HYUNDAI, the world's fastest-growing automaker by brand, has once again shone in the 2014 J.D. Power Initial Quality Study (IQS), after being named as the highest ranked non-premium brand in the study with three of its models topping the charts in their respective categories. Acknowledged globally as an industry leader, J.D. Power presented three Hyundai vehicles, Genesis, Elantra and Accent, with their highest award for initial quality in their respective segments. Hyundai ranked fourth overall in initial quality, climbing six spots from last year, and was rated as the highest ranked non-premium brand for the third time in the last 10 years. The J.D. Power 2014 US Initial Quality Study, now in its 28th consecutive year, is the industry benchmark for new vehicle quality, measured at 90 days of ownership. In total, Hyundai registered six vehicles in the top three positions in their segments, including two second place finishes for Santa Fe and Sonata and a third place finish for its flagship Centennial model. The IQS serves as the industry benchmark for new vehicle quality and has proven to be an excellent predictor of long term reliability, which may significantly impact new vehicle purchase decisions. The focus of the study is model level performance and comparison of individual models to similar models in respective segments, which helps manufacturers worldwide to design and produce higher quality vehicles. The results will inspire further confidence among Hyundai's customers in the Middle East especially, where the Elantra and Accent were the Korean manufacturer's best-selling models in 2013 - a year that saw record sales results for Hyundai across the Middle East and Africa region. Tom Lee, Head of Hyundai Africa and Middle East Regional Headquarters, said: “Hyundai's success in the 2014 J.D. Power Initial Quality Study is testament to the company's dedication to building vehicles of superior quality to its competitors, in line with our ‘Modern Premium' brand direction. Accolades such as these will boost customer confidence in the quality of Hyundai models in the market.” — SG
