Toyota Prius has been awarded the leading overall vehicle for the second year running in the 2008 J D Power and Associates survey in France.

The Japanese car got 867 points, gaining 9 points in comparison with the previous year, and with 34 points more than the second car in the rankings its lead has increased by 31 points.

In the general category rankings, Toyota won the 1st prize in 3 segments. In addition to its victory in the general rankings, Prius also ended up in the leading position for the 'Family cars' category (the D segment). It thus followed in the footsteps of the Corolla Verso in the 'Minivan' category and the Land Cruiser in the 'SUV' category.

Yaris and Corolla ended up in second position for the 'Small' and 'Compact' categories respectively.

The J D Power and Associates survey is known and recognised around the world for measuring the level of satisfaction that customers have for their cars.

The methodology comprises a questionnaire, which is sent to drivers asking them to judge their vehicles for themselves based on 77 attributes grouped into 4 categories: vehicle quality and reliability; the appeal of the vehicle; after-sales service and running costs.

For the fourth annual study this year, J D Power and Associates in cooperation with L'Automobile Magazine, closely examined 109 models representing 25 car brands. Questionnaire were sent to more than 97,000 owners of models bought between January 2005 and December 2006 of which 18,180 replies were obtained, representing a reply rate of 19 per cent.

J D Power and Associates carry out independent customer satisfaction surveys in numerous countries around the world including Europe -(France, Germany, United Kingdom) -North America (Canada, Mexico, United States) -Asia Pacific (China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, New Zeeland, Philippines, Taiwan, Thailand) and Africa (South Africa).

The automotive industry uses them to establish international benchmarks, with a view to measuring and increasing customer satisfaction. They also give consumers reliable and accurate information about many different models of vehicles.

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