Chevy Leads All Brands with Most J.D. Power Initial Quality Awards

Waterville, 07/03/2013 / SubmitMyPR /

Reliability is a top priority for drivers seeking a new vehicle, but with more advanced technology finding its way into models, an auto brand's past reputation for quality doesn't necessarily hold true. This year, J.D. Power and Associates updated its Initial Quality Study (IQS) to garner more feedback from drivers about those in-car technologies. Judged on that expanded criteria, Chevrolet led all marques with five individual model awards in the 2013 IQS, all while achieving its best-ever performance as a brand overall.

Based on surveys from more than 83,000 owners and lessees of 2013-model-year vehicles, the J.D. Power 2013 IQS recognizes the models that experience the fewest problems per 100 vehicles. Chevy's Camaro, Tahoe, Silverado HD, Avalanche and Impala each topped their respective classes in the study. Excelling in the Features & Accessories categories, the 2013 Chevy Impala beat out the Hyundai Azera and Chrysler 300 in the Large Car segment. Now featuring a new flowing center stack with an available eight-inch touchscreen for the 2014 model year, the Impala sedan could even improve upon its rating in next year's IQS.

"J.D. Power's annual IQS does a great job of getting into the nitty-gritty about what buyers really like, or don't like, about their vehicles, and Chevy stood out this year with its user-friendly technology," said Bo Hendrick, general sales manager of Waterville, Maine Chevy dealer Central Maine Motors. "All the modern features that have impressed drivers in the 2013 Impala are even better in the redesigned 2014 model, especially with the debut of the next-generation Chevrolet MyLink infotainment system."

The updates to the MyLink technology in the 2014 Impala include a smoother, smartphone-like interface and the automaker's first use of natural language voice recognition, as well as the option of saving up to 60 favorites, like radio stations or navigation destinations. Drivers can also enjoy those new features in a quieter and more spacious cabin, thanks to the active noise cancellation technology on four-cylinder models and the added legroom in both the front and rear seats. Three engine options will be available under the hood, including an Ecotec 2.5-liter four-cylinder and a 3.6-liter V6, as well as a new Ecotec 2.4-liter four-cylinder with eAssist that will go on sale in the Impala late this year.

Chevrolet has chosen musician John Legend to be featured in the 2014 Impala's marketing campaign. Set to Legend's new single, "Made to Love," a new TV spot follows the artist as he drives the Impala around New York City while seeking inspiration for his music. Throughout the minute-long black-and-white video, the newly sculpted Impala is contrasted against the sights and sounds of Manhattan, standing out from the background with its swept-back headlights and wide, athletic grille.

"New York City is the perfect place to showcase the 2014 Impala because the car has a fresh, refined design that looks great against an urban backdrop," added Hendrick. "Maine drivers will also love the new look, though, because it stands out from the crowd whether you're at the office or taking the family to the beach."

About Central Maine Motors:
Part of the Central Maine Motors Auto Group that has served New England drivers since 1935, Central Maine Motors is dedicated to creating a superior car-buying experience that leads to lasting relationships with their customers. Maintaining high standards of integrity, the staff at their Maine Chevrolet and Buick dealership is fully trained to find the right vehicle for each customer, along with expert service down the road. Visit Central Maine Motors at 420 Kennedy Memorial Drive in Waterville, call them at 888-709-1265 or browse their inventory of new and used Chevy and Buick vehicles online at www.centralmainechevybuick.com. They can also be found on Facebook at www.facebook.com/CentralMaineChevroletBuick.