Cadillac and MINI Honored During the NY International Auto Show For Improvement in Providing an Outstanding Customer Experience

Cadillac Recognized as Most Improved among Luxury Brands; MINI Recognized among Mass Market Brands

WESTLAKE VILLAGE, CA--April 4, 2012: J.D. Power and Associates recognized Cadillac and MINI today for the strong improvement of their models and dealership experience during the past three years.

David Sargent, vice president of global automotive at J.D. Power and Associates, presented plaques to Cadillac, as the most improved among luxury brands for providing an outstanding customer experience, and MINI, as the most improved among mass market brands, during the opening ceremonies at the New York International Auto Show.  Don Butler, vice president of marketing at Cadillac, and Jim McDowell, vice president of MINI USA, were on hand to accept the plaques.

The recognition is based on the rate of improvement that each brand has made during the past three years in
J.D. Power and Associates' five core U.S. automotive quality and satisfaction studies: Initial Quality Study (IQS); Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS); Automotive Performance, Execution, and Layout (APEAL) Study; Sales Satisfaction Index (SSI) Study; and Customer Service Index (CSI) Study.

"This honor recognizes Cadillac's and MINI's dedication to continually improving the quality, dependability, and appeal of their models," said Sargent. "This recognition also reflects their strong results in the sales experience, as well as strong performance when customers return to the dealership for service."

While all automotive brands are showing improvement, Cadillac and MINI have improved more than others during the turbulence the industry has experienced since 2009.

"A strong commitment to improving customer satisfaction requires focus and alignment at all levels--beginning in the boardroom and extending to their employees in the plants and in their dealer networks," said Sargent.

Luxury brands Lexus and Porsche and mass market brands Mazda and Volkswagen were also recognized during the auto show presentation, and round out the top three most improved brands in their respective segments.

About J.D. Power and Associates

Headquartered in Westlake Village, Calif., J.D. Power and Associates is a global marketing information services company providing forecasting, performance improvement, social media and customer satisfaction insights and solutions.  The company's quality and satisfaction measurements are based on responses from millions of consumers annually. For more information on car reviews and ratings, car insurance, health insurance, cell phone ratings, and more, please visit JDPower.com. J.D. Power and Associates is a business unit of The McGraw-Hill Companies.