Hyundai Genesis wins inaugural J.D. Power Vehicle Launch Index study
2009 Hyundai Genesis sedan – Click above for high-res gallery
The metric-meisters over at J.D. Power and Associates have announced that they have added yet another automotive study to their arsenal. This time out, JDP has launched its inaugural Vehicle Launch Index, which seeks to measure how new vehicles perform within their first eight months on the market.
J.D. Power says that its VLI integrates such factors as "turn rate, vehicle revenue, dealer gross profit, incentive spend, credit quality and residual value." In addition, the study also makes use of automaker provided figures on model mix, incentive spend, supply levels, as well as utilizing some of the company's other survey results to add vehicle quality and design elements into the results.
So... which model is tops in meeting this balancing act? The 2009 Hyundai Genesis with a score of 689 (out of 1,000 possible points), beating out Ford's F-150 (673) and Volkswagen's Tiguan (663). For reference, the study ranks the industry's average score as 582. At the other end of the spectrum, vehicles like the Toyota Matrix, Dodge Ram, Pontiac Vibe, and Dodge Journey all scored poorly. Check out the full results in the press release after the jump.
Gallery: Review: 2009 Hyundai Genesis
Photos copyright ©2009 Michael Harley/ Weblogs, Inc.
[Source: J.D. Power]
PRESS RELEASE:
J.D. Power and Associates Reports: Hyundai Genesis Ranks Highest in Inaugural Vehicle Launch Index
Getting New Vehicles Right from the Start is Critical, as Automakers Will Pour $50 Billion Into U.S. Launches During the Next Four Years
WESTLAKE VILLAGE, Calif., July 22 /PRNewswire/ -- The 2009 Hyundai Genesis ranks highest in launch performance among vehicle models introduced during the first ten months of 2008, according to the J.D. Power and Associates 2009 Vehicle Launch Index (SM) (VLI) released today.
The inaugural Vehicle Launch Index quantifies how well new vehicle models--including new entries to the market and all-new and redesigned models--perform during the first eight months after launch. The VLI examines various factors that are critical to the financial success of a launch, including turn rate, vehicle revenue, dealer gross profit, incentive spend, credit quality and residual value. In addition, VLI includes the key factors of vehicle quality and design, based on the J.D. Power and Associates Initial Quality Study (SM) (IQS) and Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) Study.(SM)
The Vehicle Launch Index is an independent measure designed to help automakers plan and execute successful vehicle launches in order to maximize revenue and profits, minimize incentive spending and maintain high residual values during a model's lifecycle.
"Launching new vehicles successfully is critical to the financial success of every automaker," said Gary Dilts, senior vice president of global automotive at J.D. Power and Associates. "Given lower consumer demand, vehicle proliferation and the financial pressures on the auto industry, every manufacturer must get it 'right' from the start. By carefully analyzing more than 90 vehicle launches that have been executed in the United States, we have determined the key factors for launch success."
The 2009 Hyundai Genesis is the leading example of initial launch success and ranks highest among the 27 models examined in the 2009 VLI, with a score of 689 on a 1,000-point scale. Following the Hyundai Genesis in the rankings are the 2009 Ford F-150 (673) and 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan (663).
J.D. Power and Associates forecasts that automakers will conduct 205 new-model launches in the U.S. between 2009 and 2012 and will invest approximately $50 billion in the process. Of the 205 new models, 80 will be new entries to the market, 52 will be all-new models, and 73 will be major redesigns.
"With so much at stake, it is more critical than ever for manufacturers to launch new models that meet their financial targets, as well as product quality and consumer appeal benchmarks," said Dilts. "While some domestic manufacturers are facing tight scrutiny from the federal government and taxpayers, every automaker across the globe is being closely monitored both by governments and shareholders. Strong showings by new models are vital to the economic security of the automakers and will be instrumental in rebuilding Americans' confidence in the auto industry."
The VLI has identified the following key elements that drive the success of newly-launched models:
-- Optimal vehicle price and volume levels are established prior to
launch;
-- Manufacturers sustain the proper product mix and incentive support;
-- Automakers and dealers effectively manage inventory levels and turn
rates;
-- The model is attractively designed and provides high levels of
consumer appeal in terms of styling, performance, functionality and
ease of operation;
-- The model launches with high initial quality, enhancing the
automaker's image and supporting residual values.
Conversely, the following conditions lead to less-successful model launches:
-- Unrealistic expectations regarding pricing and sales volumes;
-- Poor balance of supply and demand, leading to excessive inventory
levels;
-- Inadequate vehicle appeal and poor initial quality leading to low
consumer acceptance and a tarnished brand image.
The 2009 Vehicle Launch Index includes 2008 and 2009 model-year vehicles first sold between January and October 2008. Vehicles must be all-new or major redesigns and must sell at least 5,000 units during the first eight months to be included. The index is based on proprietary information collected through the Power Information Network and J.D. Power and Associates' consumer research.
The Vehicle Launch Index is part of J.D. Power and Associates' 10-module Launch Assurance Program designed to provide automakers with immediate and actionable insights about their vehicle models from initial concept and product development through manufacturing and distribution to the initial ownership experience.
Vehicle Launch Index Ranking
(Based on a 1,000-point scale)
2009 Hyundai Genesis 689
2009 Ford F-150 673
2009 Volkswagen Tiguan 663
2009 Nissan Maxima 636
2009 Subaru Forester 631
2009 Honda Pilot 629
2009 Ford Flex 620
2009 Honda Fit 619
2008 Dodge Challenger 618
2009 Volkswagen Passat CC 601
2009 Nissan Murano 593
2009 Mazda 6 592
Industry Average 582
2009 Lincoln MKS 580
2009 Volkswagen Routan 579
2009 Acura TSX 576
2009 Infiniti FX 575
2008 BMW 1 Series 568
2009 Jaguar XF 567
2009 Chevrolet Traverse 565
2009 Audi A4 563
2008 Pontiac G8 563
2009 Toyota Corolla 561
2009 Acura TL 523
2009 Dodge Journey 513
2009 Pontiac Vibe 504
2009 Dodge Ram Pickup Lt Duty 459
2009 Toyota Matrix 439
About J.D. Power and Associates
Headquartered in Westlake Village, Calif., J.D. Power and Associates is a global marketing information services company operating in key business sectors including market research, forecasting, performance improvement, Web intelligence and customer satisfaction. The company's quality and satisfaction measurements are based on responses from millions of consumers annually. For more information on car reviews and ratings, car insurance, health insurance, cell phone ratings, and more, please visit JDPower.com. J.D. Power and Associates is a business unit of The McGraw-Hill Companies.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
Wobbly_ears 3:41PM (7/22/2009)
Genesis is a success on many levels for Hyundai. With Genesis, Hyundai has managed to shatter many many myths about itself & about the general market.
Good job, Hyundai. You won in spite of the skepticism & derision of many.
Reply
Redline 3:51PM (7/22/2009)
You have a valid point, but I still won't buy one...
Quantumphysics 3:55PM (7/22/2009)
Shattered myths about itself?
all they did was copy from Lexus and BMW.
Vincenzo 3:59PM (7/22/2009)
F-ing - Ugly !!!
euuuyah!
Tool 8:28PM (7/22/2009)
Not sure I agree with Gary Dilts' J.D. Power comment in the press that the Genesis was "flawless" -- if it was it should have gotten a VLI score of 1000.
I do think that the Genesis is a breakthrough vehicle for Hyundai and that it added to the credibility of the Hyundai brand. But a great vehicle launch? Not so sure about that.
Quantumphysics 3:43PM (7/22/2009)
The Hyundai Genesis is basically an underperforming D- student who gets placed in a classroom with A+ kids and learns how to copy from their notes and mimic them enough to eventually pull a B grade.
All the teachers congratulate him because none of them ever believed that he had any potential and suddenly, he gets "most improved student awards" and is showered with praise.
BUT AT THE END OF THE DAY, HE'S STILL A D- STUDENT.
Reply
Quantumphysics 3:47PM (7/22/2009)
Now that the Ford Taurus SHO is available, I'd rather have that. The Genesis is nothing more than a cheap wannabe Lexus LS460 that looks like a big 5 series from the rear.
nm00486 4:01PM (7/22/2009)
The original Lexus LS400 set out to do the same thing that Hyundai is doing today, provide a cheaper alternative to the Germans. Not one person ever thought it had a chance against BMW or Mercedes, but look where they are today! Is it so wrong for Hyundai to try and recreate that same magic? Who care if it has similarities to a BMW 5 Series in the rear? Every single car manufacturer out there has taken some sort of design cue from another, and it's always going to be that way!
A.N.E. 5:07PM (7/22/2009)
Not much into efficiency huh QuantumPhysics? Read and learn from
nm00486.
What kind of an idiot would spend millions of dollars R&D'ing a car
from scratch when proven formulas already exist?
The Japanese did it. They did it well. The Koreans, Chinese, and
Indians are doing it. Watch out. Laugh now, be sorry later, just like
Detroit when met with Japanese competition. Perpetuation of the same
arrogance. Never learns.
futurama 5:06PM (7/22/2009)
Too bad Hyundai still haven't changed the perceptions of hardcore naysayers who refuses to believe what's going on outside their little world...
It will take time... one time effort won't do it. I hope they continue to improve their products and more game changing cars to shatter those who's still stuck in 1980's
jsjs 5:43PM (7/22/2009)
Uhh, isn't that what Lexus did?
Copy Mercedes w/ the LS430 and 2nd gen GS?
And oh, the Genesis sedan is selling at 3x the rate of the GS so it appears Hyundai is the better student than Lexus.
willyolio 6:23PM (7/22/2009)
actually, at the end of the day he's a B student. you can't even tell your own story correctly. sheesh.
Fiziks 6:51PM (7/22/2009)
@Quantumphysics: You are a racist prick.
chconline 7:48PM (7/22/2009)
Finally, someone who speaks the truth!
ryuryuryturtuy 8:20PM (7/22/2009)
Sorry but self effort ain't plagiarism unlike the chinese manufacturers who despite copying make a cheap version of the original.
BigWill 11:38PM (7/22/2009)
"learns how to copy from their notes and mimic them enough to eventually pull a B grade."
This copycat rant against Hyundai is REALLY getting tiresome. A big chunk of Hyundai's change went into developing the Tau V8. So, if Hyundai copied Lexus' V8 then why is the Tau V8 on Ward's 10 Best Engines list and the Lexus V8 isn't?
TriShield 3:47PM (7/22/2009)
How is the Genesis a success?
Hyundai struggles to sell them each month. Last month they only moved 1,800 nationwide and they don't even break down that number between coupes and sedans. GM sells more Pontiac G8s per month, the Genesis has been a big flop since it was released.
You wouldn't know that from it's automotive media darling status though, but then again the G8 was a media darling as well. Despite being nice cars (for their brands) neither car is an honest hit.
Reply
bwzd7p2 5:15PM (7/22/2009)
You're completely leaving out of course that Pontiac's dealer network is larger or that the G8 foundered until GM put thousands of dollars in cash on the hood. Other than a few special lease offers, Hyundai hasn't had the kind of deals GM has needed to move G8's. The Genesis makes money. The G8 doesn't. That's why GM has declared it a fail and isn't going to keep importing it under any name no matter how good its driving dynamics may be. Meanwhile, Hyundai feels good enough about the response to the Genesis to start importing the Equus, too.
I'd say by any measure not being able to sell at a profit is a flop.
Sal Collaziano 5:24PM (7/22/2009)
Considering what bwzd7p2 said in post #11 - and the fact that the economy is doing terrible and NOBODY is selling cars like the were a few years ago - and the Genesis IS a success.. This car just keeps racking up the awards - and it'll probably continue to happen for awhile - because it's an excellent vehicle. Nothing more - nothing less. It's a big, comfortable, roomy, powerful and inexpensive sedan. Who should be complaining? Only people who can't deal with the fact that the car is as good as it is.. And the Equus will certainly be even more impressive...
Sal Collaziano
http://www.genesisowners.com
jsjs 5:25PM (7/22/2009)
And don't forget that TriTroll (aside from all the cash GM is giving out to move the G8) left out the fact that the Genesis sedan was selling at a 1,500-1,600 clip this year prior to the GenCoupe being available - which is 3X the rate the Lexus GS is selling.