Porsche tops J.D. Power quality index as Korean brands soar

[Gecko]

J.D. Power Reports: Korean Brands Lead Industry in Initial Quality, While Japanese Brands Struggle to Keep Up with Pace of Improvement

Porsche Ranks Highest among Nameplates for a Third Consecutive Year

WESTLAKE VILLAGE, Calif.: 17 June 2015 — With a significant year-over-year improvement, Korean brands continue to widen the quality gap with other automakers, while Japanese makes collectively fall below industry average for the first time in 29 years, according to the J.D. Power 2015 U.S. Initial Quality StudySM (IQS) released today.

The study examines problems experienced by vehicle owners during the first 90 days of ownership. Initial quality is determined by the number of problems experienced per 100 vehicles (PP100), with a lower score reflecting higher quality.

The industry experiences a 3 percent year-over-year improvement in initial quality, averaging 112 PP100 compared with 116 PP100 in 2014.

Historic Shifts in Performance by Brand Origin

Korean brands lead the industry in initial quality by the widest margin ever, averaging 90 PP100, which is an 11 PP100 improvement from 2014. For the first time in the study, European brands (113 PP100) surpass Japanese brands (114 PP100), while domestic makes (114 PP100) equal the Japanese for only a second time.

Although Japanese brands overall experience a 2 PP100 improvement from 2014, this has proven insufficient to keep pace with the industry, causing Japanese makes overall to fall below industry average for the first time in the 29-year history of the U.S. Initial Quality Study. Only four of the 10 Japanese brands included in the study post an improvement.

"This is a clear shift in the quality landscape," said Renee Stephens, vice president of U.S. automotive quality at J.D. Power. "For so long, Japanese brands have been viewed by many as the gold standard in vehicle quality. While the Japanese automakers continue to make improvements, we're seeing other brands, most notably Korean makes, really accelerating the rate of improvement. Leading companies are not only stepping up the pace of improvements on existing models, but are also working up front to launch vehicles with higher quality and more intuitive designs."

Technology Continues to be a Trouble Spot for the Industry

• Entertainment and connectivity systems remain the most problem-prone area for a third consecutive year, with voice recognition and Bluetooth pairing continuing to top the problem list.

• The majority of models included in the study that have voice recognition systems experience 10 or more PP100 related to this feature.

• The number of owners who indicate having voice recognition in their new vehicle has increased to 67 percent in 2015 from 57 percent in 2013. Based on results from the J.D. Power 2015 U.S. Tech Choice Study,SM this will continue to increase as simple wireless device and near field communication are the top two entertainment/connectivity technologies consumers indicate wanting on their next vehicle.

"Smartphones have set high consumer expectations of how well technology should work, and automakers are struggling to match that success in their new vehicles," said Stephens. "However, we are seeing some OEMs make important improvements along the way. What's clear is that they can't afford to wait for the next generation of models to launch before making important updates to these systems."

Highest-Ranked Nameplates and Models

Porsche ranks highest in initial quality for a third consecutive year, posting a score of 80 PP100. With a 20 PP100 improvement from 2014, Kia follows Porsche in the rankings at 86 PP100. This marks the first time in the history of the study that Kia has led all non-premium makes in initial quality.

Jaguar (93 PP100), Hyundai (95 PP100) and Infiniti (97 PP100) round out the top five nameplates. Infiniti is one of the most improved brands in the study, lowering its problem score by 31 PP100 from 2014.
Model awards are spread among several corporations, with many receiving multiple awards.

General Motors (4): Chevrolet Equinox (tie); Chevrolet Malibu; Chevrolet Silverado LD; and Chevrolet Spark

Hyundai Motor Company (4): Hyundai Accent; Hyundai Tucson; Kia Sorento; and Kia Soul

Nissan Motor Company (4): Infiniti QX70; Infiniti QX80; Nissan Sentra; and Nissan Quest

Volkswagen AG (4): Audi Q3; Porsche 911; Porsche Boxster; and Porsche Macan

BMW (3): BMW 2 Series; BMW 4 Series; and BMW 5 Series

Toyota Motor Corporation (3): Lexus LS; Toyota Tacoma; and Toyota Sequoia

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (2): Chrysler 300 and Dodge Challenger

Ford Motor Company (2): Ford Escape (tie) and Ford Super Duty

Mazda (1): Mazda MX-5 Miata

Plant Assembly Line Quality Awards

BMW AG's Rosslyn, South Africa plant, which produces the BMW 3 Series, receives the Platinum Plant Quality Award for producing models with the fewest defects or malfunctions. Plant quality awards are based solely on defects and malfunctions and exclude design-related problems.

In the North America/South America region, Toyota Motor Corporation's Cambridge North, Ontario, Canada (TMMC) plant, which produces the Toyota Corolla, receives the Gold Plant Quality Award.

Kia Motors Corporation's Kwangju Plant 1, Korea, which produces the Kia Soul, receives the Gold Plant Quality Award in the Asia Pacific region.

The 2015 U.S. Initial Quality Study is based on responses from more than 84,000 purchasers and lessees of new 2015 model-year vehicles surveyed after 90 days of ownership. The study, now in its 29th year, is based on a 233-question battery organized into eight problem categories designed to provide manufacturers with information to facilitate the identification of problems and drive product improvement. The study was fielded between February and May 2015.

Find detailed information on vehicle quality, as well as model photos and specs, at jdpower.com/quality.

http://www.autoblog.com/2015/06/17/porsche-j-d-power-quality-index/

 

[mmcartalk]

I usually don't trust J.D. Power figures for automotive reliability as much as I do those of Consumer Reports. However, Consumer Reports does, to an extent, also back up the ever-improving reliability of Korean brands, though they don't show Kia quite this high yet.

The two big surprises, however, on this chart, IMO, are Scion and Acura being listed so far down. Just a couple of years ago (in fact, it may have been last year?), Scion was Consumer Reports' top-rated brand for reliability....and Acura wasn't much lower.

 

[IS-SV]

Agreed, in my experience with several brands of import and domestic cars, CR data reflects actual reliability long term best. IQS has limited usefulness to buyers.

 

[mmcartalk]

Although with this list we are only basically dealing with how well-built a car is early in its life (rather than several years later), so much for the often-quoted idea of simplicity meaning reliability. Look at the two vehicles at the bottom of the list (the Smart-for-Two and Fiat 500). Especially in coupe versions (rather than their cabriolets), they are just about as simple as a new car gets these days. The also relatively simple Mini Cooper also ranks significantly below average.

 

[nabbun]

I'm Korean and I still wouldn't spend my hard earned money on a Korean cars.

 

[mmcartalk]

I'm Korean and I still wouldn't spend my hard earned money on a Korean cars.

Your choice, of course, but..................

 

[IS-SV]

Driving these Hyundai/Kia vehicles will confirm they are very adequate and CR reliability data also shows mostly good reliability. None of the models produced by this automaker are tops in any specific vehicle class, but they are reasonably solid buys. The ethics of this company could be questioned, having committed flagrant cheating on gas mileage claims (we're not talking about intentional rounding up 1 mpg erroneously). Many customers were complaining about subpar gas mileage, of course they were blown off prior to the admissions. In the end record fines and settlements were paid, expect them to be under additional scrutiny in the future.

 

[nabbun]

Your choice, of course, but..................

LoL I just prefer finer things than generic bland stuff. Hyundai cars drive like vanilla custard sold in powdered form. I love Lexus and how they are injecting sport into their luxurious cars more and more every day. Strikes a fine balance of luxury and sport!

 

[mmcartalk]

LoL I just prefer finer things than generic bland stuff. Hyundai cars drive like vanilla custard sold in powdered form. I love Lexus and how they are injecting sport into their luxurious cars more and more every day. Strikes a fine balance of luxury and sport!

Yes and no. A number of Korean-designed cars DO drive like appliances (or, "vanilla custard", as you put it), but there are notable exceptions. The 1Gen Hyundai Genesis Coupe (which is a totally different car from the sedan) and 2Gen Genesis sedan both left me stunned when I reviewed them. To my senses, the V6-level coupe, IMO (though some have disagreed with me), was hard to tell from a previous-generation BMW 335i if you were blindfolded and simply driving by feel alone. And the new 2Gen Genesis sedan, particularly in the 5.0L RWD trim (the 5.0L AWD is unavailable in the U.S.), when I test-drove it, left a grin on my face the size of a Lincoln grille with its combination of power, handling, ride comfort (even on very low-profile tires), refinement and quietness. I personally know several people (a couple of them in person, others through the Internet and forums) who have chosen it over comparably-priced Lexus sedans. The Kia Optima is also quite a nice-driving sedan (though stiff with the SX suspension)...but it's not in the same class as the new Genesis.

 

[CIF]

Driving these Hyundai/Kia vehicles will confirm they are very adequate and CR reliability data also shows mostly good reliability. None of the models produced by this automaker are tops in any specific vehicle class, but they are reasonably solid buys. The ethics of this company could be questioned, having committed flagrant cheating on gas mileage claims (we're not talking about intentional rounding up 1 mpg erroneously). Many customers were complaining about subpar gas mileage, of course they were blown off prior to the admissions. In the end record fines and settlements were paid, expect them to be under additional scrutiny in the future.

VERY well said . That's exactly how I feel about their vehicles; reasonable and adequate, nothing more. The problem for me is, today in the market, virtually ALL vehicles are reasonable and adequate. In the auto industry today, that is the absolute base line essentially. Due to strong competition and numerous advances and refinements over decades, we no longer have disastrously bad vehicles being sold in major markets. Also a great point about their ethics. Not just their ethics, but due to their misleading and mischievous behavior, their reputation is in question, and unfortunately I have much less trust in them than before, which wasn't that strong to begin with.

Full disclosure, I have tested and driven a variety of new Kia and Hyundai models to see if they come anywhere close to matching the hype. For me, they don't even come close. Every single Kia and Hyundai model that I tested, I came away with the conclusion that each model was merely adequate, and a reasonable buy, and nothing more. None of their models pleased me enough to personally recommend them to friends or family. For myself, little details and small refinements are VERY important in any vehicle, even if it's a simple entry-level compact sedan. The issues I have with current Kia and Hyundai models include: stark interiors with poorly-though-out interior lighting, awkward seating/steering positions, huge blind spots, poor side window visibility, uncomfortable seats for long-haul driving (several hours a day or a long trip), inconsistent throttle response, so-so real world fuel economy, poor interior space utilization, average-to-mediocre powertrain NVH, average ride quality over rough roads, and lack of effort in terms of little details and refinements.

 

[mmcartalk]

VERY well said . That's exactly how I feel about their vehicles; reasonable and adequate, nothing more. The problem for me is, today in the market, virtually ALL vehicles are reasonable and adequate. In the auto industry today, that is the absolute base line essentially. Due to strong competition and numerous advances and refinements over decades, we no longer have disastrously bad vehicles being sold in major markets. Also a great point about their ethics. Not just their ethics, but due to their misleading and mischievous behavior, their reputation is in question, and unfortunately I have much less trust in them than before, which wasn't that strong to begin with.

Full disclosure, I have tested and driven a variety of new Kia and Hyundai models to see if they come anywhere close to matching the hype. For me, they don't even come close. Every single Kia and Hyundai model that I tested, I came away with the conclusion that each model was merely adequate, and a reasonable buy, and nothing more. None of their models pleased me enough to personally recommend them to friends or family. For myself, little details and small refinements are VERY important in any vehicle, even if it's a simple entry-level compact sedan. The issues I have with current Kia and Hyundai models include: stark interiors with poorly-though-out interior lighting, awkward seating/steering positions, huge blind spots, poor side window visibility, uncomfortable seats for long-haul driving (several hours a day or a long trip), inconsistent throttle response, so-so real world fuel economy, poor interior space utilization, average-to-mediocre powertrain NVH, average ride quality over rough roads, and lack of effort in terms of little details and refinements.

Have you sampled the ones I mentioned stood out?........especially the new Genesis 5.0L?

 

[mmcartalk]

we no longer have disastrously bad vehicles being sold in major markets

Probably the closest thing I've seen to a modern disastrously bad vehicle in the American market is the Smart-for-Two. It's arguably the most unimpressive new vehicle (except for parking-ease and instant maneuverability) I've sampled since the 1980s....though the Scion iQ comes close.

Also a great point about their ethics. Not just their ethics, but due to their misleading and mischievous behavior, their reputation is in question, and unfortunately I have much less trust in them than before, which wasn't that strong to begin with.

I won't defend any (possible) bad ethics on the gas-mileage controversy, but, in some ways, Mitsubishi was worse. I can remember, not too long ago, when several Mitsubishi execs and upper-label managers went to prison. That, to my knowledge, has not happened at any Korean manufacturer.

 

[IS-SV]

I won't defend any (possible) bad ethics on the gas-mileage controversy, but, in some ways, Mitsubishi was worse. I can remember, not too long ago, when several Mitsubishi execs and upper-label managers went to prison. That, to my knowledge, has not happened at any Korean manufacturer.

Not applicable since it was Mitsubishi Electric Supply and Hitachi Automotive Supply (not Mitsubishi Automotive) and involved price fixing when selling parts to automakers, not cheating end consumers.

The gas mileage controversy is no longer "possible", it's done and they admitted cheating and paid fines and settlements.

Btw, Hyundai (Korean mfg co) chairman was sentenced in 2007, again ethics (bad enough for prison).

 

[nabbun]

The Hyundai genesis has one of the worst depreciation rates in the states. I just can't recommend Korean cars to anyone unless they really don't care about what they drive or how it drives. The only valid argument anyone can make is that Korean cars ate hella bang for the buck.

Got the numbers off of the Washington post.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/...r-buyers-looking-for-lightly-owned-used-cars/

 

[mmcartalk]

The Hyundai genesis has one of the worst depreciation rates in the states.

Well, let's see how the 2Gen version depreciates.......as it was new to the American market last year. If it does lose value quickly as a used car, that will, IMO, just make used ones or CPOs that much more of a bargain.

 

[CIF]

Have you sampled the ones I mentioned stood out?........especially the new Genesis 5.0L?

Ironically, those are the only Hyundai models I haven't sampled. Outside of not sampling them, I am well aware however of reliability issues with the 2.0T in the Genesis Coupe. Even if the new Genesis sedan really is that good, it is a complete outlier in the lineup, as almost everything else in the lineup is far, far different in terms of execution.

Also yes, as IS-SV mentioned, years ago a high-ranking Hyundai executive did go to prison.

 

[mmcartalk]

Ironically, those are the only Hyundai models I haven't sampled. Outside of not sampling them, I am well aware however of reliability issues with the 2.0T in the Genesis Coupe. Even if the new Genesis sedan really is that good, it is a complete outlier in the lineup, as almost everything else in the lineup is far, far different in terms of execution.

Also yes, as IS-SV mentioned, years ago a high-ranking Hyundai executive did go to prison.

Yes, now that it was mentioned, I do remember a Hyundai official getting locked up. Still remember more Mitsubishi lock-ups, though. And that didn't surprise me............just look at the awful way they ran their Diamond-Star plant at Normal IL , for one. That plant was notoriously problem-ridden, in everything from quality-control (I've reviewed some of the cars coming out of that plant) to terrible labor-management relations to sexual harassment to racial problems....... you name it.

If you get a chance, though, I strongly recommend a 2Gen Genesis 5.0L test-drive....then get back to me and see what you think.

 

[IS-SV]

Yes, now that it was mentioned, I do remember a Hyundai official getting locked up. Still remember more Mitsubishi lock-ups, though. And that didn't surprise me............just look at the awful way they ran their Diamond-Star plant at Normal IL , for one. That plant was notoriously problem-ridden, in everything from quality-control (I've reviewed some of the cars coming out of that plant) to terrible labor-management relations to sexual harassment to racial problems....... you name it.

Note: I gave the facts on Mitsubishi Electrical Supply (not automotive) above, no need to depend on foggy or unclear memories of incident.

Since we were talking about business ethics earlier, it should be noted that "Hyundai official getting locked up" happened to hold the highest position (Chairman), sad to see that at the very top of any company. Fuel economy deception much more recently was mentioned from ethics standpoint too.

 

[mmcartalk]

Note: I gave the facts on Mitsubishi Electrical Supply (not automotive) above, no need to depend on foggy or unclear memories of incident.

Wasn't depending on them....just mentioning them. And we all post our share of both facts and opinions.

Since we were talking about business ethics earlier, it should be noted that "Hyundai official getting locked up" happened to hold the highest position (Chairman), sad to see that at the very top of any company.

Yes.....and unlike with John DeLorean (also a CEO this own company), there wasn't much question of a set-up there at Hyundai.

 

[IS-SV]

Wasn't depending on them....just mentioning them. And we all post our share of both facts and opinions.

Yes.....and unlike with John DeLorean (also a CEO this own company), there wasn't much question of a set-up there at Hyundai.

Oh those were opinions/memories made to look vaguely like facts on Mitsubishi and Hyundai, thanks for clarification. Got it..

Btw- where does John Delorean fit in?...

More on topic new Genisis is getting good sales traction so far. Are discounts reasonable? Which would imply car is selling well on its own merits, that might viewed as impressive given that most regular full sized cars are struggling with sales lately.