Hyundai Santro, Maruti Suzuki’s swift and Honda City bagged the number one position in their respective segment in the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) conducted by JD Power Asia Pacific 2008.The JD Power Vehicle Dependability Study conducted for the first time in India, ranks vehicles within eight market segments: compact cars, premium compact, entry mid-size, mid-size, premium mid-size, entry luxury, MUV/MPV and SUVs. JD power Vehicle Dependable Study measures problems experienced by original owners of 30- to 42-month-old vehicles (SX4,i10 and few other new cars were not taken into account for this study) by examining more than 150 problem symptoms across nine vehicle categories: vehicle exterior; driving experience, which includes performance of brakes, steering wheel and tires; features, controls and displays; audio and entertainment; seats; heating, ventilation and cooling (HVAC); vehicle interior; engine; and transmission. The study is designed to allow manufacturers to track the quality performance of their models and vehicle parts over time to implement product improvements, and to provide consumers with insight into the reliability and dependability of brands and specific models after the warranty period. Overall dependability is based on the number of problems reported per 100 vehicles (PP100), with lower scores indicating a lower rate of problem incidences and higher long-term vehicle quality.
The 2008 India Vehicle Dependability Study is based on evaluations from nearly 4,700 owners who purchased a new vehicle between July 2004 and September 2005. The study includes 33 vehicle models covering 12 nameplates and was fielded from January to April 2008 in 20 cities across India.
The result of the study is as follows
* Problems in the vehicle exterior and driving experience categories account for nearly 50 percent of all problems reported by vehicle owners in India. Also, these two categories demonstrate the largest increases in problems reported from initial ownership, compared with other categories studied. Long-term quality of new vehicles in India averages 331 PP100 in 2008, with 67 percent of consumers reporting at least one problem with their vehicle during their 30- to 42-month ownership period.
*Some of the most common driving problems reported include poor vehicle acceleration, excessive or uneven tire wear and the vehicle pulling during normal driving
