Nissan MuranoGENERAL MOTORS and Nissan topped all other automakers in the number of vehicles receiving the highest score in their category, according to the 2005 Total Quality Index (TQI) Awards from automotive consulting firm Strategic Vision.
More than 40,793 buyers who bought 2005 models in October and November of 2004 supplied data.
"We gather comprehensive data that reflects the breadth and depth of the ownership experience, including emotions. The information is used to
calculate 'Total Quality' indices. These integrated relationships between attributes and emotions mirror how people respond to their new vehicle. Those
product and performance characteristics that deliver more desired emotions more strongly impact the perception of Total Quality," said Strategic Vision
president Dr. Darrel Edwards.
Although no single automaker dominated the awards this year, GM and Nissan each had five
vehicles at the top of their respective categories.
Nissan and its luxury Infiniti brand scored highest in several SUV segments. "The common thread in Nissan and Infiniti models is superior delivery of power, style and innovation, " said Strategic Vision vice president Daniel Gorrell, "that create a strong emotional response in new owners. The company's strongly focused product effort suggests a route struggling domestic companies might follow."
Overall, BMW scored the highest as a brand, while Nissan took top honours as best full-line corporation.
Here are the 2005 Total Quality Index winners:
