VW Passat voted most appealing

Volkswagen of America, Inc. today announces that the Passat has been awarded the most appealing midsize car in a tie in the J.D. Power and Associates 2012 Automotive Performance, Execution, and Layout (APEAL) Study. Volkswagen also received high marks for the GTI (second in the Compact Sporty Car class); Tiguan (second in Compact Crossover SUV); Touareg (second in Midsize Premium Crossover SUV); and Golf (second in Compact Car). The Beetle and the Jetta placed fourth and tied for fifth respectively in the Compact Car class, giving VW three cars in the top five in this highly competitive segment.

Year-on-year, Volkswagen improved its mean index score by 14 points, continuing to outpace the non-premium average, and rose one place to 13th place overall in the Study. Volkswagen customers cited fuel economy, reliability, and quality of workmanship as key strengths for the brand’s vehicles. Other top purchase drivers included interior comfort, exterior styling, performance, safety, and advanced technology.

“The Passat has been a tremendous success out of the gate for Volkswagen," said Jonathan Browning, President and CEO, Volkswagen of America, “and it’s incredibly gratifying for everyone in the company that buyers of the Passat are so thrilled with their cars. It further validates our decision to produce a German Engineered car that’s tailored to American tastes, built right here in our state-of-the-art U.S. plant."

The APEAL study examines how rewarding a new vehicle is to own and drive, based on owner evaluations of more than 80 vehicle attributes. The 2012 APEAL study is based on responses gathered between February and May 2012 from more than 74,000 purchasers and lessees of new 2012 model-year cars and trucks who were surveyed after the first 90 days of ownership.