BY: ROBIN WULFFSON, M.D.
A few years ago, Hyundais were not a common sight on LA streets; they had a reputation for being both low in both cost and reliability. The vehicles still provide significant bang for the buck but now are noted for reliability and customer satisfaction. Hyundai currently boasts high satisfaction for its stable of vehicles, including its extremely popular Sonata mid-sized sedan.
On February 15, Hyundai Motor America announced that it had tied for the No. 1 spot in the automotive category in the 2013 Customer Loyalty Engagement Index. The annually syndicated study was published by Brand Keys, a New York-based brand, customer loyalty, and engagement consultancy. The report evaluates customers’ relationships with 375 different brands in 54 categories. This year marks the third year in a row in which Hyundai has achieved the top of the list in the automotive category. For the Brand Keys 2013 survey, 39,000 consumers self-selected the categories in which they are consumers and the brands for which they are customers. Assessments fused rational and emotional aspects of the categories to identify the drivers of loyalty and engagement, and to determine how well the brand met or exceeded consumers’ expectations in the category.
“Congratulations to Hyundai for yet another loyalty win,” noted Robert Passikoff, founder and president of Brand Keys, Inc. He added, “Hyundai has managed to sustain real levels of emotional engagement for their brand and for their customers by leveraging and personalizing technology, all the while providing real brand value.”
Hyundai attributes its continued brand success largely to the positive reception of its newly redesigned vehicles including Santa Fe, Elantra GT, Elantra Coupe, and Veloster Turbo, all of which have received significant consumer interest since their respective launches last year. These new vehicles contributed to Hyundai’s great success in 2012, breaking the 700,000 vehicle sales barrier and increasing market share to six percent.
“We’re looking forward to both new and returning customers experiencing a 2013 Hyundai line-up filled with stylish and affordable vehicles,” said Steve Shannon, vice president, Marketing, Hyundai Motor America. He added, “Hyundai continues to be completely committed to our customers from the moment they consider shopping for a new car, through the sales and service process. It’s rewarding to see that our efforts to exceed customer expectations results in superior long-term loyalty.”
Automotive brands rounding out the top of the list in the 2013 Index are: Ford (tied for No. 1), Toyota/Honda (tied for No. 2), GM (No. 3), Chrysler (No. 4), and BMW/Lexus (tied for No. 5).
The mid-sized Sonata sedan is positioned midway between the compact Accent/ Elantra and the luxury Genesis/Equus sedans; thus, it has wide appeal among those who demand a reasonably sized vehicle at a reasonable price. On February 12, the J.D. Power and Associates released its 2013 Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS). It ranked the Sonata ranked highest in its class, beating out leading competitors. Hyundai notes that the Sonata offers striking fluidic design, high fuel efficiency, and comes equipped with Hyundai’s own Blue Link infotainment system. In 2012, the Sonata recently broke its all-time yearly sales record, surpassing the 225,000 mark.
“In one of the most competitive segments within the industry, Sonata places highest in its class,” noted Erwin Raphael, director of engineering and quality, Hyundai Motor America. He added, “Hyundai is committed to providing customers with high-value vehicles that withstand the test of time. The quality and dependability of our models is important to reassuring owners that we care about their Hyundai experience beyond their initial purchase at the dealership.”
Hyundai notes that for the 2013 model year, Sonata builds on its trailblazing recipe of high-design and high fuel efficiency with more features, higher value and advanced technology. The 2013 Sonata is powered by the original Theta II GDI 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with a Gasoline Direct-Injection (GDI) fuel delivery system, contributing to an overall improved fuel efficiency and lower emissions. The Sonata sets the benchmark for midsize sedans offering sleek design, class-leading interior comfort, functionality and practicality all at an incredible high value.
The J.D. Power and Associates Vehicle Dependability Study measures problems experienced during the past 12 months by original owners of three-year-old (2010 model year) vehicles includes 202 specific problem symptoms grouped into eight major vehicle systems. The study results include industry insights, model rankings in each of the car and light-truck segments, and full nameplate rankings. Overall dependability is determined by the level of problems experienced per 100 vehicles (PP100), with a lower score reflecting higher quality.
Source: examiner.com
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