Hyundai Retains Leading Position in Initial Quality

Hyundai brand achieves fourth-place standing for two consecutive years as Accent, Elantra, Tucson, Santa Fe XL win or lead their segments in 2015 J.D. Power U.S. Initial Quality Study

MARKHAM, ON -- June 17, 2015: Hyundai ranked fourth among all brands in the J.D. Power 2015 U.S. Initial Quality StudySM (IQS) as the 2015 Tucson was awarded for the highest initial quality in the small SUV segment and the 2015 Accent earned the highest honor in the small-car segment for the second year in a row.

Now in its 29th consecutive year, IQS is the industry benchmark for new-vehicle quality, measured at 90 days of ownership. According to the study, Tucson and Accent owners reported fewer problems with their vehicles than any other small SUV or small car, respectively.

"Hyundai's consistent presence at the top of this influential industry survey demonstrates how deeply rooted our commitment to quality persists throughout the company," said Don Romano, President and CEO, Hyundai Auto Canada Corp. "Top-tier quality scores requires on-going investment to improve existing models and incredible attention to detail when launching new vehicles onto the market. Hyundai customers expect to receive a quality vehicle and interact with dealership personnel that help them learn and understand its features; our job is to exceed their expectations."

In total, Hyundai had four models ranking in the top two in their segments, including segment awards for Tucson and Accent, and second-place finishes for Elantra and Santa Fe XL. The Hyundai overall score was 95 problems per 100 vehicles, 17 problems fewer than the industry average. This year's results mark the fourth time Hyundai has finished among the top four brands overall.

The 2015 IQS is based on responses from more than 84,000 purchasers and lessees of new 2015 model-year vehicles surveyed after 90 days of ownership. The study is based on a 233-question survey designed to provide manufacturers with information to facilitate the identification of problems and drive product improvement.