Summary
- J.D. Power’s 2024 APEAL Study shows slight improvement in driver satisfaction with latest car models
- Porsche led premium brand category and MINI led mass market brand category
- Hyundai Motor Group received most segment-level awards
- Non-Tesla electric vehicle owners reported higher satisfaction levels than Tesla owners
- Consumers find car entertainment systems too complicated, prefer systems linked to mobile devices like Apple Car Play and Android Auto
Article
J.D. Power’s 2024 U.S. Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) Study revealed a slight improvement in driver satisfaction with the latest car models. Drivers rated their satisfaction at an average of 847 on a 1,000-point scale, a two-point increase over the previous year. Porsche led the premium brand category, MINI led the mass market brand category, and Hyundai Motor Group received the most segment-level awards. The BMW 7 Series was the highest-ranking model in the survey. Frank Hanley, senior director of auto benchmarking at J.D. Power, noted that traditional manufacturers have been listening to customer feedback and launching vehicles with improved interior storage, higher quality materials, and easier-to-use features.
The study was based on responses from nearly 100,000 owners of new 2024 model-year vehicles who had owned their cars for at least 90 days between July 2023 and May 2024. The survey also compared satisfaction levels of Tesla and non-Tesla electric vehicle owners. Non-Tesla vehicles scored 877 points in the survey, a record high, while Tesla scored 870. While Tesla brand loyalists remained satisfied, the company struggled with new customers. The improvement in satisfaction among non-Tesla owners was attributed to advancements in driving range and improved interiors.
One major finding from the survey was that consumers are dissatisfied with infotainment systems provided by car manufacturers. A quarter of owners reported poor audio experiences when switching between sources, and 23% blamed menu set-up for audio problems. Drivers who used systems connected to their mobile devices, such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, reported higher satisfaction levels. The report questioned whether automakers are truly meeting the desires and needs of customers if owners struggle to perform simple audio-related tasks.
Overall, the 2024 APEAL Study highlighted the increased satisfaction levels among drivers with the latest car models. Manufacturers have made strides in incorporating customer feedback into their vehicle designs, resulting in enhanced features and materials that align more closely with consumer preferences. It also shed light on the differing satisfaction levels between Tesla and non-Tesla electric vehicle owners, as well as the challenges faced by carmakers in delivering intuitive and user-friendly infotainment systems. As the automotive industry continues to evolve, the insights from the APEAL Study will be crucial for manufacturers to stay competitive and meet the evolving demands of drivers.
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