Consumers are far more interested in recently redesigned models than “refreshed” or “facelifted” models, according to a study released today by J.D. Power. The findings were part of the Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (”APPEAL”) study. The study found that all-new models or models that have undergone a major redesign generally receive APEAL scores that are higher than average. This is critical, since models with higher APEAL scores tend to have more satisfied owners, sell more quickly and generate more profit. “The importance of product development efforts by the OEMs can’t be overstated,” said Chance Parker of J.D. Power and Associates. “New designs are clearly better able to stand out in an increasingly crowded market. They tend to sell faster and generate more profit. On the other hand, minor improvements seem to go almost unnoticed. All in all, OEMs may be better served to stop spending money on many mid-cycle freshening efforts and redirect those dollars for more dramatic redesigns.”
A number of all-new and redesigned models lead the model rankings for 2006. The Toyota RAV4, Hyundai Azera, Lexus IS 250/IS 350, Porsche Cayman, Ford Fusion, and Infiniti M-Series each rank highest in their segments.
Nissan has three segment-leading models, more than any other brand: Murano, Titan and Armada. Infiniti also receives two awards for the QX56 and the M-Series. Other brands with multiple awardees include Honda, Ford and Porsche.
APEAL is designed to complement the J.D. Power and Associates Initial Quality Study(SM) (IQS), which focuses on problems experienced by owners during the first 90 days of ownership. APEAL measures how gratifying a new vehicle is to own and drive. While the redesigned Initial Quality Study included a new measurement for design quality, the APEAL Study finds almost no relationship between a model’s overall APEAL score and its IQS design score.
“There are basically two schools of thought among consumers in determining which new-vehicle model to buy,” said Parker. “Many consumers are looking for a painless, trouble-free ownership experience, which, as we find in IQS, is certainly important. However, there is a large group of buyers who are most interested in things like comfort, style and performance. This group is often willing to put up with a few quality snags to get a vehicle they truly feel passionate about. For this group of consumers, there is more to an appealing vehicle than a lack of problems — even a lack of design problems.”
Among the models ranking highest in their respective segments in APEAL, three also received top rankings in the 2006 Initial Quality Study. They are: Porsche Cayman, Lexus IS 250/IS 350 and Suzuki Aerio. This is the first time that a Suzuki model has ranked highest in its segment in both IQS and APEAL.
Porsche, which ranked highest in the 2006 IQS, is also the highest-ranking nameplate in APEAL. Volkswagen is the most improved nameplate in APEAL.
The 2006 APEAL Study is based on responses from more than 63,000 purchasers and lessees of new 2006 model-year cars and trucks who were surveyed after the first 90 days of ownership.
06/28, 4:44 PM
posted by:
Mike
The biggest difference is cost. As more manufacturers switch to a DCX style of flexible manufacturing, model turnaround becomes less expensive and the breakeven point is dramatically reduced.
Keep a close eye on the Caliber/Compass/Patriot and Sebring/Avenger in comparison to the Pacifica and current PT for examples.
on the lighter note, the study must have overlooked how the consumers FLOCKED to the Focus when ford added the Gillette Mach-3 sponsored grill.
06/28, 4:47 PM
posted by:
Jon
I love the fact that the LLN picture shows a Porsche, which are known for their gradual ‘evolution’ of models and not complete redesigns.
Jon.
06/28, 4:52 PM
posted by:
scotty
I was never around then, but there was a time when each year had vastly different looks, for the models…a time when american car companys were on top.. maybe having something new every year is what made them do so well? although, they had soul back then…
06/28, 4:55 PM
posted by:
Cockney Geezer
DCX style lol lol lol lol lol lol Mike where did you dream that one up from? Id rather not look at a Caliber or a Compass thank you. You are mad you are, completely barking.
06/28, 5:22 PM
posted by:
Mike
****ney Geezer:
WE ARE TALKING ABOUT METHODS OF PRODUCTION! This is not about if you think an Aztec is attractive or not. Flexible Manufacturing.
06/28, 5:25 PM
posted by:
Cockney Geezer
Yes Mike and i think Toyota invented that.
06/28, 5:30 PM
posted by:
3_way
Mike do you assume everyone is dumber than you and patronize them accordingly. It seems you were the only one to mistake ****ney Geezers statement as about car styling. It was obvious he was referring to your original post where you mention DCX style. I don’t know who invented flexible manufacturing but I am certain it wasn’t Daimler Chrysler
06/28, 5:58 PM
posted by:
1c3d0g
“Consumers are far more interested in recently redesigned models than “refreshed” or “facelifted” models, according to a study released today by J.D. Power.”
Duh!
Even a monkey knows that. Why is it that they always seem to pick the most logical subject to base a “study” on? :-/
06/28, 8:02 PM
posted by:
Hrm
Toyota actually perfected flexible manufacturing.
06/28, 9:11 PM
posted by:
PJ
Anonymous, do your parents know you’re using language like that? Come back when your age hits double digits.
Studies like this seem minimally useful not only because the finding is obvious, but also because “mid-cycle refresh” encompasses such a broad range of actions. The PT Cruiser’s mid-cycle refresh, for example, genuinely improved the car’s appearance and tactile quality inside and out. The same goes for the Chevy Impala, or the Jaguar S-Type.
But then you have “mid-cycle refreshes” like the ones on the ‘06 Mazda 6 or Suzuki Forenza, where they’ve really just tweaked the grille and alloy wheel pattern. The average customer likely doesn’t even see the difference, making the money involved a waste. So how is this study generalizing refreshes?
- P.J.
motoralley.com
06/29, 12:04 AM
posted by:
Anonymous
Or what about companies who make major facelifts, like BMW?
I dunno, but the 7-Series facelift has generated alot of renewed interest in the car… and I think the facelifted Z4’s are drawing alot of interest with the introduction of the M trim-level as well.
Just my observations, though. Would be kind of expensive to do a complete redesign every 3, 4, or even 5 years.
06/29, 12:31 AM
posted by:
Rene Curry
The article is flawed because the automakers haven’t practiced facelifts that change the impact or style of the vehicle. You need to go back to the 50s and 60s to see any creative facelifts.
06/30, 3:13 PM
posted by:
xmnr
I think the cayman is a good example, given porsche is the king of mid-cycle “semi-new” models. don’t believe me? how many model lines?
I count 3
boxster/cayman (NO, they are not two! everything is interchangeable except for the roof! even the drivetrain options are the same)
911
cayenne
total derivations? I count 24, not including the carrera GT or the upcoming panamera and its myriad models.
boxster
boxster S
cayman
cayman S
carrera
(+cabrio)
(+eventual targa)
carrera S
(+cabrio)
(+eventual targa)
carrera 4
(+cabrio)
(+eventual targa)
carrera 4S
(+cabrio)
(+eventual targa)
gt3
gt3 rs
turbo
(eventually cabrio)
cayenne
cayenne S
cayenne turbo
cayenne turbo S
07/06, 6:18 PM
posted by:
Surgical Facial Rejuvenation » Blog Archive » “endoscopic brow lift” - Laser Resurfacing and Facelifts
[...] Study: Mid-cycle facelifts largely a waste of time | Leftlane Or what about companies who make major facelifts, like BMW? I dunno, but the 7-Series facelift has generated alot of renewed interest in the car and I think the facelifted Z4’s are drawing alot of [...]
08/17, 12:50 AM
posted by:
winstrol
winstrol winstrol