Hyundai Automotive Group, the world's sixth-largest vehicle maker, continues to prove its high quality as its two flagship subsidiaries Hyundai Motor and Kia Motor climb fast up the ladder in global surveys. J.D. Power and Associates, a U.S.-based research outfit, announced its annual report on vehicle dependability Thursday, giving favorable ratings to both Hyundai and Kia.Hyundai Motor's score improved by 13 points to 148, from 161 last year to advance to 11th among 36 companies, from 14th last year. That of Kia Motor also rose from 27th slot to 20th. Excluding luxury sedans such as Porsche or Mercedes Benz, Hyundai ranked sixth while Kia was 11th. The ranks are better than those of such international powerhouses as Nissan or Volkswagen, which got 180 points and 225, respectively.
J.D. Power studies any problems experienced by original owners of three-year-old automobiles. Hence, this year's research is about 2007 model-year vehicles sold between August 2006 and February 2007 in the United States.
The industry average for this year was 155 points. Low points for any firm represent better dependability of their models. The study is widely used as criteria to check the quality of carmakers and the resale value of their products.
"We are really honored to rack up such good scores in the study. We will not be complacent and will keep doing our best to further sharpen our competitive edge in technology down the road," a Hyundai spokesman said.
[Source: J.D. Power and Associates]
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