Honda and Toyota Tops in
Initial Quality - J.D. Power and Associates Reports by Shane
Morgay
The importance of the
vehicle's quality cannot be overemphasized. Though there
are changing consumer expectations, quality is still the
topmost priority. Recently, J.D. Power and Associates conducted
this year's South Africa Initial Quality Study (IQS). Said
study gave Honda and Toyota combined 6 initial quality model
awards.
Honda car accessories
and parts contribute significantly to the durability factor
of the automaker's vehicles. This is also true with Toyota
accessories and auto parts. These two automakers are now
making a big leap in the global auto market primarily because
of the quality they are delivering to the auto enthusiasts.
This year, South Africa
Initial Quality Study was entirely redesigned to more exactly
examine consumer attitudes toward quality. It is now based
on a representative sample of more than 9 600 new-vehicle
owners who purchased their vehicles between December 2005
and April 2006.
The study delved into
the problems encountered by auto customers during the first
three to seven months of ownership. It examined 228 individual
problem symptoms in nine categories: vehicle exterior; the
driving experience; features/controls/displays; audio/entertainment/navigation;
seats; heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC);
vehicle interior; engine/transmission; and other problems.
All problems are identified as the number reported per 100
vehicles (PP100). Lower scores signify fewer problems and
therefore of better quality.
IQS was launched in
the United States in 1987. Since its introduction, it has
been recognized as an authority in the examination of auto
quality. Aside from South Africa, J.D. Power and Associates
is also conducting vehicle quality research in other markets
around the globe including China, France, Germany, India,
Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Philippines, Taiwan, Thailand,
the United Kingdom and the United States.
"Continued quality
improvements have caused consumers to focus increasingly
more attention on soft quality issues, or vehicle design-related
problems, rather than solely on a more traditional view
of quality characterized by defects and malfunctions,"
said Brian Walters, senior director of J.D. Power and Associates
Europe, Middle East and Africa operations.
IQS problem symptoms
were further classified into 2 dimensions: defects/malfunctions
and design-related problems. Brands that have fewest defects/malfunctions
include Audi, BMW, Honda, Mercedes-Benz and Subaru. Further,
those that have fewest design-related problems include Audi,
Daihatsu, Honda, Subaru, Toyota and Volvo.
Walters explained,"
To satisfy owners and fully understand consumer perceptions
of quality, manufacturers must consider both dimensions
of vehicle quality. For instance, BMW models, along with
those from Honda and Mercedes-Benz, have among the fewest
defects/malfunctions. Yet, BMW's approach to features/controls/displays
often creates some problems for customers, which ultimately
contributes to more overall design-related anomalies when
compared with Honda and Mercedes-Benz."
BMW parts accessories,
on the other hand, are also aimed at enhancement. This is
designed by the automaker to promote better quality and
reliability.
About the Author
Shane Morgay is a 34-year-old native of Ohio. She love cars
and knows detailed information about them. She has a collection
of miniature car collectibles and would love to have these
collectibles become real ones. She works for a car part
supplier most days of the week.
fiftyfiftyracing.com 2006
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