COSTA MESA, Calif., Feb. 15, 2012 – The Hyundai Genesis sedan is the highest-ranked model in the midsize premium car category in the 2012 J.D. Power and Associates Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS). Released today, the study also shows that Hyundai finished ninth overall, demonstrating that the company’s commitment to quality translates into long-term dependability for owners.
The Genesis sedan launched in the 2009 model year and earned Hyundai’s first-ever North American Car of the Year honor. J.D. Power and Associates surveys original owners three years after their vehicle purchase, so 2012 was the first year Genesis was included in the VDS, and it was the only category award recipient in its first year of eligibility.
“Our goal is to design and build cars that meet and exceed consumers’ expectations not only off the showroom floor, but through the duration of their ownership experience. Earning Hyundai’s first-ever top 10 finish in the J.D. Power and Associates Vehicle Dependability Study demonstrates that our efforts are paying dividends,” said Erwin Raphael, director of engineering and quality, Hyundai Motor America. “It’s equally gratifying to see Genesis sedan, a content-rich model with all the features you expect of a premium car, outperform powerful competitors in its category. Long-term dependability translates to a positive ownership experience and brings customers back to the Hyundai brand in the future.”
Genesis sedan tallied more than 20 top honors from the most prominent media outlets and automotive organizations in North America upon its launch as a 2009 model year. The trophy case includes awards from J.D. Power and Associates, Motor Trend, AutoPacific, Cars.com and leading consumer publications in addition to its North American Car of the Year honor.
Genesis is built on Hyundai’s performance-driven rear-wheel-drive architecture. Updated for 2012, the current model offers three powertrains: the Lambda 3.8-liter direct injection V6 engine producing 333 horsepower; Hyundai’s Tau 4.6-liter V8 engine producing 385 horsepower; and the new Tau 5.0-liter direct injection V8 engine producing 429 horsepower, available on the Genesis 5.0 and Genesis R-Spec models. With technology rivaling more expensive luxury sedans, convenience features like push-button start and navigation system, and five-star safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA), it’s clear that Genesis is among the best cars in the premium category. But at a starting MSRP of just $34,200, it’s no surprise the competition was left in Hyundai’s rear-view mirror.
The J.D. Power and Associates Vehicle Dependability Study measures problems experienced during the past 12 months by original owners of three-year-old (2009 model year) vehicles includes 202 different problem symptoms across all areas of the vehicle. Overall dependability is determined by the level of problems experienced per 100 vehicles (PP100), with a lower score reflecting higher quality.
Hyundai has shown consistent improvement in VDS, reducing problems per 100 vehicles by 75 points over the past five years.