Long-Term Vehicle Dependability Is a Top Purchase Consideration for Buyers and a Key Differentiator
Among Automotive Brands
SHANGHAI (MMD Newswire) December 16, 2010 -- Models from Dongfeng Nissan receive two awards in their respective segments-more than any other automaker in China-for vehicle dependability performance, according to the J.D. Power Asia Pacific 2010 China Vehicle Dependability StudySM (VDS) released today. Also receiving awards are models from Audi; Beijing Hyundai; Changan Suzuki; FAW Toyota; Guangqi Honda; and SGMW-Chevrolet.
The inaugural study measures problems experienced by original owners of vehicles between 13-36 months of ownership, and includes 202 different problem symptoms across all areas of the vehicle. Overall dependability is determined by the level of problems experienced per 100 vehicles (PP100), with a lower score reflecting higher quality.
J.D. Power and Associates has been conducting the Vehicle Dependability Study in the United States since 1990. The study is widely used as a key measurement of vehicle quality and is designed to provide consumers with insight into the reliability and dependability of brands and specific models. The study also allows manufacturers to track the quality performance of models and vehicle parts over time. This assists them in implementing design improvements and building more-reliable vehicles-which typically retain higher resale values.
"For new-vehicle buyers, strong dependability is a key purchase consideration, as it typically equates to lower repair expenses and higher resale value," said Jacob George, managing director of J.D. Power Asia Pacific, Shanghai. "As the automotive market in China matures, those brands that demonstrate consistently high levels of dependability will be better able to differentiate themselves from the competition."
In 2010, eight models receive awards in their respective segments:
* Compact segment: Chevrolet Spark
* Premium compact segment: Suzuki Swift
* Entry midsize segment: Hyundai Accent
* Midsize segment: Nissan Sylphy
* Upper premium midsize segment: Nissan Teana
* Luxury segment: Audi A6L
* SUV segment: Toyota RAV4
* MPV segment: Honda Odyssey
Vehicle dependability in China averages 298 problems per 100 vehicles (PP100) in 2010. Among the eight problem categories covered, the largest number of customer-reported problems occur in the engine/transmission category (71 PP100) and the vehicle exterior category (53 PP100).
The study finds that 49 percent of owners indicate they have replaced vehicle components during the past six months. Windshield wiper blades, tires, brake pads, exterior lights and horns are the five components replaced most often by owners. Owners of BMW, Dongfeng Honda, and Dongfeng Yueda Kia models indicate particularly low levels of component replacement.
The study also finds that the most-frequently reported problems include noisy brakes; the engine loses power when the air conditioning is turned on; issues with windshield wipers; and excessive wind noise.
Achieving high levels of long-term dependability has a strong positive effect on customer satisfaction, loyalty and advocacy. For example, among customers who indicate that they have experienced no problems with their vehicles, 32 percent say they "definitely will" recommend their vehicle. In contrast, among customers who indicate experiencing four or more problems, this proportion declines to 23 percent.
The 2010 China Vehicle Dependability Study is based on evaluations from 10,672 owners of vehicles purchased between June 2007 and August 2009 and includes 94 models from 38 different brands. The study was fielded between June and September 2010 in 28 cities across China.
About J.D. Power Asia Pacific
J.D. Power Asia Pacific has offices in Tokyo, Singapore, Beijing, Shanghai and Bangkok that conduct customer satisfaction research and provide performance analytics services in the automotive, information technology and finance industries. Together, the five offices bring the language of customer satisfaction to consumers and businesses in China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Philippines, Taiwan and Thailand. Information regarding J.D. Power Asia Pacific and its products can be accessed through the Internet at www.jdpower.com. Media e-mail contact: helen_rong@jdpa.com.
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, training and customer satisfaction. The company's quality and satisfaction measurements are based on responses from millions of consumers annually. J.D. Power and Associates is a business unit of The McGraw-Hill Companies.
About The McGraw-Hill Companies
Founded in 1888, The McGraw-Hill Companies (NYSE: MHP) is a global information and education company providing knowledge, insights and analysis in the financial, education and business information sectors through leading brands including Standard & Poor's, McGraw-Hill Education, Platts, and J.D. Power and Associates. The Corporation has more than 280 offices in 40 countries. Sales in 2009 were $5.95 billion. Additional information is available at http://www.mcgraw-hill.com/.
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