According to results released on 27 November, the U.S. automaker received three segment model awards -- more than any other company in the study -- for one Buick model and two Chevrolet models.

A model made by its joint venture SAIC-GM-Wuling Automobile Co. also won the award for the minivan segment.

Honda and Nissan models received two awards each, while Audi and a model made by the domestic Chinese automaker JAC each won one award.

Now in its seventh year, the APEAL study is a customer-reported measure of what gratifies owners in China regarding their new vehicle's performance and design during the first two to six months of ownership.

The study examines nearly 100 attributes in 10 vehicle categories: vehicle exterior; vehicle interior; storage and space; audio/entertainment/navigation; seats; HVAC; driving dynamics; engine/transmission; visibility and driving safety; and fuel economy.

The highest-ranked models by segment in 2009 are:

--Compact segment: Chevrolet Spark

--Premium compact segment: JAC Tojoy

--Entry midsize segment: Nissan Tiida

--Midsize segment: Nissan Sylphy

--Lower premium midsize segment: Chevrolet Epica

--Upper premium midsize segment: Buick Regal

--Luxury segment: Audi A6L

--SUV segment: Honda CR-V

--MPV segment: Honda Odyssey

--Minivan segment: Wuling Rongguang