Porsche Leads J.D. Power and Associates APEAL Study Once Again

NASHUA, N.H. (08/13/2012)(readMedia)-- A new J.D. Power and Associates study suggests that when it comes to appealing to car owners, no auto brand does it better than Porsche. The German automaker was recently placed at the top of the consumer-research firm's annual Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) Study for the eighth-consecutive year, besting the likes of Jaguar, BMW, Audi and Mercedes-Benz.

The results of the J.D. Power and Associates 2012 APEAL Study were determined by surveys of more than 74,000 owners and lessees of 2012-model-year vehicles after 90 days of ownership. Responses were gathered between February and May of 2012 to evaluate how drivers felt about 80 different attributes of their vehicle, ranging from performance and design to comfort and convenience. Beyond its overall brand lead, Porsche also produced two segment winners, including the Porsche 911 in the Premium Sporty category and the Porsche Cayenne in the Midsize Premium Crossover SUV segment.

"Porsche is laser-focused on the details in all of its vehicles, whether that means shaving down zero-to-60 times with lightweight materials or ensuring that only the finest upholstery is used," said Larry Bedell, general manager of Porsche of Nashua, a New Hampshire Porsche dealer. "The dedication to quality doesn't go unappreciated by new owners, and their overwhelming satisfaction with their purchase is reflected by the brand's first-place finishes in the APEAL Study year after year."

The charm of the Porsche Cayenne and 911 was also reflected in their sales last month, as they were the brand's two best-selling vehicles in July, moving 1,119 and 684 units, respectively. Year-to-date sales of the Porsche 911 are up 46 percent compared to the same period last year, boosted by the arrival of a redesigned 2012 model this past February. Another redesigned Porsche, the all-new 2013 Boxster, made a quick impact in showrooms in its first full month of sales in July, increasing its tally by 77 percent year-over-year.

Like its recent redesign of the 911, Porsche focused more on evolution than revolution with its new Boxster, retaining the sports car's instantly recognizable shape while making significant changes under the surface. The use of lightweight aluminum and magnesium parts has trimmed more than 50 pounds off the Boxster and nearly 80 pounds off the Boxster S, leading to better performance in acceleration, braking and cornering.

Engineers have also outfitted 2013 Porsche Boxster models with new or refined flat-six engines to improve both power and efficiency. The base model houses a new 2.7-liter unit that outputs 265 horsepower, an improvement of 10 horsepower compared to its larger-displacement predecessor. Meanwhile, the 3.4-liter powerplant in the new Boxster S now produces five more horsepower, reaching 315 horsepower. Even with that much power on tap, the standard 2013 Boxster can return up to 30 mpg on the highway, while the Boxster S gives up just two more miles per gallon in exchange for its ability to reach a top speed of 173 mph.

"With all of its improvements in performance, handling and fuel efficiency, the new Boxster is more appealing than it's ever been," added Bedell. "It has the complete package to attract new sports-car buyers to Porsche, but at the same time, long-time Boxster fans will find more of the same characteristics that they loved in the first place."

About Porsche of Nashua:

A 2010 and 2011 Premier Porsche Dealer, Porsche of Nashua delivers customer service equal to the quality of the Porsche brand. For new and used Porsche sales, Porsche service and Porsche parts, choose the New Hampshire Porsche dealership that stands out from the rest. Interested Porsche shoppers can browse their inventory online at www.porschenashua.com, find them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/porscheofnashua, call them at 603-578-3744 or visit their dealership at 170 Main Dunstable Road in Nashua, N.H. Discover what a premier automotive buying and servicing experience can be at Porsche of Nashua.