TUSTIN, Calif., Sept. 18, 2012 /PRNewswire/ — Michelin is the most satisfying tire brand for the second year in a row, according to AutoPacific's Replacement Tire Buyer Dynamics and Satisfaction Study, followed by Pirelli, Goodyear, Nitto and BF Goodrich.
(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120918/PH75514-INFO )
"Michelin has an image among replacement tire buyers of being trusted, safe and high quality. It's no surprise that the brand's Tire Satisfaction Score confirms that the experience of owning Michelin tires is on par with consumer expectations," explains George Peterson, President of AutoPacific.
In its recently released Replacement Tire Buyer Dynamics and Satisfaction Study, AutoPacific surveyed over 25,000 vehicle owners who bought replacement tires over the past twelve months. Twenty-two replacement tire brands were surveyed. The study was used to determine what is important when choosing a replacement tire and which tire brands provide the most satisfying experience. In addition the research reveals insights on brand awareness, familiarity, brand image, and influencers on the purchase decision.
Each tire buyer rated the importance of, and their satisfaction with, 23 different tire characteristics. Thirteen characteristics were used in the calculation of the Tire Satisfaction Scores, including: fuel efficiency, traction, handling, durability, ride comfort, appearance and reputation. Using these data, AutoPacific calculated the overall winner and the top-rated brand in each category.
While Michelin was the overall most satisfying brand, winners were also calculated by tire category. Replacement tire category winners are:
|
Tire Category |
1st place |
2nd place |
3rd place |
|
Ultra-High Performance Tires |
Michelin |
Goodyear |
Pirelli |
|
Performance Tires |
Pirelli |
Michelin |
Goodyear |
|
Touring Tires |
Kumho |
Michelin |
Yokohama |
|
Passenger Car Tires |
Michelin |
Pirelli |
Goodyear |
|
Light Truck/SUV Highway Tires |
Michelin |
BFGoodrich |
Goodyear |
|
Light Truck/SUV All Terrain Tires |
Michelin |
Hankook |
Goodyear |
|
Snow/Winter Tires |
Michelin |
Goodyear |
BFGoodrich |
Tires are one of the most important purchases a person makes when keeping their car or light truck in safe operating condition during its lifetime. "Whether replacing tires due to normal wear and tear, damage, or the desire for better or different tires, knowing which tire brands provide the most satisfying experience is critical when deciding which replacement tires to purchase," Says Peterson.
About AutoPacific
AutoPacific is a future-oriented automotive marketing research and product-consulting firm. Every year AutoPacific publishes a wide variety of syndicated studies on the automotive industry. The firm, founded in 1986, also conducts extensive proprietary research and consulting for auto manufacturers, distributors, marketers and suppliers worldwide. Company headquarters and its state-of-the-art automotive research facility are in Tustin, California, with an affiliate office in the Detroit area. Additional information can be found on AutoPacific's websites: http://www.autopacific.com and http://vehiclevoice.com/
Contact:
Dan Hall, AutoPacific, (714) 838-4234, Email