WESTLAKE VILLAGE, Calif., Sept. 12 /PRNewswire/ -- J.D. Power and Associates, a business of The McGraw-Hill Companies (NYSE: MHP), today announced the acquisition of Automotive Resources Asia (ARA), a respected market strategy and information firm specializing in Asia's car markets since 1993. J.D. Power and Associates' "voice of the customer"-based studies of vehicle quality, consumer appeal, reliability and dealer performance are used by every leading auto manufacturer. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

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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 automobile manufacturers and parts suppliers to collect insights on everything from new-vehicle buyer behavior to future product demand forecasts. ARA maintains offices in Beijing, Shanghai and Bangkok.

"We are delighted to add ARA to the growing J.D. Power and Associates network in China and Asia," said J.D. Power III, founder of the firm, at a press conference in Beijing. "We have worked closely with ARA to produce our Asia Pacific and powertrain forecasts. ARA's analytical discipline, insight and on-the-ground understanding of China's automotive marketplace complement J.D. Power and Associates' strategic focus and direction and will serve our customers extremely well."

"The philosophies and capabilities of ARA and J.D. Power and Associates are such a good match that we jointly decided to bring ARA's people and knowledge officially into the J.D. Power and Associates business," said Michael Dunne, former president of ARA who now becomes vice president at J.D. Power Asia Pacific. "We look forward to bringing a new dimension of service and insight to the local marketplace."

"The Chinese Association of Automotive Manufacturers (CAAM) has worked closely with J.D. Power to help prepare our industry for rapid growth and success in the global marketplace," said Jiang Lei, CAAM executive vice chairman. "We have also valued ARA's insights and welcome this combination of strength, shared resource and clear commitment to China's automotive industry."

"Given the complex and fast-changing nature of the Chinese automotive market, solid information on industry and customer needs is critical," said Phil Murtaugh, executive vice president of the Shanghai Automotive Industry Group (SAIC). "With the addition of ARA, J.D. Power is uniquely positioned to provide a single, comprehensive source of insight into this rapidly evolving industry."

China ranked third in overall light-vehicle sales in 2005, behind the United States and Japan. In addition, China represents more than one-third of growth of global light-vehicle sales projected over the next seven years.

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, consulting, training and customer satisfaction. The firm's quality and satisfaction measurements are based on responses from millions of consumers annually. J.D. Power and Associates is a business unit of The McGraw-Hill Companies. J.D. Power Asia Pacific has been conducting business in China since 2000.

About J.D. Power Asia Pacific

J.D. Power Asia Pacific, established in 1990, conducts customer satisfaction research and provides consulting services in the automotive, information technology and finance industries. Information regarding J.D. Power Asia Pacific's China products can be accessed through the Internet at www.jdpowerchina.com.cn

About The McGraw-Hill Companies

Founded in 1888, The McGraw-Hill Companies is a leading global information services provider meeting worldwide needs in the financial services, education and business information markets through leading brands such as Standard & Poor's, McGraw-Hill Education, BusinessWeek and J.D. Power and Associates. The Corporation has more than 290 offices in 38 countries, including offices in Beijing and Shanghai. The McGraw-Hill Companies has a long, successful history in China through leading brands such as Standard & Poor's, McGraw-Hill Education, BusinessWeek/China, McGraw-Hill Construction and Platts. Sales in 2005 were $6.0 billion. Additional information is available at http://www.mcgraw-hill.com.

    J.D. Power and Associates Media Relations Contacts:

    John Tews                                John Humphrey
    Troy, Mich.                              Shanghai, China
    (248) 312-4119                           86-21- 6103 7082
    john.tews@jdpa.comjohn_humphrey@jdpower.com.sg

    Fleishman Hillard Beijing
    Angela Yang
    86-10-5869 1666
    yanga@fleishman.com

No advertising or other promotional use can be made of the information in this release without the express prior written consent of J.D. Power and Associates. www.jdpower.com

SOURCE J.D. Power and Associates

Contact: John Tews, +1-248-312-4119, john.tews@jdpa.com, or John Humphrey, 86-21- 6103 7082, john_humphrey@jdpower.com.sg, both of J.D. Power and Associates; or Angela Yang of Fleishman Hillard Beijing, 86-10-5869 1666, yanga@fleishman.com, for J.D. Power and Associates