The wRatings Corporation, an independent competitive research firm,
announced today the results of its annual study on the Most Competitive
Auto, Gas & Utilities companies.
The wRatings Competitive Strength Index™ for
the Auto industry will grow 6.8% CAGR over the next five years, as
manufacturers rapidly transform to meet changing consumer expectations.
By comparison, Auto Retailers and Oil & Gas companies will only grow by
3.2% and 5.0% CAGR respectively. Yet Utility companies will outpace
everyone with a 10.7% CAGR growth in competitive strength.
Scores from the Competitive Strength Index are a blend of how well
companies meet consumer expectations while also generating economic
profit. The quarterly survey is conducted with a representative sample
of 25,000 US households by wRatings across 12 industries. The firm has
been conducting the surveys since 1999.
Gary A. Williams, CEO and founder of wRatings, says, "Whichever
auto companies can make it through the current downturn will take part
in one of the best bull markets for autos ever seen. Whether through
pent-up demand or the transformation to alternative energy, consumers
will be seeking out new cars that meet rising expectations. Companies
with visionary CEOs and revolutionary products, similar to what Steve
Jobs did with the iPod, will be the big winners.”
All 65 companies in the study received a W Score™,
where 100 equals the most competitive nationally.
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2008 RANK
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2007 RANK
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AUTO COMPANIES
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W SCORE™
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1
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1
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Harley-Davidson (HOG)
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87.2
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2
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4
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Honda (HMC)
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64.9
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3
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3
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Acura (HMC)
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64.4
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4
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11
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Lexus (TM)
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61.6
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5
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13
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Subaru (FUJHY)
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58.6
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AUTO RETAILERS
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1
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2
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AutoNation (AN)
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81.7
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2
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1
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AutoZone (AZO)
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72.6
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3
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3
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Advance Auto Parts (AAP)
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71.8
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GASOLINE STATIONS
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1
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3
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Marathon (MRO)
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72.6
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2
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1
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Mobil (XOM)
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72.4
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3
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4
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Valero (VLO)
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69.3
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UTILITY COMPANIES
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1
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1
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BGE/Constellation (CEG)
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68.2
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2
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2
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Southern Co. (SO)
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56.5
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3
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7
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Allegheny (AYE)
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47.3
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Full rankings are available free for a limited time at http://www.wratings.com/projections.php?s=111.
The annual report and detailed company profiles are available to premium
subscribers. Check http://www.wRatings.com
for subscription prices.