WESTLAKE VILLAGE, Calif. -

Stocking the new cars that are most appealing to customers may bring more shoppers out to your lot.. And these very same vehicles are likely to catch more eyes in the pre-owned department when the trade-ins hit the market.

J.D. Power’s 2013 U.S. Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) study was released Wednesday, with the Land Rover Range Rover achieving the highest APEAL score of any model in the industry this year.

J.D. Power explained this is the first time a model outside the large premium car segment has held this spot.

“Appealing vehicles are simply good news for both consumers and automakers,” said David Sargent, vice president of global automotive at J.D. Power. “Even within the same vehicle segment, consumers are willing to spend substantially more on vehicles that they find attractive, provide the performance and utility they are looking for and have well-executed interiors. These vehicles also sell more quickly.”

The APEAL Study, which measures new-vehicle appeal, is based on the survey responses gathered between February and May  from more than 83,000 purchasers and lessees of new 2013 model-year cars and light trucks who were surveyed after the first 90 days of ownership, the company explained.

“Owners evaluate their vehicle across 77 attributes, which roll up into an overall APEAL score on a 1,000-point scale,” the company shared.

This year’s ranking highlights spanned the gamut from European luxury brands to the domestic Chevrolet, which received the highest number of segment awards of any brand as its Avalanche, Sonic and Volt models all receiving awards for the second year in a row.

Receiving two model awards eah were the Ford and Nissan brands. For Ford, the F-250/F-350 Super Duty and Mustang were the most appealing to customers, while the Armada and Murano received awards for Nissan.

 

For corporations, VW Group received the highest number of segment awards (five) for the Audi allroad, Porsche Boxster, Porsche Cayenne, Volkswagen GTI and Volkswagen Passat. Meanwhile, General Motors received four, and Ford notched three. For the nameplate awards, Porsche ranked the highest.

Also receiving awards are the BMW 5 Series; Buick Encore; Dodge Charger; Fiat 500; Honda Odyssey; Kia Soul; Land Rover Range Rover; Lexus LS; Lincoln MKZ; Mazda CX-5; and Mercedes-Benz SL-Class, J.D. Power reported.

Owner Trends

J.D. Power also shared that the results from the study show that manufacturers are able to charge more for vehicles with higher APPEAL.

“Owners of vehicles with an APEAL score of 100 points or higher than the segment average typically spend at least $1,800 more on their new vehicle than do owners of vehicles with a score of at least 100 points lower than the segment average,” according to the study.

The study also found that vehicles with APEAL scores of at least 100 points higher than the segment average stay on dealer lots an average of three days less than vehicles with scores at least 100 points below the segment average.

The study also found a vehicle’s “appeal” might have an effect on brand loyalty.

In analyzing some of the results of previous years’ studies, J.D. Power found that  nearly two-thirds (64 percent) of owners whose vehicle achieved an APEAL score at least 100 points above the segment average repurchase the same brand the next time they shop for a new vehicle, compared with just 55 percent of those whose vehicle scored at least 100 points below the segment average.

“One percentage point of loyalty is worth tens or even hundreds of millions of dollars to automakers,” said Sargent. “These companies are fighting for every last customer, and it is clear that appealing products remain the key to achieving this.”

 

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