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J.D. Power and Associates Reports: Embattled U.S. Automakers Make Substantial Gains in Initial Quality, Outpacing Industry-Wide Improvement



WESTLAKE VILLAGE, CA USA


While Quality Gap Continues to Narrow, Import Nameplates Capture 15 of 22 Segment Awards


WESTLAKE VILLAGE, Calif., June 22 /PRNewswire/ -- New vehicles sold by Chrysler, Ford and GM's domestic brands have improved in initial quality by an average of 10 percent, compared with 2008, surpassing the 8-percent rate of improvement by the industry overall, according to the J.D. Power and Associates 2009 Initial Quality Study(SM) (IQS) released today.


Overall, the industry average for initial quality is 108 problems per 100 vehicles (PP100) in 2009, down from 118 PP100 in 2008. Initial quality for domestic brands has improved to an average of 112 PP100 in 2009 from 124 PP100 in 2008. Lower PP100 scores indicate a lower rate of problem incidences and higher quality.


"Even in the face of unprecedented challenges, the Detroit automakers are keeping their focus on designing and building high-quality vehicles, which is a precondition for long-term success," said David Sargent, vice president of automotive research at J.D. Power and Associates. "High quality generally translates into reduced re-engineering costs and lower warranty expenses during a vehicle's life cycle. High quality also enhances an automaker's reputation for reliability, which is a critical purchase consideration for many consumers."


In addition to the marked improvement by domestic automakers, many import brands continued to perform well in 2009. Lexus leads the overall nameplate rankings, averaging 84 PP100. Following in the rankings are Porsche, Cadillac (which moves from 10th rank position in 2008 to third in 2009), Hyundai (improves from 13th rank position in 2008 to fourth in 2009) and Honda, rounding out the top five. Suzuki posts the largest improvement in ranking, moving from 32nd place in 2008 to ninth in 2009.


The study finds that initial quality for newly launched and redesigned models in 2009 has improved compared with previous years. Historically, all-new models have typically launched with below-average levels of initial quality. However, several all-new models in 2009, including the Hyundai Genesis, Kia Borrego, Toyota Venza and Volkswagen CC, perform considerably better than their respective segment averages. Many redesigned models in 2009 also show notable improvement from the previous generation--particularly the Acura TL, Ford F-150, Honda Pilot and Nissan Z.


"Achieving high levels of initial quality in all-new models is one of the greatest challenges for manufacturers," said Sargent. "Now that more manufacturers are getting their launch quality right straight out of the gate, consumers can expect the quality of new vehicles to continue to rise."


The Initial Quality Study serves as the industry benchmark for new-vehicle quality measured at 90 days of ownership. The study is used extensively by manufacturers worldwide to help them design and build better vehicles and by consumers to help them in their vehicle purchase decisions. Initial quality has been shown over the years to be an excellent predictor of long-term durability, which can significantly impact consumer purchase decisions. The study captures problems experienced by owners in two distinct categories--design-related problems and defects and malfunctions.


2009 IQS Ranking Highlights

Toyota Motor Corporation captures 10 segment awards--more than any other corporation in the 2009 study--including five for Lexus, four for Toyota and one for Scion. Lexus receives awards for the IS, GS, GX, LS and LX models. The Lexus LX has the fewest quality problems in the industry, with just 52 PP100. Toyota models receiving awards in their respective segments are the 4Runner (in a tie); Sienna; Tundra (in a tie); and Yaris.


Ford receives three awards for the Edge (in a tie); F-150 (in a tie); and Mustang. Garnering two awards each are Nissan (Altima and Z); and Honda (CR-V, in a tie, and Ridgeline).


Also receiving segment awards are: Chevrolet Trailblazer (in a tie), Chrysler PT Cruiser Wagon (in a tie), GMC Yukon, Hyundai Elantra Sedan, Mercury Sable and Scion tC.


Assembly Plant Awards

The Toyota Motor Corporation assembly plant in Higashi-Fuji, Japan, receives the Platinum Plant Quality Award for producing vehicles yielding the fewest defects and malfunctions. Averaging just 29 PP100, the plant produces the Lexus SC 430 and Toyota Corolla. Plant awards are based solely on average levels of defects and malfunctions and exclude design-related problems.

Among North and South American plants, the Honda plant in East Liberty, Ohio, which produces the Civic Sedan, CR-V and Element, achieves the Gold Plant Quality Award.


In the Europe and Africa region, Daimler's East London, South Africa, plant, which produces the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, receives the Gold Plant Quality Award.


The 2009 Initial Quality Study is based on responses from more than 80,900 purchasers and lessees of new 2009 model-year cars, trucks and multi-activity vehicles surveyed after 90 days of ownership. The study is based on a 228-question battery designed to provide manufacturers with information to facilitate identifying problems and drive product improvement. The study was fielded between February and May 2009.


Find more detailed results on new-vehicle quality performance as well as model photos and specs by reading an article, browsing a photo gallery and reviewing quality ratings at JDPower.com.


2009 Nameplate IQS Ranking

Problems per 100 Vehicles

Lexus 84
Porsche 90
Cadillac 91
Hyundai 95
Honda 99
Mercedes-Benz 101
Toyota 101
Ford 102
Chevrolet 103
Suzuki 103
Infiniti 106
Mercury 106
Industry Average 108
Nissan 110
Acura 111
BMW 112
Kia 112
Volkswagen 112
GMC 116
Buick 117
Audi 118
Pontiac 118
Scion 118
Volvo 118
Saturn 120
Mazda 123
Lincoln 129
Subaru 130
Dodge 134
Jaguar 134
Mitsubishi 135
Chrysler 136
HUMMER 136
Jeep 137
SAAB 138
smart 138
Land Rover 150
MINI 165


Top Three Models per Segment
Car Segments

Sub-Compact Car
Highest Ranked: Toyota Yaris
Hyundai Accent
Honda Fit

Compact Car
Highest Ranked: Hyundai Elantra Sedan
Toyota Prius
Honda Civic

Compact Sporty Car*
Highest Ranked: Scion tC
Volkswagen GTI

Compact Premium Sporty Car*
Highest Ranked: Nissan Z
Mercedes-Benz SLK-Class

Entry Premium Vehicle
Highest Ranked: Lexus IS
Cadillac CTS (tie)
Infiniti G-Series (tie)

Midsize Premium Car
Highest Ranked: Lexus GS
Acura RL
Lexus ES

Midsize Sporty Car*
Highest Ranked: Ford Mustang

Large Premium Car*
Highest Ranked: Lexus LS
Mercedes-Benz S-Class

Midsize Car
Highest Ranked: Nissan Altima
Pontiac G6
Chevrolet Malibu

Large Car
Highest Ranked: Mercury Sable
Toyota Avalon
Chevrolet Impala


NOTE: For a segment award to be issued, there must be at least three models with sufficient sample that comprise 80 percent of market sales within an award segment. There were only two premium sporty models and no large van models with sufficient sample size, thus no premium sporty or large van awards have been issued.


*No other model in this segment performs above the segment average.


Top Three Models per Segment
Truck/Multi-Activity Vehicle (MAV) Segments

Compact MAV
Highest Ranked: Chrysler PT Cruiser Wagon (tie); Honda CR-V (tie)
Mitsubishi Outlander

Midsize MAV
Highest Ranked: Chevrolet TrailBlazer (tie); Ford Edge (tie); Toyota 4Runner (tie)

Large MAV*
Highest Ranked: GMC Yukon
Chevrolet Tahoe

Midsize Premium MAV
Highest Ranked: Lexus GX
Lexus RX
Cadillac SRX

Large Premium MAV
Highest Ranked: Lexus LX
Cadillac Escalade
Mercedes-Benz GL-Class

Large Pickup
Highest Ranked: Ford F-150 (tie); Toyota Tundra (tie)
Chevrolet Avalanche

Midsize Pickup
Highest Ranked: Honda Ridgeline
Nissan Frontier
Ford Ranger

Minivan*
Highest Ranked: Toyota Sienna
Honda Odyssey


NOTE: For a segment award to be issued, there must be at least three models with sufficient sample that comprise 80 percent of market sales within an award segment. There were only two premium sporty models and no large van models with sufficient sample size, thus no premium sporty or large van awards have been issued.

*No other model in this segment performs above the segment average.


2009 Assembly Plant Quality Award Recipients
Based on Vehicles Produced for U.S. Market

Award PP100 Model(s) Produced at Plant
(defects/
malfunctions only)

Platinum Award
Toyota Motor Corporation
-- Higashi-Fuji, Japan 29 Lexus SC and Toyota Corolla

North/South America
Gold Award
Honda Motor Company
--East Liberty, Ohio 41 Honda Civic, CR-V and Element

Silver Award
General Motors Corporation
--Oshawa, Ontario (Car) 42 Buick LaCrosse and
Chevrolet Impala
Bronze Award
Ford Motor Company
--Kentucky Truck 43 Ford F-250/F-350 Super Duty

Bronze Award
General Motors Corporation
--Bowling Green, KY 43 Cadillac XLR and
Chevrolet Corvette
Bronze Award
Toyota Motor Corporation
--Georgetown, KY 43 Toyota Avalon, Camry and
Venza

Asia Pacific
Silver Award
Toyota Motor Corporation
--Fujimatsu, Japan 30 Toyota Prius

Bronze Award
Toyota Motor Corporation
--Kyushu, Japan 34 Lexus ES; IS; and RX;
Toyota Highlander

Europe and Africa
Gold Award
Daimler
--East London, South Africa 38 Mercedes-Benz C-Class

Silver Award
BMW
--Dingolfing, Germany 40 BMW 5 Series and 6 Series

Silver Award
Daimler
--Bremen, Germany 40 Mercedes-Benz C-Class;
CLK-Class; SL-Class; and SLK-
Class


About J.D. Power and Associates

Headquartered in Westlake Village, Calif., J.D. Power and Associates is a global marketing information services company operating in key business sectors including market research, forecasting, performance improvement, Web intelligence and customer satisfaction. For more information on car reviews and ratings, car insurance, health insurance, cell phone ratings, and more, please visit JDPower.com. J.D. Power and Associates is a business unit of The McGraw-Hill Companies.


SOURCE pdf file


SOURCE J.D. Power and Associates

JessePS

go LEXUS

mmarshall

Some of these rankings look a little suspect to me, such as Toyota and Mercedes tied at 101 problems per 100 vehicles, and Subaru down there at 130. The Honda Plant at East Liberty getting the top quality award, though, does not surprise me. In my experience looking at new cars, Hondas seem to come from the factory screwed-together better than those of any other manufacturer.....even more so than some of their more expensive Acura cousins.

LexFather

Kudos to Lexus and the top brands!

Wow Nissan is ahead of Acura and Acura is below the industry averageAs a matter of fact VW, BMW and Kia is only 1 point behind Acura

Wow Suzuki with a tremenous leap!

Mercedes with another strong showing!

IS-SV

Fun with numbers, just statistics from sampling. No big surprises.

But the consistency of the Lexus showing is something for sure.

flipside909

Toyota and Lexus are doing well.

Lexus 84
Porsche 90
Cadillac 91
Hyundai 95
Honda 99
Mercedes-Benz 101
Toyota 101
Ford 102
Chevrolet 103
Suzuki 103
Infiniti 106
Mercury 106
Industry Average 108
Nissan 110
Acura 111
BMW 112
Kia 112
Volkswagen 112
GMC 116
Buick 117
Audi 118
Pontiac 118
Scion 118
Volvo 118
Saturn 120
Mazda 123
Lincoln 129
Subaru 130
Dodge 134
Jaguar 134
Mitsubishi 135
Chrysler 136
HUMMER 136
Jeep 137
SAAB 138
smart 138
Land Rover 150
MINI 165

MPLexus301

iTrader: (3)

RX and ES also had top finishes, but were ousted by their bigger brothers (GX and GS). Great showing for Lexus, even though this is only the IQS.

flipside909

Toyota and Lexus Earn Ten Segment Awards in the J.D. Power and Associates 2009 Initial Quality Study

Lexus Regains Top Nameplate Ranking, LX 570 and LS 460 Finish One-Two



TORRANCE, Calif., June 22, 2009 – Toyota Motor Sales (TMS), U.S.A., Inc., today earned 10 segment awards in the 2009 J.D. Power and Associates Initial Quality Study (IQS). The Lexus nameplate finished first overall, with the LX570 capturing the top spot as the most problem-free vehicle.

“We're quite pleased to lead 10 segments and Lexus' top position overall,” said TMS President Jim Lentz. “The dependability of our vehicles has always been a major factor in the company’s success. The IQS 90-day feedback is just one measurement – along with warranty claims, long-term durability, resale value and buyer loyalty – that helps us gauge our overall quality.”

Lexus

Lexus received awards in all five segments in which it had eligible vehicles, and it finished first overall with 84 problems per 100 (PP100), a 15 PP100 and two-ranking position improvement over last year. Lexus LX 570 ranked first among all segment winners and in the Premium Large Multi-Activity Vehicle (MAV) category with the fewest PP100, at 52. The LX570’s score was the best ever for a segment-leading model since the IQS was redesigned, and it was half of the Premium Luxury average of 104 PP100. The LS 460 was the Large Premium Car segment winner with 59 PP100, and it was the ninth time in 12 years that the LS earned that achievement.

Toyota

The Toyota nameplate finished sixth overall with 101 PP100 and had a three PP100 improvement. It also earned four segment awards overall. 4Runner was tied for the top Midsize MAV, the Sienna was highest in the Mid-size Van segment, the Yaris topped the Sub-compact Car segment, and the Tundra was tied in the Large Pickup segment.

Scion

Scion nameplate moved up in the study to 20th overall from 27th in 2008 with 118 PP100, a 20 PP100 improvement. The Scion tC sports coupe led the Compact Sporty Car segment.

Production

Toyota production facilities took the top three Asia Pacific honors including the Platinum Award, a global award that goes to the best plant overall regardless of region, which went to the Higashi-Fuji, Japan, plant (Lexus SC and Toyota Corolla). The Fujimatsu, Japan, plant (Toyota Prius) earned the Silver Award and the Kyushu, Japan, plant (Lexus ES 350, IS 250/350, RX 350/400h, and Toyota Highlander/Highlander hybrid) won the Bronze. The Georgetown, Ky., plant (Camry, Camry Hybrid, Avalon and the all-new Venza) earned the Bronze Award in the North/South America region.

Credit: Toyota Motor Sales, USA

LexFather

Threxx

Interesting.

It's amazing to me that the average vehicle brand only has 28% more defects than the best-ranked brand (Lexus). 28% is not much of a disparity at all. I mean if that extrapolates out into, say, a full 10 years of ownership experience then if a Lexus was going to give you 4 problems in 10 years, the average vehicle would give you 5.

My Saturn Aura didn't get any sort of mention, but its distant (and not as nice) cousin the Pontiac G6 did as well as its very close (and somewhat nicer) cousin the Malibu did.

I wonder what's different about the Aura that it didn't get a mention, or maybe they just didn't want to publish all 3 vehicles that were so similar.

I also see the Saturn brand did worse than average as they have done pretty consistently, but it seems the Aura as an individual car has done better than the rest of the Saturn brand... so hopefully that holds true.

Even if it doesn't, as much money as I saved buying my Aura over a comparable Accord or Camry... I can justify it easily. And it can't possibly be more of a POS than my 335i has been unless I just get very unlucky twice in a row.

LexFather

28% doesn't sound like a lot if a car has 10 parts. Cars have thousands of parts and continue to get more complicated, so its great that its "only" 28% until we factor in how many parts is included in this survey. Lets round it to 1000 parts, well that's 280 more problems, not insignificant.

As for the Aura maybe it wasn't included as they didn't get enough responses back for the survey? Surely its built just as well.

Threxx

The survey is a measure of problems, not car parts, so unless you are assuming all 1000 parts will fail, then you are bringing an unneeded number into the equation.

The survey itself says that the average Lexus has 0.84 defects in the first 90 days and the average car has 1.08 defects in the first 90 days.

JD Power's VDS measures problems in the first 3 years and the industry has an average of 1.7 problems per vehicle in 3 years. I'm just sort of extrapolating that out further and assuming the average vehicle will have 5 problems in 10 years of ownership... which would mean if the IQS' percentage of disparity stays roughly consistent, then owning a Lexus would give you 'only' 1 fewer problem on average in those 10 years. Again... that's just on average... could be the Lexus actually has more problems or has far fewer problems.

If you really want to bring the number of car parts into the equation then the only way to really do that is say, for example that each of those 1000 car parts has a 0.108% chance of failing in the average car's first 90 days, and a 0.084% chance of failing in a Lexus in the first 90 days.

Threxx

I looked up the Aura and they gave it a 3.5 star out of 5 IQS rating compared to the Malibu which got a 4.5/5 and the G6 which got a 5/5

Very strange. The Malibu and Aura are extremely closely related and even built side by side in the same plant.

The Accord, Fusion, and Camry all got 3/5 overall though... so I guess I feel a little better about that... that I wouldn't have done any better going for any of them.

Passat got a 2/5 (they don't give 1/5 ever so that's as bad as you can get!).

Altima is the only other car beside G6 that got a 5/5 and surprisingly the SEBRING got 4/5???

I'm starting to lose some faith in this survey. The Sebring is a piece of crap in my experience and some of these other numbers just don't sound right.

edit: the Aura got a 2 out of 5 in powertrain mechanical quality and design quality whereas the Malibu got a 4/5 and the G6 got a 5/5! I absolutely call BS... all three use 100% identical powertrains!

DASHOCKER

iTrader: (2)

Jingly Dashboard & Consumer Reports are the biggest farces. People will believe in them as they do Miss Cleo.. Lemee go buy the #1 car on the list now

mmarshall

Well, even though I do have some respect for J.D. Power (I was once a part of their focus discussion groups, not just a random survey-member), I've said for years that Consumer Reports does a better and more accurate job, although they survey in fewer different categories than Power.