MIAMI, Fla., 2/19/2005 - Yamaha Outboards once again ranks highest in customer satisfaction, according to the J.D. Power and Associates 2005 Marine Engine Competitive Information Study released today at the Miami International Boat Show.
In this latest study, J.D. Power and Associates ranked Yamaha "Highest in Customer Satisfaction for Two-Stroke Outboards." In last year's study, Yamaha's four-stroke outboards were awarded and the year before that both Yamaha's two-and-four-strokes were ranked highest.
Yamaha Marine Group President Phil Dyskow said, "For Yamaha Outboards to receive this recognition for three years in a row is fantastic. The J.D. Power and Associates award is the ultimate recognition because it is the voice of the customer and how they feel about their engines. Most companies would be honored to rank highest in customer satisfaction once, but to be the only brand to receive this honor each of the three years since the award began is most gratifying."
Last year, J.D. Power and Associates expanded its marine study to include two awards for outboard motors - one for two-strokes and the other for four-stroke motors.
"Our goals of constantly exceeding expectations and striving to be the industry's technological leader is 'the cornerstone' of our business plan, and we have no intention of slowing down our efforts," noted Dyskow. "We believe the customer is our boss and the one best qualified to determine which brand of outboard motors is best suited to match their boating interests and expectations. Receiving this award for the third year in a row is a good indicator that our plans at Yamaha are on the right track." As it did two years ago, Yamaha achieved the highest index score among two-stroke outboard engines, with high marks in nearly every key engine attribute measured, particularly in the ability to accelerate rapidly and for performance at cruising speed.
The 2005 study was based on responses of 12,530 owners who purchased a new boat during the previous calendar year. Boat owners were asked about their on-the-water experience with their new outboard, sterndrive or inboard boat engines. Study results were calculated using an engine performance index, which includes eight engine attributes: ease of starting when engine is cold; ease of starting when engine is hot; quietness of the engine at cruising speed; ability of boat to accelerate rapidly; cruising speed of boat; engine fumes; cruise time/range between fuel stops; and the standard warranty coverage of the engine.
In addition to the J.D. Power and Associates awards for Customer Satisfaction, Yamaha has received many other awards during recent years. Yamaha Outboards is the only engine brand to receive the Marine Industry CSI Award for Excellence in Customer Satisfaction for each year they have been awarded.