| The top model segments of the recent 2007 | | | | "Vehicle models with strong customer appeal tend |
| Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout | | | | to be in higher demand, which diminishes the need |
| (APEAL) Study conducted by J.D. Power and | | | | for dealers to incentivize to boost sales. Offering |
| Associates was dominated by Honda models. Four | | | | larger incentives decreases the profitability of |
| vehicle models from the Japanese automaker | | | | vehicles, so it's important for manufacturers to |
| ranked as the highest in their respective | | | | incorporate those 'must-have' features and design |
| categories including the Honda Fit (Sub-Compact | | | | elements that will entice buyers, which also |
| Car, tied with Toyota Yaris equipped with Toyota | | | | reduces the need for large customer cash |
| radiator, Honda CR-V (Truck / Multi-Activity | | | | rebates." |
| Vehicle (MAV) Segments), Honda Ridgeline (Midsize | | | | Oddes added: "Whether due to fresh designs or |
| Pickup), and the Honda Odyssey for the Van | | | | innovative features, APEAL scores tend to be |
| segment. In addition, the 2007 Honda Civic also | | | | highest for models when they are first introduced. |
| earned an award, ranked 3rd in the Compact Car | | | | It's essential for manufacturers to get new-vehicle |
| segment. | | | | launches right, since vehicles with high appeal |
| The 2007 Automotive Performance, Execution | | | | scores generally command a higher gross profit |
| and Layout (APEAL) Study is based on the | | | | and sell more quickly. Two of the redesigned |
| survey results conducted by J.D. Power staff. The | | | | models -- the Mercedes-Benz S-Class (in a tie) and |
| staff surveyed customers who purchased or | | | | Honda CR-V -- also earned awards in the 2007 |
| leased 2007 model year vehicles and asked their | | | | Initial Quality Study, and are examples of how |
| assessment for the vehicle during the 90 days of | | | | manufacturers can learn from preceding models |
| ownership. | | | | to improve in both initial quality and appeal." |
| According to Neal Oddes, director of product | | | | Meanwhile, here is the complete list of the Top |
| research and analysis at J.D. Power and | | | | Three Models per Segment in the 2007 APEAL |
| Associates: | | | | Study. |