Chennai: Maruti Udyog Ltd ranked top in the J D Power Asia Pacific 2002 India customer satisfaction index (CSI) study.

Two Hyundai models – Santro and Accent – and the Toyota MUV (multi utility vehicle) Qualis emerged top in the premium compact, entry midsize and MUV segments respectively, in the J D Power India specific automotive performance, execution and layout (APPEAL) study for the second year in succession.

Santro topped once again in the initial quality study (IQS) in the premium compact segment, while Ford IKON bagged the honour in the entry midsize segment, also for the second time in succession and Toyota Qualis in the MUV segment.

The ratings were announced on March 11 night by Namio Hasumi, president and chief executive officer (CEO) of J D Power Asia Pacific Inc, after which top executives of the companies received the awards from him.

HM Mitsubishi topped in the J D Power sales satisfaction index study, while Bridgestone and MRF shared the top honours in the tyre customer satisfaction index study (TCSI) for the second consecutive year.

Speaking on the occasion, Gerrit Kuyntjes, general manager J D Power's Singapore office, said the Indian automobile sector was fast maturing and added that in terms of quality standards, the industry was fast closing in on the standards of developed markets like US and Europe.

The CIS pointed out that at least one in four Maruti owners (26 per cent) rated their service experience to be even better than expected, compared to just 18 per cent for the industry.

The CIS found out that most Indian manufacturers now placed an even greater emphasis on ensuring a positive customer experience. Fiat and General Motors continued to be at the lower end of the CIS ranking, but showed important gains in the CSI, compared to last year.

The APPEAL study pointed out that the Indian automobile industry as a whole had been successful in delighting new vehicle buyers and added that styling and technology were becoming increasingly important drivers of vehicle choice.

In the APPEAL study, Ford IKON and Maruti Esteem followed Hyundai Accent in the rankings for entry mid size segment, while Mahindra Bolero and Tata Safari followed Toyota Qualis in the MUV segment.

PTI