Yukon Ranks Highest in Segment

Although GMC has been manufacturing trucks since 1902, they show no signs of slowing down the delivery of exceptional vehicles that are thoroughly enjoyed by their owners. The 2014 GMC Yukon continues to win awards based on the quality of its design. Most recently, in July 2014, the Yukon ranked the highest in its segment in the J.D. Power and Associates Automotive Performance, Execution and Layout (APEAL) Study.

Understanding the APEAL Study

The overall purpose of the APEAL study is to determine which vehicles are the most enjoyable to drive and own after the first 90 days of ownership. The study examines more than 83,000 responses, and focuses on individuals who have owned their vehicle for 90 days. Specific aspects of a vehicle that are examined in the APEAL study include performance, design, riding, handling, engine, transmission, braking, seats, sound system, heating and cooling, and the instrument panel. Additionally, the APEAL study investigates how satisfied consumers are with the overall comfort and styling of their vehicle. A total of 77 attributes are examined by new owners.

What the Study Means to GMC

Upon being informed of the fact that the Yukon ranked the highest in its segment in the 2014 APEAL study, GMC’s vice president Duncan Aldred cited the importance of detail that is put into the GMC and Buick products. According to Aldred, the engineers and designers of the vehicles deserve special credit for their effort in making the Yukon one of the most enjoyable cars for new owners to drive. Aldred also credited the company’s desire to view the customer as the center of the vehicle-making process. Aldred stated that GMC believes the customer experience should come first, beginning at the dealership and continuing after the customer has had the car for multiple years.

Previous Quality Awards Won by the 2014 GMC Yukon

Although ranking highest in its segment in the APEAL study is impressive, the Yukon’s achievements do not stop there. This ranking is the third quality study that the Yukon has succeeded in during 2014. In June, the Yukon ranked highest in its segment in the 2014 J.D. Power Initial Quality Study. This study included a survey designed to help manufacturers identify potential vehicle problems for future design improvements. Additionally, the Yukon achieved the highest rank in its segment in the 2014 J.D. Power Vehicle Dependability Study. This study specifically included owners of 2011 model vehicles in order to determine how dependable the vehicle would continue to be over time.