Maruti, Hyundai bag J D Power Asia Pacific awards

Maruti Udyog Limited continued to lead the Indian automotive market in customer satisfaction and dealer service bagging the J D Power Asia Pacific 2002 award for the category for the third consecutive year, while two Hyundai models took home the awards for the Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout category, which were presented in Chennai on Tuesday.

Five factors that measure customer satisfaction with dealership service in the country, including problems experienced, service advisor, service performance and service timing were taken into consideration for selection of the winner, J D Power Asia Pacific President and chief executive officer Namio Hasumi said while presenting the award to Maruti Udyog Limited.

While Hyundai's Santro and Accent won the awards for the premium compact segment and entry midsize segment in the APEAL category, Santro also took home the award for India Initial Quality Study 2002 in the segment.

Ford Ikon was adjudged the best car in the entry midsize segment for the IQS category, while Toyota Qualis bagged the award for the MUV segment.

Both Bridgestone and MRF took home the 2002 award for Customer Satisfaction for the second consecutive year, which again resulted in a tie.

The top ranking for Bridgestone and MRF was driven by the strong performance of both on the appearance, wearability and highway performance factors, Hasumi pointed out.

UNI