J.D. Power and Associates (J.D. Power), one of the world's largest market research firms and the top provider of customer satisfaction research, yesterday announced the acquisition of Automotive Resources Asia (ARA).

The company is buying ARA an Asia-leading market strategy and information firm specializing in Asia's automobile markets to satisfy the Chinese market's booming demand and fuel further expansion.

The deal will meld global and local information agencies. However, the only detail revealed by the two parties was that it was a whole purchase.

"We have been co-operating with ARA for two years to produce Asia-Pacific market information and powertrain forecasts. We are both very happy and satisfied with our partnership. Then why not follow the rational line to do some work as well?" said John C. Humphrey, managing director of J.D. Power China.

Nowadays, J.D. Power's customer-based studies of vehicle quality, consumer appeal, reliability and dealer performance are used by every leading auto manufacturer. It is also one of the most trusted satisfaction research providers for auto buyers.

Li Lubo, senior director, business and market development of J.D. Power, told China Daily that one important reason for the acquisition was that the company was in dire need of fresh blood with professional experience.

"At present, except our stable syndicated research, we see more and more appeal for research in China, not only from the global auto giants but also domestic vehicle producers. It's a big challenge for J.D. Power," said Li.

"And we need professional talent to meet the increasing training orders from auto manufacturers," he added.

"So we acquired ARA to strengthen our manpower and will open more and more offices in China."

J.D. Power, a unit of the leading global information services provider the McGraw-Hill Companies, currently only has offices in Shanghai and Beijing.

Humphrey also disclosed that after the acquisition, J.D. Power would design more research products for the Chinese market.

Founded in 1993, Thailand-based and Shanghai-registered ARA's high-quality and timely market information has helped automakers and suppliers enter and compete effectively in the world's fastest-growing automotive markets: China and the ASEAN region.

Its highly regarded surveys are routinely used by global and domestic auto manufacturers and spare parts suppliers for insight on everything from new vehicle buyers' behaviour, to future product demand forecasts.

"We are delighted to add ARA to the growing J.D. Power network in China and Asia," said J.D. Power III, founder of the firm.

During their past co-operation, "ARA's analytical discipline, insight and on-the-ground understanding of China's automotive marketplace have complemented J.D. Power's strategic focus and direction and will serve our customers extremely well," said Power.

"The philosophies and capabilities of ARA and J.D. Power are such a good match that we jointly decided to bring ARA's people and knowledge officially into the J.D. Power business," said Michael J. Dunne, former president of ARA who is now to become vice-president of J.D. Power Asia-Pacific.

Source: China Daily