J.D. Power says Korean cars must improve

The chairman of a world leading automotive information firm said Thursday that Korean cars` image in the United States is improving, but he said that they not only need to improve quality but also manage dealerships more thoroughly.

J.D. Power III, founder and chairman of J.D. Power and Associates, made his remarks at a press conference at Hyundai Motor`s Headquarters in Kye-dong in Seoul.¡°In the U.S. market, Hyundai scored below the industry average for the past 10 years for engine and transmission refinements and perceived lack of power,¡± he said.

¡°If they put these problems right, for instance, the EF Sonata did well. I expect that Hyundai would be performing above average in the next two or three years.¡±Regarding the Hyundai-DaimlerChrysler alliance, Power said, ¡°Since they will share technologies, it will bring positive effects to both.¡±¡°Over the next few years, I expect the leveling-out of quality following the realignment in the auto market,¡± he predicted. ¡° Information on customers` needs and expectations is more important than ever before, and dealers` role will be greater.¡± Power, who arrived in Seoul on Wednesday, had talks with Hyundai Motor Chairman Chung Mong-Koo on Thursday. Power will leave Saturday after visiting Hyundai`s research institute in Namyang.