Honda Preserves Its
'Best Automaker' Standing by Stacey Wilson
Strategic Vision Inc., the San Diego-based company which
is responsible for the annual vehicle competition, has released
its results. According to their survey, Honda Motor Co.
is still the 'best automaker' for this year.
Strategic Vision has
surveyed over 64,000 individuals who have purchased new
vehicles from October 2005 to March 2006. Respondents have
been questioned subsequent to 90 days of ownership. The
company's purpose in coming up with the survey is to know
whether said purchasers are satisfied. Also, said survey
is aimed at gauging the performance of automakers.
Honda Motor Co. has
hold on to its survey ranking. Toyota Motor Co., on one
hand, has won in 3 categories but lost in some segments
of the competition. General Motors Corp. has won in 4 segments.
Hyundai Motor Co. has alleviated its standing by enhancing
Kia parts integrated in Optima, Azera, Sedona and Tucson.
Optima grabbed the top spot for the medium car category.
Azera and Sedona also bagged the top commendation for large
car and minivan, respectively. Finally, Tucson was dubbed
as the top-ranked small SUV.
Honda's preservation
of its ranking was drawn from the success of Civic, Accord
Coupe and Pilot. Honda Civic won in the compact pickup category
with the Ridgeline. Honda Accord Coupe, made it big in the
mid-specialty car segment. Honda Pilot was declared the
top medium crossover SUV.
"One thing about
Honda that is just really clear: They have the strongest
brand equity of any brand out there," says Alexander
Edwards, president of Strategic Vision's automotive research
group. "But Toyota has been moving slower than other
brands when it comes to innovation."
Edwards mentioned Ridgeline
as one of the great contributions of Honda. So far, said
model is one of the most costly compact pickups. It is equipped
with power Honda parts including the revolutionary tailgate
and a folding rear bench seat. "Such features, combined
with Honda's perceived reliability and durability, help
boost the brand's value," says Edwards.
Edwards further noted
that Toyota must be careful not to become complacent. He
added, "Everybody is looking at them and asking, where
are they weak?"
About the Author
As a former news correspondent for an auto-related website,
Stacey has gathered extensive knowledge and experience in
the automotive industry. This 34 year old mother of two
from Memphis is a genuine car lover.
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