Dubai, July 03, 2011: With a second place finish among all surveyed brands including premium makes, Honda, exclusively distributed in the UAE by Al-Futtaim Honda, has earned its best ever ranking in J.D. Power and Associates' Initial Quality Study (SM) (IQS) for 2011. The survey was released in the US last week.

The top selling Accord and Civic were among seven models from Honda that earned the highest initial quality ranking in their respective segments, making Honda the industry leader.

Five of the seven models that earned the highest initial quality scores in the ranking were manufactured in North America. They include the compact Civic, the Element compact crossover SUV (the CR-V was second), the midsize Accord, the Accord Crosstour midsize crossover SUV, and the midsize Ridgeline pickup.

The other two models were the Insight hybrid (compact) and the Honda Fit (sub-compact). The Acura brand was third overall in the 2011 IQS.

The 2011 study also recognised three Honda plants for superior quality. Honda Manufacturing of Indiana, in Greensburg, Indiana produces the Civic Sedan and is one of only three plants in the world to earn the Platinum Plant Quality Award. It is Honda's newest auto plant in the United States.

A Silver Plant Quality Award, Asia-Pacific (tie) went to the Suzuka, Japan plant, line 1 for production of Civic and Insight and a Bronze Plant Quality Award, North/South America was given to the East Liberty, Ohio, plant for production of the Accord Crosstour, CR-V and Element.

"Honda has always been associated with creating products of the highest quality and value," said Mark Kass - Managing Director of Al-Futtaim Honda. "The J.D. Power and Associates' Initial Quality Study results are an important demonstration of Honda's focus on the customer and tireless efforts put forth by its associates throughout the organization in R&D, manufacturing and sales."

J.D. Power and Associates has been surveying owners to measure the initial quality of new vehicles after the first 90 days of ownership since 1987. The Initial Quality Study serves as an important tool for consumers in evaluating the quality and design of new vehicles.

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About Al-Futtaim Honda:
Al-Futtaim Honda, part of the Automotive Division of Al-Futtaim Group, is the sole distributor for Honda vehicles, motorcycles, marine engines, power products and parts. Recognised as one of the largest independent Honda distribution companies in the world, Al-Futtaim Honda is supported by a network of 10 modern showrooms and 11 aftersales facilities located across the UAE. The flagship Honda Dubai Festival City showroom was officially confirmed by Honda as the largest Honda showroom in the world. For more information, please visit http://www.hondauae.com/.

For more information, please contact:
Lejo Johnny
Senior PR Executive
GMASCO Marketing Communications
Tel: +971 4 228 2101
Cell: +971 50 453 7023
Email: lee.j@gmasco.com

© Press Release 2011