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Land Rover Discovery: Top Compact SUV in J.D. Power APEAL Study

21 September 1998

Land Rover Discovery: Top Compact SUV In J.D. Power and Associates 1998 APEAL Study

    LANHAM, Md., Sept. 21 -- The 1998 Land Rover Discovery has
been ranked Most Appealing compact sport-utility vehicle in J.D. Power and
Associates 1998 APEAL (Automotive Performance, Execution, And Layout) Study.
In doing so, Discovery placed ahead of sixteen other compact SUV models
included in the study.
    Charles R. Hughes, President, Land Rover North America, Inc., said, "A top
segment ranking in the J.D. Power and Associates APEAL Study, to us, shows
Discovery's position as the pre-eminent compact sport-utility vehicle. As we
celebrate Land Rover's 50th Anniversary, we are tremendously gratified that
owners of the '98 Discovery rate their vehicles as 'Most Appealing' in class."
    Based on responses by current owners, the annual APEAL Study is used by
vehicle manufacturers and industry analysts to better understand what
consumers find appealing about their new vehicles. The overall rankings are
determined from the responses to a questionnaire that asks customers to rate
how much they like or dislike virtually all aspects of their vehicle.
Everything from engine performance to seating comfort and vehicle styling are
carefully considered. Land Rover Discovery owners gave their vehicles high
marks for uniqueness of styling, useable storage space and off-road ride and
handling.
    Since Land Rover introduced Discovery in North America in the 1994 model
year, almost 60,000 units have been sold in the U.S. through August of this
year.
    Land Rover North America, Inc. is a member of the Rover Group, importing
Land Rover vehicles manufactured in Solihull, England. The Rover Group is a
wholly-owned subsidiary of the BMW Group, Munich, Germany.