J.D. Power and Associates released 2010 Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) Study

Domestic auto brands collectively surpassed import brands in vehicle appeal

Domestic models have improved steadily for 4 years led by Ford and GM

Domestic brands averaged 787 on 1K-point scale, up 13 points over Europe or Asia Pacific

Import brands beat domestics by 5 points in 2009

Imports continue notable edge in premium models

Ford captures 5 segment-level awards - more than any other vehicle brand in 2010

Includes Expedition, Explorer Sport Trac, Flex, Fusion and Taurus

Audi, BMW, Chevrolet, Mercedes-Benz and VW each garner 2 awards

Models w/ high appeal scores generate faster sales, higher profit margins, and less need for cash incentives

These models also highly recommended by current owners

"Domestic automakers have performed three important actions during the past two years that have led to their gains. Firstly, they have retired many models that demonstrated low appeal. They have also introduced new, highly appealing models to their lineups, and finally, they have improved their existing models through freshenings and redesigns." -- David Sargent, vice president of global vehicle research, J.D. Power and Associates

1st time domestics led imports since 1997