Jaguar and Land Rover ranked among the top five brands in a recent automotive performance, execution and layout study conducted by J D Power and Associates, a global marketing information services firm.

Both brands came out with improved scores for 2011, in the J D Power and Associates 2011 Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (Apeal) Study.

Jaguar ranks second among nameplates for the fourth year in row with a score of 857; while Land Rover ranks fourth among nameplates, up from fifth last year, with an overall score of 841.

Land Rover's Range Rover is the award recipient for large premium crossover/SUV, two years in a row.

The Apeal study examines design and performance characteristics across 32 brand nameplates that make a new vehicle a delight to own and drive, and is based on owner evaluations of more than 80 vehicle attributes.

“We are extremely proud that our vehicles continue to shine in this benchmark study,” said Robin Colgan, JLR managing director Menap.

“These outstanding results underscore the fact that we are premium automotive company with two luxury brands that excel in providing our customers with quality vehicles that deliver extraordinary performance, innovative technology and superior styling.”

The all-new 2011 Jaguar XJ received a score of 867.  The Jaguar XF ranks third among vehicles in the midsize premium car segment with a score of 844.

The Range Rover is the award recipient for large premium crossover/SUV with a score of 856, and receives high scores in vehicle interior, vehicle exterior, driving dynamics and visibility and driving safety categories.

In 2011, the Apeal the gap between all-new and redesigned models versus carryover models has increased to 29 points from 18 points in 2010.

The J D Power and Associates Apeal Study examines how gratifying a new vehicle is to own and drive based on owner evaluations of more than 80 vehicle attributes.

The study's unique approach to measuring owner satisfaction and how much a customer likes or dislikes virtually every aspect of their new vehicle provides a powerful tool to manufacturers to influence future product development.

The 2011 Apeal Study is based on responses gathered between February and May from more than 73,000 purchasers and lessees of new 2011 model-year cars and trucks who were surveyed after the first 90 days of ownership. – TradeArabia News Service