recommend their dealer.

The 2012 India Sales Satisfaction Index (SSI) Study is based on responses from 7,382 new-vehicle owners who purchased their vehicle between September 2011 and April 2012 and includes evaluations of more than 85 models. The study was fielded from March to July 2012.

About JD Power Asia Pacific

JD Power Asia Pacific has offices in Tokyo, Singapore, Beijing, Shanghai and Bangkok that conduct customer satisfaction research and provide consulting services in the automotive, information technology and finance industries. Together, the five offices bring the language of customer satisfaction to consumers and businesses in China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Philippines, Taiwan and Thailand. Information regarding JD Power Asia Pacific and its products can be accessed through the Internet at www.jdpower.com. Media e-mail contact: [email protected]

About JD Power and Associates

Headquartered in Westlake Village, Calif., JD Power and Associates is a global marketing information services company operating in key business sectors including market research, forecasting, performance improvement, Web intelligence and customer satisfaction.  The company’s quality and satisfaction measurements are based on responses from millions of consumers annually.  For more information on car reviews and ratings, car insurance, health insurance, cell phone ratings, and more, please visit JDPower.com. JD Power and Associates is a business unit of The McGraw-Hill Companies.

About The McGraw-Hill Companies

McGraw-Hill announced on September 12, 2011, its intention to separate into two companies: McGraw-Hill Financial, a leading provider of content and analytics to global financial markets, and McGraw-Hill Education, a leading education company focused on digital learning and education services worldwide. McGraw-Hill Financial’s leading brands include Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services, S&P Capital IQ, S&P Dow Jones Indices, Platts energy information services and JD Power and Associates. With sales of $6.2 billion in 2011, the Corporation has approximately 23,000 employees across more than 280 offices in 40 countries. Additional information is available at http://www.mcgraw-hill.com/.

Follow us on Twitter: @JDPower

No advertising or other promotional use can be made of the information in this release without the express prior written consent of JD Power and Associates. www.jdpower.com/corporate

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Consumers in India Are Increasingly Cross-Shopping Multiple Models When Buying a New Vehicle

1970-01-01

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SINGAPORE: 27 SEPT. 2012 — Cross-shopping activity in India increases year over year, as more prospective vehicle buyers are considering one or more models during their shopping process, according to the JD Power Asia Pacific 2012 India Escaped Shopper Study^SM (ESS) released today.

The study, which examines the reasons why new-vehicle shoppers consider but ultimately reject certain models in favor of another, finds that 28 percent of new-vehicle buyers considered one or more vehicles before selecting the vehicle they ultimately purchased, up from 23 percent in 2011. The increase in cross-shopping rates is primarily driven by repeat new-vehicle buyers–shoppers who are either purchasing an additional vehicle or replacing their household vehicle–as more than one-third of repeat buyers considered one or more models during their shopping activity, an increase of nearly 9 percent from 2011. The cross-shopping rate among first-time vehicle buyers remains largely unchanged from 2011 at 20 percent.

“Repeat buyers tend to shop more than first-time buyers, but this has further increased in 2012 with the launch of several new models in the country,” said Mohit Arora, executive director at JD Power Asia Pacific, Singapore. “Repeat buyers typically have a greater willingness to experiment with new models that are launched in the market. With the significant increase in new-model launches in 2012, this set of shoppers clearly has a wider range of choices.”

Arora also noted that repeat vehicle buyers show greater involvement in the shopping process and are more likely to visit dealerships and test drive new models before making their final purchase decision.

One-third of customers rejected the vehicle they initially considered purchasing because they wanted a vehicle with better fuel economy. Price continues to be among the major reasons for rejecting a vehicle. However, shoppers cite price less often in 2012 compared with 2011 as buyers increasingly prefer vehicles that provide a cost-of-operation advantage.

“The increases in fuel prices during the past year appear to have a significant impact on vehicle shopping preferences and vehicle-buying decisions,” said Arora. “Vehicle operating costs are therefore superseding initial acquisition costs in the buying decision process, as shoppers increasingly choose between similar priced vehicles.”

In terms of consideration, Maruti Suzuki continues to be the most considered nameplate among vehicle buyers, despite a decline in consideration rate year over year. Conversely, the consideration rates of such makes as Toyota and Mahindra sharply increase from 2011.

The 2012 India Escaped Shopper Study is based on responses of 7,382 buyers and 2,721 rejecters of new cars and new utility vehicles who purchased their vehicle between September 2011 and April 2012. The study was fielded from March to July 2012.

About JD Power Asia Pacific

JD Power Asia Pacific has offices in Tokyo, Singapore, Beijing, Shanghai and Bangkok that conduct customer satisfaction research and provide consulting services in the automotive, information technology and finance industries. Together, the five offices bring the language of customer satisfaction to consumers and businesses in China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Philippines, Taiwan and Thailand. Information regarding JD Power Asia Pacific and its products can be accessed through the Internet at www.jdpower.com. Media e-mail contact: [email protected]

About JD Power and Associates

Headquartered in Westlake Village, Calif., JD Power and Associates is a global marketing information services company operating in key business sectors including market research, forecasting, performance improvement, Web intelligence and customer satisfaction.  The company’s quality and satisfaction measurements are based on responses from millions of consumers annually.  For more information on car reviews and ratings, car insurance, health insurance, cell phone ratings, and more, please visit JDPower.com. JD Power and Associates is a business unit of The McGraw-Hill Companies.

About The McGraw-Hill Companies

McGraw-Hill announced on September 12, 2011, its intention to separate into two companies: McGraw-Hill Financial, a leading provider of content and analytics to global financial markets, and McGraw-Hill Education, a leading education company focused on digital learning and education services worldwide. McGraw-Hill Financial’s leading brands include Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services, S&P Capital IQ, S&P Dow Jones Indices, Platts energy information services and JD Power and Associates. With sales of $6.2 billion in 2011, the Corporation has approximately 23,000 employees across more than 280 offices in 40 countries. Additional information is available at http://www.mcgraw-hill.com/.

Follow us on Twitter: @JDPower

No advertising or other promotional use can be made of the information in this release without the express prior written consent of JD Power and Associates. www.jdpower.com/corporate

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Customer Expectations of Convenience during Vehicle Service Rises Significantly in India

1970-01-01

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SINGAPORE:  31 October 2012 — Vehicle owners in India increasingly seek speed and convenience when having their vehicle serviced, according to the JD Power Asia Pacific 2012 India Customer Service Index (CSI) Study ^SM released today.

The study, now in its 16th year, measures satisfaction among vehicle owners who visit an authorized dealership service center for maintenance or repair work between the first 12 to 24 months of vehicle ownership. The study measures overall satisfaction in five factors (listed in order of importance): service quality; vehicle pick-up; service advisor; service facility; and service initiation. Overall customer satisfaction is measured on a 1,000-point scale, with a higher score indicating higher satisfaction.

The study finds that vehicle owners increasingly consider faster turnaround in service, door-step service and alternate transportation arrangements post vehicle drop-off as essential to satisfaction.

Satisfaction is significantly higher among vehicle owners whose dealership provides an alternate form of transportation while their vehicle is being serviced than among those who do not receive this service. Correspondingly, during the past three years, the gap in satisfaction between these two groups of customers has increased by 41 points. The expectation for this service continues to outpace the delivery of it from dealerships by nearly 29 percent.

Door-step service for vehicle owners also contributes to higher satisfaction scores. Overall satisfaction is 43 points higher among owners whose vehicle is picked up from and dropped off at their home or work by the dealership than among those who take their vehicle to the dealership service center themselves.

“Vehicle owners view the service process as an essential errand that needs to be completed,” said Mohit Arora, executive director JDPower Asia Pacific. “With increasing stress of the daily commute, time commitments and other complexities in their daily life, owners highly appreciate the actions that dealers take to mitigate the effort required for service.”

Overall customer satisfaction with the dealership service experience has increased by 10 points from 2011 to 834 in 2012, demonstrating that operational improvements continue to remain a focus for the industry. Satisfaction has improved in all five factors, with the largest increase in the service quality factor.

The study also finds that during the past three years, there has been a significant reduction in the cost of maintaining and repairing vehicles, which correlates to the improvement in the overall quality of vehicles being produced. In 2012, vehicle owners have experienced significantly fewer problems, compared with 2010. This year, 10 percent of owners have experienced a problem with their petrol-fueled vehicle during the initial 12 to 24 months of ownership, down from 17 percent in 2010. Similarly, the percentage of owners who have experienced a problem with their diesel-powered vehicle has declined to 14 percent in 2012 from 24 percent in 2010.   

“While reduction in the number of problems experienced during ownership has contributed to the reduction in the cost of vehicle maintenance and repairs for owners, the overall cost of running vehicles has gone up,” said Arora. “Fuel price increases are the primary reason for the rising costs, especially for petrol models, for which a 13 percent reduction in the cost of maintenance has been offset by a 31 percent increase in the cost spent on fuel between 2010 and 2012.”

Maruti Suzuki ranks highest in customer satisfaction with dealer service for a 13th consecutive year, with a score of 879 points. Maruti Suzuki performs particularly well across all factors. Mahindra is the most improved make in 2012, significantly improving across all five factors of service operations.

Vehicle owners who are highly satisfied with dealer service tend to have higher levels of advocacy and loyalty to the dealership and the brand. Among owners who are highly satisfied with their service experience at the dealership (service satisfaction scores averaging 930 and above), 93 percent indicate they “definitely would” revisit their service dealer for post-warranty service. In contrast, only 38 percent of less-satisfied owners (service satisfaction scores averaging 768 and below) say the same. Similarly, 85 percent of highly satisfied owners indicate they “definitely would” purchase their next vehicle from the service dealer, compared with just 31 percent of those who are less satisfied.

The 2012 India Customer Service Index Study is based on evaluations from 7,594 vehicle owners. The study was fielded from May to August 2012 and includes owners who purchased their vehicle between May 2010 and August 2011.

About JD Power Asia Pacific

JD Power Asia Pacific has offices in Tokyo, Singapore, Beijing, Shanghai and Bangkok that conduct customer satisfaction research and provide consulting services in the automotive, information technology and finance industries. Together, the five offices bring the language of customer satisfaction to consumers and businesses in China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Philippines, Taiwan and Thailand. Information regarding JD Power Asia Pacific and its products can be accessed through the Internet at www.jdpower.com. Media e-mail contact: [email protected]

About JD Power and Associates

Headquartered in Westlake Village, Calif., JD Power and Associates is a global marketing information services company operating in key business sectors including market research, forecasting, performance improvement, Web intelligence and customer satisfaction.  The company’s quality and satisfaction measurements are based on responses from millions of consumers annually.  For more information on car reviews and ratings, car insurance, health insurance, cell phone ratings, and more, please visit JDPower.com. JD Power and Associates is a business unit of The McGraw-Hill Companies.

About The McGraw-Hill Companies

McGraw-Hill announced on September 12, 2011, its intention to separate into two companies: McGraw-Hill Financial, a leading provider of content and analytics to global financial markets, and McGraw-Hill Education, a leading education company focused on digital learning and education services worldwide. McGraw-Hill Financial’s leading brands include Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services, S&P Capital IQ, S&P Dow Jones Indices, Platts energy information services and JD Power and Associates. With sales of $6.2 billion in 2011, the Corporation has approximately 23,000 employees across more than 280 offices in 40 countries. Additional information is available at http://www.mcgraw-hill.com/.

Media Relations Contacts:

John Tews; JD Power and Associates; Troy, Mich.; (248) 680-6218; [email protected]

Xingti Liu; JD Power Asia Pacific; 08-Shenton Way, #44-02/03/04; Singapore, 068811; Phone +65-67338980; [email protected]

Follow us on Twitter: @JDPower

No advertising or other promotional use can be made of the information in this release without the express prior written consent of JD Power and Associates. www.jdpower.com/corporate

 

New-Vehicle Owners in India Report Significantly Fewer Fuel Consumption-Related Problems During the Past Five Years

1970-01-01

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SINGAPORE: 30 November 2012 — While the incidence of initial quality problems reported by new-vehicle owners in India is slightly higher in 2012 than in 2011, the incidence of problems related to excessive fuel consumption has significantly declined during the past five years, according to the JD Power Asia Pacific 2012 India Initial Quality Study^SM (IQS) released today.

The study, now in its 16th year, measures problems owners experience with their new vehicle during the first two to six months of ownership and examines more than 200 problem symptoms covering eight vehicle categories (listed in order of frequency of reported problems): engine and transmission; vehicle exterior; driving experience; HVAC; features, controls and displays; vehicle interior; seats; and audio, entertainment and navigation. All problems are summarized as the number of problems per 100 vehicles (PP100). Lower PP100 scores indicate a lower rate of problem incidence and higher initial quality.

Overall initial quality in India averages 120 PP100 in 2012, which is a slight increase from 119 PP100 in 2011. The number of owner-reported initial quality problems has remained largely unchanged across all categories from 2011.

There has been a significant reduction of 23 percent in the incidence of problems related to excessive fuel consumption during the past five years, which indicates that automakers in India are producing more fuel-efficient vehicles. Vehicle owners report fuel economy figures in 2012 that are 10 percent higher than in 2008. 

“Historically, fuel efficiency has been one of the key drivers of model consideration and purchase in India,” said Mohit Arora, executive director at JD Power Asia Pacific, Singapore. “The reduction in fuel consumption-related problems is a result of both the advancements in engine technology and the adoption of smaller engine capacities in the Indian automotive industry. The effectiveness of these initiatives is clearly visible via fewer owner-reported problems with excessive fuel consumption.”

However, the study also finds a gap between the promise of fuel efficiency made during the purchase process and the actual fuel efficiency experienced by owners.  In 2012, 67 percent of new-vehicle owners report that their vehicle’s fuel efficiency was less than what their salesperson communicated to them during the purchase process, an increase of five percentage point since 2008.

“Fuel efficiency perceptions remain an area that the industry still needs to work on,” said Arora. “As technological advancements make vehicles more sophisticated, clearer communication during the purchase process will help set more realistic owner expectations on product performance. It would be prudent for automakers and their dealer networks to continue efforts to bridge the gap between expectations and reality on product performance.”

Honda and Toyota each have two models that rank highest in their respective segments. The Honda City ranks highest in the midsize segment for a 10th consecutive year, while the newly launched Honda Brio ranks highest in the premium compact car segment. The Toyota Innova ranks highest in the MUV/ MPV segment for a sixth consecutive year, and the Toyota Fortuner ranks highest in the SUV segment.

The Hyundai Santro receives the award in the compact car segment, and the Maruti Suzuki Swift DZire receives the award in the entry midsize car segment for a third consecutive year.

The study finds that vehicle owner expectations of the incidence of quality issues they may experience have a strong bearing on model advocacy. Among vehicle owners who experience more problems than expected, 38 percent say they “definitely would” recommend their model, compared with 73 percent among those who experience fewer problems than expected.

The 2012 India Initial Quality Study (IQS) is based on evaluations from 8,688 owners who purchased a new vehicle between November 2011 and July 2012. The study includes 94 vehicle models from 16 makes. The study was fielded from May to September 2012 in 25 cities across India.

About JD Power Asia Pacific

JD Power Asia Pacific has offices in Tokyo, Singapore, Beijing, Shanghai and Bangkok that conduct customer satisfaction research and provide consulting services in the automotive, information technology and finance industries. Together, the five offices bring the language of customer satisfaction to consumers and businesses in China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Philippines, Taiwan and Thailand. Information regarding JD Power Asia Pacific and its products can be accessed through the Internet at www.jdpower.com. Media e-mail contact: [email protected]

About JD Power and Associates

Headquartered in Westlake Village, Calif., JD Power and Associates is a global marketing information services company operating in key business sectors including market research, forecasting, performance improvement, Web intelligence and customer satisfaction.  The company’s quality and satisfaction measurements are based on responses from millions of consumers annually.  For more information on car reviews and ratings, car insurance, health insurance, cell phone ratings, and more, please visit JDPower.com. JD Power and Associates is a business unit of The McGraw-Hill Companies.

About The McGraw-Hill Companies

McGraw-Hill announced on September 12, 2011, its intention to separate into two companies: McGraw-Hill Financial, a leading provider of content and analytics to global financial markets, and McGraw-Hill Education, a leading education company focused on digital learning and education services worldwide. McGraw-Hill Financial’s leading brands include Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services, S&P Capital IQ, S&P Dow Jones Indices, JD Power and Associates and Platts, a leader in commodities information. With sales of $6.2 billion in 2011, the Corporation has approximately 23,000 employees across more than 280 offices in 40 countries. Additional information is available at http://www.mcgraw-hill.com/.

Media Relations Contacts:

XingTi Liu; JD Power Asia Pacific; 08-Shenton Way, #44-02/03/04; Singapore, 068811; Phone +65-67338980; [email protected]

John Tews; JD Power and Associates; Troy, Mich.; (248) 680-6218; [email protected]

Follow us on Twitter: @JDPower

No advertising or other promotional use can be made of the information in this release without the express prior written consent of JD Power and Associates. www.jdpower.com/corporate.
 

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Vehicle Interior Gains Importance as a Driver of Satisfaction among New-Vehicle Owners in India

1970-01-01

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SINGAPORE: 21 December 2012 — New-vehicle satisfaction is increasingly being driven by the vehicle interior, according to the JD Power Asia Pacific 2012 India Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) Study^SM released today.

Now in its 14th year, the India APEAL Study is an owner-reported measure of what gratifies vehicle owners in India with the design, features, layout and performance of their new vehicle during the first two months of ownership. The study measures satisfaction across 10 performance categories: vehicle exterior; vehicle interior; storage and space; audio/ entertainment/ navigation; seats; heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC); driving dynamics; engine/ transmission; visibility and driving safety; and fuel economy. Overall APEAL performance is reported as an index score based on a 1,000-point scale, with a higher score indicating higher satisfaction.

The study finds that during the past four years, the impact of the vehicle interior on overall satisfaction has increased consistently, particularly in the two fastest-growing vehicle segments in India–small car  (which includes entry compact, compact and premium compact cars) and utility (which includes MUV/ MPVs, SUVs and vans). However, visibility and driving safety, followed by fuel economy, continue to be the leading drivers of satisfaction among new-vehicle owners in India. The interior factor has experienced a 28-point improvement compared with 2009, and an 8-point improvement over 2011.

“To improve the quality and aesthetics of their models, automakers have made significant efforts and investments to enhance the overall design and quality of the vehicle interior, even in the small car segment,” said Mohit Arora, executive director, JD Power Asia Pacific. “This is evident in the newly launched models, as well as the refreshed models launched in 2012. Both newly launched and refreshed models perform 17 points higher in the interior factor compared with other models.”

The overall APEAL score in 2012 averages 836, which is a seven-point increase from 2011. The industry improves across all 10 categories, similar to 2011, with the largest improvements in fuel economy and vehicle interior.

Satisfaction is higher among owners of diesel-powered vehicles than among owners of petrol-powered vehicles. Moreover, the gap in satisfaction scores between owners of diesel and petrol vehicles has changed significantly during the past four years. In 2012, the APEAL score for diesel vehicles is 22 points higher than for petrol vehicles, while in 2009 the score for petrol vehicles was 3 points higher than that for diesel vehicles. Further, diesel vehicles achieve an average APEAL score of 839 for fuel economy in 2012, which is 24 index points higher than for petrol vehicles.

“The fuel price gap is driving demand for diesel vehicles in India and has made petrol vehicle owners increasingly wary of the amount they spend to run their vehicle,” said Arora. “This is reflected in their overall level of satisfaction as well, since they seem more critical of various aspects of the vehicle, such as fuel economy.”

Model Results by Segment

The Chevrolet Spark and Maruti Suzuki Estilo rank highest in a tie in the compact car segment with a score of 837 each. The Chevrolet Spark performs particularly well in the audio/ entertainment/ navigation and driving dynamics categories, while the Maruti Suzuki Estilo performs particularly well in seats.
The Maruti Suzuki Swift DZire ranks highest in the entry midsize car segment for a fifth consecutive year, with a score of 841.

The Maruti Suzuki SX4 and the Nissan Sunny rank highest in a tie in the midsize car segment with 853 points each.  Both models perform particularly well in the storage and space and HVAC categories.

The Honda Jazz ranks highest in the premium compact car segment with a score of 866 index points and performs well across all 10 categories.

Toyota leads the utility vehicle segments, as the Innova ranks highest in the MUV/ MPV segment for a sixth consecutive year, with a score of 872, while the Fortuner ranks highest in the SUV segment with a score of 877, which is the highest APEAL score in the study.

The 2012 India APEAL Study is based on responses from more than 8,000 owners who purchased a new vehicle between November 2011 and July 2012. The study was fielded between May and September 2012 in 25 cities across India.

About JD Power Asia Pacific

JD Power Asia Pacific has offices in Tokyo, Singapore, Beijing, Shanghai and Bangkok that conduct customer satisfaction research and provide consulting services in the automotive, information technology and finance industries. Together, the five offices bring the language of customer satisfaction to consumers and businesses in China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Philippines, Taiwan and Thailand. Information regarding JD Power Asia Pacific and its products can be accessed through the Internet at www.jdpower.com. Media e-mail contact: [email protected]

About JD Power and Associates

Headquartered in Westlake Village, Calif., JD Power and Associates is a global marketing information services company operating in key business sectors including market research, forecasting, performance improvement, Web intelligence and customer satisfaction.  The company’s quality and satisfaction measurements are based on responses from millions of consumers annually.  For more information on car reviews and ratings, car insurance, health insurance, cell phone ratings, and more, please visit JDPower.com. JD Power and Associates is a business unit of The McGraw-Hill Companies.

About The McGraw-Hill Companies

McGraw-Hill announced on September 12, 2011, its intention to separate into two companies: McGraw-Hill Financial, a leading provider of content and analytics to global financial markets, and McGraw-Hill Education, a leading education company focused on digital learning and education services worldwide. McGraw-Hill Financial’s leading brands include Standard & Poor’s Ratings Services, S&P Capital IQ, S&P Dow Jones Indices, JD Power and Associates and Platts, a leader in commodities information. With sales of $6.2 billion in 2011, the Corporation has approximately 23,000 employees across more than 280 offices in 40 countries. Additional information is available at http://www.mcgraw-hill.com/.

Follow us on Twitter: @JDPower

No advertising or other promotional use can be made of the information in this release without the express prior written consent of JD Power and Associates. www.jdpower.com/corporate

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JD Power India Website and Consumer Ratings Centre Goes Live

2013-03-12

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SINGAPORE: 12 March 2013 — JD Power Asia Pacific announces the launch of its new website that offers insights on the automotive market in India.

The website, www.jdpower.co.in, provides two dedicated destinations designed for easy navigation. Both consumers and automakers are able to view their respective Web pages to gain expert insights and unbiased information on the auto industry in India.

For Consumers in India

The new website features Power Circle Ratings™ which provide a quick and easy guide to the ranking performance of automotive brands included in JD Power Asia Pacific studies. For many years, consumers around the world have relied on Power Circle Ratings to help them make informed product and purchase decisions. All ratings are based on the evaluations of those who own the vehicle being assessed or who have had their vehicle serviced, and not on the opinions or preferences of JD Power Asia Pacific or its analysts.”As the conduit of the Voice of the Customer, JD Power is grateful for the feedback from millions of consumers who participate each year in our surveys,” said Mohit Arora, executive director at JD Power Asia Pacific. “We are pleased to offer the ratings in return, which empower them as well as other consumers in their vehicle purchase decision-making process.”Consumers can also access the News/Blog page on the website for JD Power’s perspectives on the latest trends and topics influencing the automotive industry.

For Automakers in India

For automakers, the website offers a dedicated destination that provides consumer insights and study findings from JD Power Asia Pacific. The website offers automakers in India an independent source of information that allows them to compare their performance in the various measures included in JD Power studies with the performance of competitors.  

“Over the years, JD Power has been transmitting Voice of the Customer insights to automakers to facilitate improvements in vehicle quality and service standards,” said Arora. “Valuable insights about consumer expectations and preferences are essential for the automotive industry to keep abreast with changes in consumer behavior and to better meet their expectations.”

Arora notes that India has quickly emerged as an attractive but highly competitive market in the global auto industry. “To stay ahead of competition, automotive manufacturers must make consistent efforts in improving on all stages of the vehicle life cycle, from product planning to customer loyalty and retention,” said Arora.

According to LMC Automotive, JD Power’s automotive forecasting alliance partner, light-vehicle sales in India are expected to increase to 3.56 million units in 2013, a 9 percent increase from 2012. This growth rate is likely to reach nearly 9.87 million units in 2020.

“Being attuned to the Voice of the Customer may well position automakers to achieve a larger share of sales,” said Arora.

About JD Power Asia Pacific

JD Power Asia Pacific has offices in Tokyo, Singapore, Beijing, Shanghai and Bangkok that conduct customer satisfaction research and provide consulting services in the automotive, information technology and finance industries. Together, the five offices bring the language of customer satisfaction to consumers and businesses in China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Philippines, Taiwan and Thailand. Information regarding JD Power Asia Pacific and its products can be accessed through the Internet at www.jdpower.com. Media e-mail contact: [email protected]

About JD Power and Associates

Headquartered in Westlake Village, Calif., JD Power and Associates is a global marketing information services company providing forecasting, performance improvement, social media and customer satisfaction insights and solutions. The company’s quality and satisfaction measurements are based on responses from millions of consumers annually. For more information on car reviews and ratings, car insurance, health insurance, cell phone ratings, and more, please visit JDPower.com. JD Power and Associates is a business unit of The McGraw-Hill Companies.

About The McGraw-Hill Companies

The McGraw-Hill Companies (NYSE: MHP), a financial intelligence and education company, signed an agreement to sell its McGraw-Hill Education business to investment funds affiliated with Apollo Global Management, LLC in November 2012. Following the sale closing, expected in early 2013, the Company will be renamed McGraw Hill Financial (subject to shareholder approval) and will be a powerhouse in benchmarks, content and analytics for the global capital and commodity markets. The Company’s leading brands will include: Standard & Poor’s, S&P Capital IQ, S&P Dow Jones Indices, Platts, Crisil, JD Power and Associates, McGraw-Hill Construction and Aviation Week. The Company will have approximately 17,000 employees in more than 30 countries.  Additional information is available at www.mcgraw-hill.com.

Follow us on Twitter: @JDPower

No advertising or other promotional use can be made of the information in this release without the express prior written consent of JD Power and Associates. www.jdpower.com/corporate

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