Mercury OptiMax Engine Ranked Highest in Customer Satisfaction for Third Consecutive Year
MIAMI BEACH, Fla. – Mercury Marine's already-heralded OptiMax engine was recognized February 14th, 2008 by J.D. Power and Associates for delivering the highest customer satisfaction in direct-injected (DI) outboard engines for the third consecutive year, tied in 2007.
Mercury Marine is the only marine engine manufacturer to receive this prestigious award three years in a row.
The awards were presented today to Mercury President Patrick C. Mackey and Mercury Outboard President Mark Schwabero in ceremonies at the Miami International Boat Show at the Miami Beach Convention Center.
Mercury OptiMax – the marine industry's leading DI two-stroke outboard – was recognized as "Highest in Customer Satisfaction With Two-Stroke Outboard Engines." OptiMax engines are made in Fond du Lac, Wis., home of Mercury Marine.
"Three successive years of recognition for our outboard business reveals why Mercury Marine is number one on the water," said Mr. Mackey. "We're driven by our customers' confidence in our product, and we're committed to maintaining our promise to deliver the quality and reliability they've come to expect from the Mercury brand."
The J.D. Power and Associates study also showed that Mercury closed the gap on its competition in the four-stroke electronic fuel injected (EFI) category, buoyed in part by the FourStroke Verado.
The J.D. Power and Associates Marine Engine Competitive Information Study is in its seventh year. The study examines these seven factors in determining overall customer satisfaction and product performance of marine engines: starting ease, quietness at cruise, reliability, fuel economy, shifting smoothness, lack of engine fumes and ability to accelerate quickly.
The 2008 study found that OptiMax ranked highest for overall satisfaction among two-stroke outboard engine owners. On average, Mercury OptiMax engine owners also reported fewer problems per 100 boats than the competition. In terms of fuel economy, owners again gave the OptiMax top marks.
The OptiMax family ranges from 75 to 300 horsepower. The two-stroke, direct-injected engines are regulated by powerful onboard computers. This ensures maximum fuel efficiency and power while complying with the industry-leading environmental emission standards. The injectors shoot an atomized fuel and air mixture directly into the top of the cylinder after intake exhaust ports are closed. The fuel is burned immediately and completely, which translates to much greater fuel efficiency and significantly lower emissions. DI engines inject their oil separately, and only where it's needed, for more effective lubrication.
About J.D. Power and Associates
Headquartered in Westlake Village, Calif., J.D. Power and Associates is an ISO 9001-registered global marketing information services firm operating in key business sectors including market research, forecasting, performance improvement, training and customer satisfaction. The firm's quality and satisfaction measurements are based on responses from millions of consumers annually. For more information on car reviews and ratings, car insurance, health insurance, cell phone ratings, and more, please visit JDPower.com. J.D. Power and Associates is a business unit of The McGraw-Hill Companies.
About Mercury Marine
Mercury Marine is the world's leading manufacturer of recreational marine propulsion engines. A $2.3 billion division of Brunswick Corporation (NYSE: BC), Mercury and its 6,200 employees worldwide provide engines, boats, services and parts for recreational, commercial and government marine applications. Mercury's industry-leading brand portfolio includes Mercury and Mariner outboard engines; Mercury MerCruiser sterndrives and inboard engines; MotorGuide trolling motors; Mercury and Teignbridge propellers; MotoTron electronic controls; Mercury inflatable boats; Mercury SmartCraft electronics; and Mercury and Quicksilver parts and oils.
