For the first time, three Chevrolet models rank highest in their respective segments in initial quality in India, according to the J.D Power Asia Pacific 2007 India Initial Quality StudySM (IQS) released today. The study, which serves as the industry benchmark for new-vehicle quality measured at two to six months of ownership, has been completely redesigned for 2007 to provide manufacturers with deeper insights and more actionable information to improve problem determination and drive product improvement. The redesigned IQS now examines more than 200 problem symptoms in two distinct categories—quality of design and quality of production—across eight vehicle components: vehicle exterior; driving experience; features, controls and displays; audio, entertainment and navigation; seats; heating, ventilation and cooling (HVAC); vehicle interior and engine and transmission. Overall quality performance is based on both design quality and production quality problems per 100 vehicles (PP100), with lower scores indicating a lower rate of problem incidences and higher vehicle quality.
The new Chevrolet Spark leads the compact car segment with a score of 127 PP100. The Honda City and Chevrolet Aveo tie for the top rank position in the midsize segment with a score of 109 PP100 each, while the Chevrolet Optra (97 PP100) ranks highest in the premium midsize segment.
“Chevrolet’s performance in the 2007 India IQS is encouraging,” said Mohit Arora, senior director at
J.D Power Asia Pacific, Singapore. “The recent model launches from the company, combined with its
aggressive efforts in improving product quality, underscore the brand’s growing success in the Indian
market.”
New to the study rankings in 2007 are the premium compact and SUV segments. In the premium compact segment, the Maruti Swift (116 PP100) ranks highest, while the new Honda CR-V (50 PP100) tops the SUV segment. In the entry midsize segment, the newly launched Mahindra-Renault Logan ranks highest with 65 PP100, while in the MUV/MPV segment, the Toyota Innova (111 PP100) ranks highest for a third consecutive year. The current-generation Honda CR-V has been improved in a number of areas, including a new vehicle exterior and interior,” said Arora. “As a result of these enhancements, the Honda CR-V emerges as the model with the fewest problems reported in both quality and design.” The study finds that initial quality of new vehicles in India averages 173 PP100 in 2007, with more than one- half (54%) of new-vehicle owners reporting at least one problem within the first six months of ownership.
Engine-and transmission-related problems are the most frequently reported, followed by problems related to vehicle exterior and driving experience. Together, these three problem categories comprise two-thirds of the total number of vehicle problems experienced in India. Among all problem symptoms covered in the study, excessive fuel consumption remains the most frequent customer-reported problem.
The study also finds that manufacturer performance in quality of design and quality of production varies extensively. In 2007, 61 percent of all problems reported are categorized as defects/malfunctions, while more than one-third of all problems reported are related to design issues.
“Design flaws and manufacturing defects can have an equal impact on owner perceptions of a vehicle’s overall quality, and thus it is important for manufacturers to understand both of these aspects in detail,” said Arora. “Performing well in both design quality and production could provide a manufacturer with an added advantage and serve as a unique selling point in the highly competitive automotive industry in India.”T he 2007 India Initial Quality Study (IQS), now in its 11th year, is based on evaluations from nearly 6,000 owners who purchased a new vehicle between November 2006 and July 2007. The study includes 43 vehicle models covering 11 makes. The study was fielded from May to September 2007 in 15 cities across India.
source: JD Power