From a press release issued by Arai:

ARAI EARNS HIGHEST J.D. POWER AND ASSOCIATES
MOTORCYCLE HELMET RANKING FOR FIFTH YEAR IN A ROW

(Daytona, FL) J.D. Power and Associates released its first Motorcycle Helmet Satisfaction StudySM in 1999, and Arai Helmets earned the highest customer satisfaction ranking. With the recent release of the new 2003 study, Arai has now earned its fifth consecutive number-one ranking*.

The J.D. Power and Associates announcement of the 2003 study says, in part, “Performing well across all 12 attributes measured, Arai ranks the highest overall among the 12 helmet brands included in the study rankings. Arai receives particularly high marks for fit and comfort, color/graphic design, ventilation/airflow, as well as consumers’ overall rating of their helmet.”

Roger B. Weston, president of Arai Helmet Americas, Inc., commented “It’s a bit of an understatement to say we’re proud of our five straight years of being ranked number one in customer satisfaction by J.D. Power and Associates. But at the risk of sounding immodest, it’s not surprising to us, especially when you realize that Arai is still a comparatively small, family-owned business that has devoted over 50 years solely to the advancement and innovation of helmet design and function. The end consumer has always been Arai’s main focus; it’s obvious when you look at all the comfort, fit, and ventilation concepts the company has been credited with. It doesn’t matter if that ‘consumer’ is a motorcycle GP racer, Formula One, Champ Car, Indy Car or NASCAR® racer, or a recreational street or dirt rider, this company has only one standard for all of them.”

Weston also noted that, in addition to its reputation among motorcyclists and motorcycle racers, Arai is the dominant helmet in 2003 Formula One and Champ Car auto racing with over 50% of the grid in both as well as enjoying a meaningful presence in both Indy Car and NASCAR.

“We’re the only helmet company that’s earned its way onto the grids in all of these motorsports venues.”

* *J.D. Power and Associates 1999-2003 Motorcycle Helmet Satisfaction StudiesSM. 2003 Study based on responses from more than 9,700 purchasers of new 2002 model-year motorcycles.www.jdpower.com