For Immediate release: January 9, 2014
Chevrolet Captiva Most Appealing SUV in J.D. Power
Study
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Captiva ranked highest in SUV segment
Scored 918 points against industry average of 913
Colorado Z71 Extended-Cab ranked second in Pickup Extended Cab
segment with 915 points against industry-average of 906
Bangkok, Thailand: Chevrolet Sales Thailand’s (Chevrolet) continued efforts to
enhance quality and provide customers with class-leading and relevant products
has paid off once again in the latest J.D. Power Asia Pacific 2013 Thailand
Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) StudySM. The Study that
covered only vehicles sold domestically in Thailand, named the Chevrolet
Captiva as the most Appealing SUV, scoring a total of 918 points out of a
possible 1,000, and five points above the industry average.
While the Captiva tied with a competing product for the SUV segment, it posts
the industry benchmarks in five out of 10 APEAL categories. Areas in which the
Captiva excelled include vehicle exterior, audio/entertainment/navigation,
driving dynamics, engine/transmission and fuel economy. ‘Vehicle Exterior’ is
one of the most critical categories,
This is the second time the Captiva has been ranked in J.D. Power’s APEAL
study. It was ranked the top three in the same study in 2012. The Captiva was
also ranked amongst the top three in another J.D. Power study, the Thailand
Initial Quality Study (IQS) in December 2013. The IQS studies owner-reported
problems in the first 90 days of new-vehicle ownership. Scoring is based on
problems that caused breakdowns or malfunctions, and on controls or features
that work but are difficult to use or understand.
Meanwhile, the Chevrolet Colorado Z71 Extended Cab was ranked second in the
Pickup Extended Cab segment, with 915 points, nine points above the industry
average in the 2013 APEAL Study. This is also the second time the Colorado Z71
Extended Cab has appeared in the same study, the first time in 2012. The
Pickup Extended Cab segment is the largest award segment in terms of number
of models covered
Gustavo Colossi, Vice President of Sales, Marketing and Aftersales, Chevrolet
Sales Thailand and GM Southeast Asia Operations, said: “It is remarkable that
the Captiva posts the industry benchmarks in five out of 10 APEAL categories.
This shows the Captiva is spot-on when it comes to addressing market demands
and selling to customers a product that is relevant, in addition to superior
aesthetics and driving dynamics.”
J.D. Power’s APEAL study aims to measure owners’ satisfaction with their new
vehicles’ performance and design during the first two to six months of
ownership. The study examines almost 100 attributes, covering 10 categories
that include exterior, interior, storage and space,
audio/entertainment/navigation, seats, HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, AirConditioning), driving dynamics, engine/transmission, visibility and driving
safety and fuel economy.
According to J.D. Power’s latest study, audio/entertainment/navigation is now
amongst the top three most critical vehicle components across segments, in
addition to a vehicle’s exterior. Owners of entry-level models are unwilling to
compromise on audio quality and features, and expect features like multi-format
playback compatibility to be standard, regardless of the vehicle’s price.
The 2013 Thailand APEAL study was based on evaluations from 5,013 vehicle
owners, who purchased their vehicles between October 2012 and June 2013. It
considered 78 different types of vehicles across 13 makes. Fieldwork was
conducted from April to August 2013.
Colossi said, “Chevrolet remains committed to bringing fresh products and
solutions to customers, supported by a quality-focused manufacturing process
and customer care. This is especially important since the latest APEAL study
discovered that scores are better when customers get clear instructions and
explanations about their new cars’ operation and features.”
To date, Chevrolet has sold a total of 119,972 Colorado pickup trucks and
32,912 Captiva SUVs, both launched in 2011. The total covers both domestic
and export sales.
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About Chevrolet
Founded in 1911 in Detroit, Chevrolet is now one of the world's largest car brands,
doing business in more than 140 countries and selling more than 4 million cars and
trucks a year. Chevrolet provides customers with fuel-efficient vehicles that feature
spirited performance, expressive design, and high quality. More information on Chevrolet
models can be found at www.chevrolet.com.
For more information please visit www.chevrolet.co.th, http://media.gm.com/ or
www.facebook.com/chevyclub
You may also contact:
Vijo Varghese (Mr.)
Senior Public Relations Manager
General Motors (Thailand) Limited
Chevrolet Sales (Thailand) Limited
Tel (direct): +66 2791 4885
Mobile: +66 81 99 63 878
Vijo.varghese@gm.com
Giavanna Palazzolo (Ms)
Weber Shandwick Worldwide
Tel: +662 343 6065
Email:Giavanna@webershandwick.com